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Europcar · Costa Rica

Does Europcar require an IDP in Costa Rica?

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Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
Get my permit for Costa Rica All Europcar requirements
Europcar in Costa Rica
Europcar IDP policyRequired for non-Roman-alphabet licences
Europcar footprintEurope / Global
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

Europcar in Costa Rica: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.

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.

In Costa Rica specifically, costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Mandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Costa Rica desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Costa Rica drives on the right, uses the CRC, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.

What to bring to the Europcar counter in Costa Rica

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the CRC deposit; Costa Rica drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Costa Rica Europcar renters should know

  • 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
Do I need an IDP to rent from Europcar in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the Europcar desk in Costa Rica?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Costa Rica drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is Europcar's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
All Europcar countriesDriving in Costa Rica