Driving in Costa Rica as a United States National
Costa Rica rewards drivers with rainforest roads and volcanic landscapes, but 4WD is essential for many areas. River crossings, potholes, and the lack of street addresses require preparation.
Key Things to Know First
Costa Rica generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
Both United States and Costa Rica drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Costa Rica uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Costa Rica | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 911 | Same |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Costa Rica
Speed limits in Costa Rica are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Costa Rica
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Costa Rica before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Costa Rica
Primary emergency number in Costa Rica. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Costa Rica Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Costa Rica.
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