Singapore licence Costa Rica
Singapore licence 
Costa RicaDriving in Costa Rica with a Singapore license
Short answer: you can drive in Costa Rica with a Singapore license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your Singapore license.
IDP recommended
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Singapore licence holders driving in Costa Rica. Your Singapore licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
Convention basisCosta Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskMandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
CarryCarry BOTH your Singapore national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25
Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)
FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits
Last verified June 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva
Singapore drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.
Driving rules in Costa Rica
- Drive on the right.
- Mandatory state liability insurance on rentals.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- 4x4 advised for rural and rainy-season roads.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a Singapore license?
you can drive in Costa Rica with a Singapore license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your Singapore license. Costa Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my Singapore driver's license valid in Costa Rica?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Singapore licence holders driving in Costa Rica. Your Singapore licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Costa Rica?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Singapore licence holders driving in Costa Rica. Your Singapore licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
04
Can I rent a car in Costa Rica with a Singapore license?
Mandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
05
What IDP format does Costa Rica accept?
Costa Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Costa Rica?
An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Singapore license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Costa Rica uses — carried alongside your Singapore license.
07
Do I still carry my Singapore license?
Carry BOTH your Singapore national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
100% money-back guarantee
Full refund if your permit is ever declined.
Unlimited replacements
Lost or damaged? Re-download or reprint, free.
24/7 support
Help before and during your trip, any hour.