Planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica and not sure where to rent a car? With over 23 years of going back and forth from South Florida to Costa Rica, having lived there many years full time and even more part-time, I have had my share of rental car experiences. Today I’m sharing what I know about Dollar Car Rental Costa Rica, including experiences incurred with them, locations on where they exist, rental terms, insurance, and much more.
Btw, you can book Dollar Costa Rica’s cars right here on this engine below. OR, you can use the search engine to find the best deal for whatever car or SUV you seek, see local inventory, and read real reviews. I use it every trip!
What to Know About Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica
- Dollar Car Rental provides convenient locations and services in Costa Rica, including airport shuttle service.
- Save money on your car rental by booking early and taking advantage of discounts & promotions.
- Read customer reviews for insight into the pros & cons of renting with Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica.
Before I get into this review, I’d like to share with you the ONLY place I use and recommend to family and friends when renting a car in CR. DiscoverCars!
Besides serving as a search engine that pans through all available options in Costa Rica, it also offers the lowest price possible, a hassle-free insurance policy that you’ll fully understand (in English) (which can be a nightmare at the counter depending who you get as an agent helping you), and simplicity of using a voucher and gaining immediate access to your vehicle once you touch down in Costa Rica.
Dollar Car Rental Locations in Costa Rica
Getting around the captivating landscapes of Costa Rica becomes straightforward with Dollar Car Rental’s strategically located branches across the country. From airports to bustling neighborhoods, locating a pickup or drop-off point is a breeze, promising an uncomplicated experience for travelers.
Dollar Car Rental is available at major airports, such as San José International Airport (SJO) and Liberia Main Airport Office (LIR), as well as popular neighborhoods like Paseo Colón and Escazú. With a broad array of branches, you can rent a car confidently and start your anticipated Costa Rican adventure.
San José International Airport (SJO)
At San José International Airport (SJO), Dollar Car Rental’s counter is easily accessible, ensuring a seamless start to your trip. The counter operates from 6:00 am to 11:30 pm, providing ample time for travelers to pick up their rental cars. To book your car at SJO, simply visit Dollar’s website and submit your reservation.
When arriving at the airport, head to the Dollar counter with your reservation details and a valid driver’s license. In no time, you’ll be hitting the road and exploring the wonders of Costa Rica.
Learn more about rental cars at San Jose airport.
Liberia Main Airport Office (LIR)
Dollar Car Rental at Liberia Main Airport Office (LIR) offers excellent service with the following features:
- Operating hours from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport
- For any inquiries, you can reach Dollar at (506) 4052-2000, extension 701, 702, or 703.
Learn about other rental cars at Liberia Airport.
Paseo Colón
Located at Paseo Colón, San José, Dollar Car Rental is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with Sunday services also available.
This location is perfect for those who prefer to pick up their car rental in the heart of San José.
Escazú
For those staying in the upscale neighborhood of Escazú, Dollar Car Rental has you covered. Their location is situated in San Rafael de Escazú, with operating hours Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
To contact Dollar Car Rental in Escazú, call their toll-free number at +1-877-767-8651.
Before I get into them, I want to share with you the best place to rent cars in Costa Rica, (and elsewhere) and that is DiscoverCars.com.
Is Renting a Car With Dollar in Costa Rica Legit?
Dollar rental car is a real organization with locations spread throughout the country, but there are many complaints online about using their services.
The first thing I noticed is the Dollar Rent a Car Yelp Page. It’s two of five stars, which is very poor. to their defense, most people only go to Yelp about poor experiences and their reviews always show the negative comments first, but two two out of five stars isn’t a good look.
Next, here’s some comments found online:
And another one:
There are quite of few of these “Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica is a scam” type of threads all over the Internet, but I won’t bore you with all of those here. You can search for “Dollar Rent a Car Costa Rica” and see the horror stories, of you can use the best search engine to pan all of the car rental agencies in Costa Rica and find the best price while reading recent reviews all in a one-stop-shop that takes most of the hassle out of renting a car.
