Save on Costa Rica Car Rentals: Cheap Prices, Tips, Tricks for Getting Low Rent a Car Rates

Car rental prices in Costa Rica are reputed to be very high, and end up costing more than your hotel. This used to be the case, but not any more. There are ways to get a bargain despite the usual high rental car prices.

First, shop around for rental car bargains for Costa Rica There are the standard car companies, like Hertz and Avis that can be booked through their websites, or even the discount travel outfits like Orbitz and Travelocity offer some bargains. Just go to their regular websites and look for deals.

Check the local Costa Rican car rental establishments like Mapache, Eurocar and Adobe, to see if they have the best bargain on prices for the car you want. Some of the rental car places don't all have the same type of full service websites as the larger companies, so you'll need to send them an email and they will respond with their rates and answer questions on any discounts.

Travel companies like Costa Rican trails offer good rates, but their real deal is the self- drive package. A car rental, plus vouchers for hotels is a great travel bargain that can cost less than a car alone. This amounts to a large discount. But you need a sense of adventure- you can only book these great discount hotels the night before you arrive. At the hotel. http://www.costaricantrails.com/

Last year the cheapest company found after much searching was Avis http://www.avis.co.cr/. This year it was Dollar http://www.dollarcostarica.com/

.Keep in mind that it all depends on dates and type of car, and the pickup location.

If you rent at the airport there is a $12 a day additional airport tax. You can get around this by renting from an office right near the airport. Last year we took a rental car to the location, only to find out that they will pick you up at the airport and drop you off again when you return. Just ask.

If you are taking Costa Rican insurance coverage from the rental company, it does not matter who you rent from, just search for the total lowest price including insurance. Be sure to check on the types of insurance coverage, the cost, deductible, and additional fees.