We know that, when driving abroad, you can encounter more differences than countries. In order to make your driving experience in Costa Rica safe and enjoyable, Europcar brings you these useful driving tips. They are also a handy tool to help you save some money, while driving responsibly.

BEFORE YOU RENT:

Your country's valid driver's license will be accepted in Costa Rica. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, and have had at least one year of carrying the license. If the driver is younger than 21, Europcar Costa Rica has a "Young Drivers Cover" (YDC) program, which allows drivers aged 18-21 to rent a vehicle. At time of rental, you will need to present a valid credit card and your identification document (ID) which must be your passport. The same documents will be requested for additional drivers, if any. Most major credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa); however, there can be exceptions. Please consult if necessary.

AT THE TIME OF RENTAL:

You will be required to leave a deposit with your credit card, to cover the excess amount (the amount varies depending on the vehicle rented). No cash deposits are allowed. The cardholder leaving the deposit must be physically present in order to sign the rental agreement. At all times, please verify you have all items of your luggage with you. Please check that the vehicle conditions written on the vehicle statement are correct and if an apparent defect not listed is noticed when examining the vehicle, please notify the employee. Before you leave our premises, verify that your seat is comfortably suited and your mirrors are correctly positioned; whether the vehicle fuel is gasoline or diesel, and the route you will follow. Remember that in Costa Rica, as in most countries in the world, vehicles are operated on the right hand side of the road.

RULES OF THE ROAD:

1. Buckle up!

2. Think – don't drink! If you're going to drive, don't drink alcohol.

3. Obey traffic signs, road signals and highway markings.

4. Park only where permitted.

Did you know that your driving style has a lot to do with the greenhouse gas emissions generated when driving? Are you concerned about how to reduce these emissions and conserve fuel? Follow these eco-driving tips and make them your new driving habits:

1. Observe the speed limits: It saves lives and improves fuel economy.

2. Don't idle fore more than 30 seconds: prolonged idling wastes fuel and creates excess emissions.

3. Don't overload the roof rack: it reduces fuel economy and car aerodynamics.

4. Close the windows when driving in the highway: driving windows down at higher speeds lowers fuel economy.

5. Jackrabbit starts waste fuel! Always brake gradually and avoid sudden acceleration.

6. Above all, please avoid being an aggressive driver: it not only doesn't save you time, but makes you waste fuel and wear out the car.

Nowadays, most rental car companies offer carbon offsetting programs, please ask how you may contribute and make your driving experience a worthwhile experience.