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Rental Conditions in Costa Rica

Select a rental company to view available rates

Conditions

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

Tax

In San José (SJO): 13%; in Liberia (LIR): 14%

Age information

The minimum age is 21 years.
An underage fee of USD 20.00 per day will apply for drivers aged 21 to 24 years.

Maximum age

The maximum age is 75 years.

Credit Cards

An International credit card accepted by Avis will be required at the time of rental; said credit card will be blocked to be used as a guarantee to cover the rental or any extra charge not included in case of a prepaid Voucher, such as, gas, insurance deductible, etc.
 

Budget Costa Rica accepts American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

Driver's License (Physical)

A valid driver’s license from country of residence and a passport is required.

International driving license is required only for countries with non-Roman alphabet. It must be presented in addition to driver’s license issued at the renter’s country of residence.

Rental must begin within 60 days of renter’s arrival to the country (after 90 days a license from another country is not considered legal). A Local Driving Permit is available at a cost of USD 50.00 per rental.

Debit card

Debit cards are not accepted.

Additional Drivers

All drivers must meet the same minimum age and driver’s license requirements as the renter.
The additional driver charge is USD 4.95 per day for each additional driver.
Additional driver fees apply to all additional drivers, including spouse.
The young driver fee will also apply for renters 21-24

Hold Amount

When the car is pick up, Budget will require a credit card owned by the lessee and with an available limit to place a hold on a specific amount. The amount may vary depending on the car category and rental period, and it serves as a guarantee for Budget. This amount is not charged or deducted from your invoice; rather, it is temporarily retained throughout the duration of the car rental.

 

Upon returning the vehicle to Budget in the same condition as when it was collected, the company has up to 72 hours to request the release of the blocked amount on your card. The time it takes to release the hold varies depending on your credit card operator.
 

Security Deposit Value

Amount established by Budget in the rental agreement. This amount will serve as a guarantee in case of any unforeseen circumstances, ensuring funds available to cover extra costs. It will be released after the car is returned.

Package Selected - Security Deposit Required

No Coverage Purchased: Luxury/Premium SUV: USD 3,000 – Other car groups: USD 3,000

SLI accepted: Luxury/Premium SUV: USD 1,000 – Other car groups: USD 2,000

LDW accepted: Luxury/Premium SUV: USD 1,000 – Other car groups: USD 2,000

SLI / LDW accepted: Luxury/Premium SUV: USD 1,000 – Other car groups: USD 2,000

SLI / LDW / PAE accepted: Luxury/Premium SUV: USD 500 – Other car groups: USD 1,000

 

Smoke free cars

Budget Costa Rica is a Smoke-free company, smoking is not allowed in Budget vehicles.
An Eco-Social fee of USD 2.00 per rental will apply.

Important

Budget and Budget licensees reserve the right to refuse any request for rental including requests for persons under age, persons not in possession of a recognized full and valid driver's license, persons unable to satisfy credit or cash requirements, or persons who, in the opinion of Budget, constitute a risk.

Insurances & Coverages

LDW - Loss Damage Waiver

Purchase of LDW is optional.
LDW relieves the customer’s financial responsibility to the vehicle.

If declined, the renter is responsible for up to the full value of the car if the car is driven in violation of the rental agreement, is abused or driven recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Check at the counter for additional details.

Car groupCost per day DeductibleDeclined
(plus security deposit)
A, B, C, D, EUSD 19,99 ZeroFull Value
F, G, H, I, JUSD 24,99 ZeroFull Value
K, L, M, OUSD 29,99 ZeroFull Value
NUSD 34.99 ZeroFull Value


TPL - Third Party Liability

Rental rates include third party liability for personal injury only (coverage provided is limited as required by law).
Rental rates do not cover any third party property damage.

Third party insurance policies are not accepted by Budget Costa Rica.
Customers wishing to rely on these policies purchased from third party web sites will have to deal with these companies directly in case of any damages.
All damages will be the customer’s responsibility.

Some credit cards may provide insurance coverage, with certain limitations, as a benefit of using the card to rent vehicles.

Credit cards do not cover liability claims, and for this reason, Budget recommends the minimum protection of SLI.

The customer is advised to contact the card issuer before the rental.
Any waiver must be discussed directly with the location upon arrival.

NOTE: Additional coverages may be available.
Check at the counter for details.

SLI - Supplemental Liability Insurance

Purchase of SLI is optional but highly recommended.
SLI covers in case of accident to third persons or property.

If the customer declines SLI, a security deposit will apply.

If SLI is accepted, then the cost of the security deposit will decrease.
See charge card hold above for details.

Additional charges

Fuel and Electricity Charges

At the end of the rental, the vehicle must be returned with the same amount of fuel as it was rented with or fuel charges will apply.
Refueling options are available at the time of rental.

e-Tolls

If the renter decides to use the express lane, the renter will be charged the standard non-discounted fee for the roads as published by the toll authority plus the convenience fee of USD 2.99 per rental day for each and every day of the rental or USD 70.00 maximum per month for use of this service.

Additional information

One Way rentals

Cars can be returned to other locations in the country based on car availability. Fees vary according to distance between locations and depending on car group rented.

One-way fees may also apply, in addition to one-way fees for any special equipment rented.

Vehicles are not available for one-way rentals outside this country.

Driving restrictions

Cross the border

Cars are not allowed outside of the country.

Optional services and equipment

Child Safety Seats

Available for USD 4.95 per day.
All equipment is subject to availability.

GPS

Available for USD 10.99 per day.
All equipment is subject to availability.

Cell phone

Available for USD 3.99 per day.
All equipment is subject to availability.

RSN - Roadside Assistance

The cost is USD 4.99 per day. May not be available at all locations.
Check with the rental location for details.

Mobile Wi-Fi

Available for USD 9.99 per day.
All equipment is subject to availability.