How to Rent a Car on a Budget in Costa Rica

If you are looking for a deal on a rent-a-car in Costa Rica, you came to the right place. The largest local car rental company in Costa Rica with best value, since 1990, Adobe Rent-A-Car. The company focuses in delivering a complete service at a reasonable price, with no hidden fees and total protection, zero deductible insurance available. One of the youngest car hire fleet or long term rentals. Excellent customer reviews and among the highest customer value.

The best value money can buy for a rental car is Adobe Rent-A-Car

Adobe has 15 offices around Costa Rica now.

6 Reasons Why to Rent from Adobe Rental

1. Adobe has a young car fleet which they renew every 2 years.

2. They are willing to work with you a special rate, depending on the time of year.

3. They are the only company offering the same mandatory insurance, coverage to third party properties, and no hidden prices.

4. Adobe delivers door to door at no extra cost to villas or condos around our offices.

5. They offer cellular phone service with the rental car for just $10US

6. GPS is optional at only $9US per day, in case your cell phone coverage does not work

Related: 5 Ways to Save Money For Travel

Using the form below, you can save up to 15% off your weekly rental.

More Reasons to Love Adobe

Carbon Neutral

The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE – Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía), through the Directorate of Climate Change, recognizes Adobe Rent a Car for having complied with the Carbon Neutrality Program in the Carbon Neutral category with the RECORD DCC-PP-016-2019. Direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon for all activities carried out at Adobe Rent a Car facilities, including the use of 1135 vehicles, gasoline (965) and diesel (175), used for delivery and fleet movement operations.

Certificado de sostenibilidad turística (CST)

Certification for Sustainable Tourism – CST – is a program of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) designed to classify and to differentiate tourism companies according to the extent in which their operation approaches a sustainability model, regarding natural, cultural, and social resources. On this evaluation we achieved the five levels with a score of 100.

Blue Flag Ecological Program (PBAE)

The Blue Flag Ecological Program is an award that is granted yearly, which rewards effort and voluntary work. Besides, it promotes safe competition and community organization for the benefit of present and future generations. During the second year in which we were assessed, we achieved the blue flag of the ecological program with four stars for our central offices in San Jose.  This year, we achieved, 5 out of 5 stars, plus an extra star for the family involvement of employees with the project.

Based on all our awards and certifications, Adobe Rent a Car is an ecological rent a car, with very high eco-friendly standards and a strong commitment with environment.

Adobe also offers add-ons like hot spots, cell phones, adding a second driver, etc. Ask the agency for their latest offerings.

My Experience Renting from Adobe

During my time in Costa Rica, I rented a newer Hyundai Tucson for a week. Upon arriving at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, I flagged down a shuttle bus to take me to the off-site facility in downtown San Jose. The San Jose airport is so small that all of the rental agencies are outside the airport. So, taking a the free shuttle service from the airport to the nearest agency is considered normal.

The agency already had my information because I made a reservation before I left the USA. I checked-in at the desk, handed over my passport and ID and I was out the door in 20 minutes or less. The agency will have you sign some paperwork before you take the keys. Read over the fine print so you are aware of what you are signing.

Pro Tip: Make sure your countries insurance covers rental cars. Have them write a formal letter stating that you are covered.

You can decline the insurance offered by Adobe if your insurance or credit card company covers you. A credit card like the Capital One Venture card will cover you. If you dont have this card, apply for it here.

One last step before you drive off. Slowly walk around the vehicle and take pictures or videos of the vehicles condition. You do not want to be charged for something that you did not do. Taking pictures or videos is proof the damage was there before you took ownership of the rental.

Hyundai Tucson Review and Performance

The all wheel drive vehicle came up big time after time. It had enough tech features, options like Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, power windows, power lock doors, etc, to get me through the week. However, most importantly it had a higher ground clearance than a sedan. This was crucial when navigating the dirt roads from La Fortuna to Monteverde.

The Tucsons worked great as it crawled through the mud, sand and occasional riverbed. The seats were comfortable enough and the AC was charged and cool. Gas mileage was great and I traveled close to 400 miles, while only filling the tank twice. Here is my route below.

The route consisted of one-lane roads, highway, gravel, stone, mud and river crossings. I can’t say enough good things about the Hyundai Tucson. My only gripe is that it didn’t look as cool off-roading as per say a Jeep, but I tried my best.

Adobe Rent-A-Car. Hyundai Tucson

Conclusion

Adobe Rent-A-Car is one of the leading rental car companies in Costa Rica. They are a reliable and safe company to work with. They even threw in a free cooler to use for the week. The best thing about Adobe is that they do not charge extra fees when you get to the agency desk. Many other car companies will advertise a lower price online and then surprise you with higher fees and costs at the desk. Adobe does not do this. Picking up and dropping off the car was a breeze. I would highly recommend renting from Adobe Rent-A-Car. Use the website below to book right now.

Adobe Rent-A-Car

Using the link above, you can save up to 15% off your weekly rental.

Read More: The Ultimate Central Costa Rica Road Trip


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