Vehicle Options Offered by Dollar Costa Rica
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica offers a wide range of vehicle options to suit any budget and preference. Choose from luxury, full-size, or economy cars, accommodating up to 7 passengers for larger groups or families. Regardless of your choice, you can be sure that Dollar has the perfect car to make your Costa Rican adventure an unforgettable experience.
Making a Reservation with Dollar Car Rental
Booking a car rental with Dollar is simple and straightforward. You can either book online through their website or contact their customer support for assistance.
The subsequent sections provide a step-by-step guide to the reservation process, equipping you with the necessary information to secure your preferred rental car.
Online Booking
To book a car rental online with Dollar Costa Rica, follow these steps:
- Visit their official website at https://www.dollarcostarica.com/.
- Fill out the reservation form with your pickup location, dates, and other details to browse the available cars.
- Once you’ve selected your preferred vehicle, you’ll need to provide personal information and payment details to confirm the reservation.
Keep in mind that a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card are required for online booking.
Customer Support
If you need assistance during the reservation process or have any queries, Dollar Car Rental’s customer support is readily available. You can contact them through their toll-free number +1-877-767-8651 or visit their website at https://www.dollarcostarica.com/en/contact-us/.
Their helpful team can guide you through the booking process, address any concerns, and ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.
Rental Terms and Conditions
Prior to setting off on the Costa Rican roads, it’s important to acquaint yourself with Dollar Car Rental’s terms of service. The succeeding subsections will cover age requirements, required documents, and deposit information to keep you informed and ready for your car rental journey.
Age Requirements
The minimum age requirement to rent a car with Dollar in Costa Rica is 21 years old. While there may be additional fees for young drivers, it’s always a good idea to check with Dollar directly or consult their customer service for more information.
Keep in mind that there is no upper age limit for renting a car with Dollar in Costa Rica.
Required Documents
When renting a car with Dollar in Costa Rica, you will need to provide an original valid driver’s license, a major credit card in the renter’s name, and proof of insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory for driving in Costa Rica and may need to be purchased separately. International driver’s licenses are also accepted.
Deposit Information
Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica requires a deposit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, which will be held on your credit or debit card. The deposit is refundable upon the return of the car, but processing time may take several days or up to a week.
Be sure to factor this paid deposit into your travel budget when planning your trip, as it’s essential to pay attention to all expenses.
Insurance and Additional Services
Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica provides a range of insurance options and added services to elevate your rental experience. Upcoming sections will detail the insurance offerings and extra services from Dollar Car Rental, equipping you with relevant information for wise decision-making.
Insurance Packages
Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica provides insurance packages such as LDW (Loss Damage Waiver), SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), and Maximum Protection Plan. These packages offer varying levels of coverage, so it’s essential to review the details of each to determine the best option for your needs. Remember that liability insurance is mandatory for driving in Costa Rica and may need to be acquired separately.
Additional Services
To make your car rental experience even more convenient, Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica offers additional services such as GPS navigation, child safety seats, and additional driver options. These services can be requested during the booking process or upon pickup, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the country.
Pickup and Drop-off Procedures
Knowing the pickup and drop-off procedures for Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica is key for a seamless experience. Whether you’re collecting your rental car at an airport or a non-airport location, anticipating the procedure will help sidestep possible hiccups.
In the following sections, we will discuss the procedures for airport shuttle services and off-airport locations.
Airport Shuttle Service
Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica offers airport shuttle services to transport customers between the airport terminal and the car rental location. Upon arrival at the airport, simply contact Dollar Car Rental to request the shuttle service, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The shuttle will promptly pick you up and transport you to the rental car location, where you can collect your reserved vehicle and begin your adventure.
