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Hertz · Costa Rica

Does Hertz require an IDP in Costa Rica?

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Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Hertz 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 Hertz requirements
Hertz in Costa Rica
Hertz IDP policyRequired for non-Roman-alphabet licences
Hertz footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

Hertz in Costa Rica: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP for licences not printed in the Roman alphabet, and for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.

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 Hertz 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.

Hertz runs a 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 Hertz 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 Hertz 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 Hertz in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Hertz 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 Hertz 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 Hertz's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP for licences not printed in the Roman alphabet, and for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.
All Hertz countriesDriving in Costa Rica