Central America travel guide
Driving in Costa Rica with a foreign licence
IDP recommended
You can drive in Costa Rica on a valid foreign licence; an IDP is recommended. Costa Rica drives on the right and lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin scripts.
The essentials
Drives onThe right
IDP neededRecommended
Minimum age18+
Convention1949 Geneva
On the road
Rules of the road 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.
At the rental desk
Mandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a foreign licence?
Yes, visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence in Costa Rica; carry an IDP if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet.
02
Which side of the road does Costa Rica drive on?
Costa Rica drives on the right.
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