Off-Airport Locations
For those picking up or dropping off a rental car at off-airport locations in Costa Rica, such as Paseo Colón and Escazú, the process typically involves:
- Reserving the car
- Arriving at the off-airport location
- Completing paperwork
- Inspecting the car
- Driving it during the rental period
- Returning it to the same location
As specific procedures may vary, it’s advisable to contact Dollar Car Rental for precise information.
- Compare Local Rental Car Companies
- Lower Prices
- No Hidden Fees
- One Stop Shop With No Hidden Fees
- Zero Hassle at Pick-Up (No matter who you choose)
- Read Real Customer Reviews Prior to Booking
- Free Cancellation
Tips for Saving Money on Your Dollar Car Rental
Renting a car in Costa Rica need not be expensive. With some clever tactics, you can economize on your Dollar Rent car rental and optimize your trip.
In the following sections, we’ll share tips for early booking and finding discounts and promotions to help you get the best deal possible.
Early Booking
Booking your car rental early is one of the best ways to save money with Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica. By reserving your rental car at least 3 months in advance, you can secure the best rates and availability, especially during peak seasons or popular times such as Christmas, New Years, and Easter Week.
Early booking also allows you to choose from a greater variety of car types, ensuring that you get the car you want at the best price.
Discounts and Promotions
Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica offers a range of discounts and promotions for customers, including:
- Early bird discounts
- Weekly or monthly rental discounts
- Loyalty programs
- Special promotions
To stay updated on the latest deals, visit the Dollar Car Rental website or contact their customer service team.
By taking advantage of these discounts, you can enjoy a cost-effective car rental experience with good service, without compromising on quality.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
To aid your decision-making about renting a car with Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica, we’ve gathered customer reviews and experiences encompassing both pros and cons. These firsthand accounts offer useful perspectives on the company’s strong points and improvement areas, helping you make an optimal choice for your Costa Rican excursion.
Positive Reviews
Many customers have praised Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica for their friendly and helpful staff, competitive prices, and a wide selection of vehicles. These positive reviews attest to the excellent service provided by Dollar, making it a top choice for travelers looking for a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in Costa Rica.
Negative Reviews
On the other hand, some customers have reported unsatisfactory experiences with Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica, including undisclosed fees, inadequate customer service, and concerns about the condition of the rental cars. While these negative reviews may be concerning, it’s essential to consider the overall experience of the majority of customers who have had satisfactory experiences with Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica.
Summary
In conclusion, Dollar Car Rental in Costa Rica offers a car rental experience for travelers looking to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes. The Dollar Car Rental reviews scare me a bit, but with a variety of locations, vehicle options, and additional services, Dollar ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for its customers. By following our tips for early booking and taking advantage of discounts and promotions, you can make the most of your car rental experience and create unforgettable memories in Costa Rica – and by saying that I mean by using DiscoverCars.
Here are some more reasons to consider booking through them.
When you rent a car abroad, it doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Hopefully this guide answered all of the questions you had about Dollar, but here’s a few more just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a car rental cost in Costa Rica?
Renting a car in Costa Rica typically costs around 2 per day, but can vary depending on the type of car. The cheapest rental car is typically around $9 per day.
Can I rent a car in Costa Rica with US license?
Yes, you can rent a car in Costa Rica with a US driver’s license. An international driver’s license is only necessary if your home license is written in a different alphabet.
Is renting a car recommended in Costa Rica?
Renting a car in Costa Rica is recommended if you want to explore the country beyond the typical tourist spots, as it will provide you with independence and an authentic local experience.
Can I book a car rental online with Dollar Costa Rica?
Yes, you can book a car rental online with Dollar Costa Rica through their official website.
What are the age requirements for renting a car with Dollar Costa Rica?
To rent a car with Dollar Costa Rica, customers must be at least 21 years old.
Other Costa Rica Rental Car Guides:
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum.
so do you mean i should us discover cars? or book directly with dollar? thanks, ming
I always recommend using Discover Cars personally.