Costa Rica Guide
Getting Around
By car
Although there's little traffic outside the Valle Central, the common perception of driving in Costa Rica is of endless dodging around cows and potholes, while big trucks nudge your rear bumper in an effort to get you to go faster around that next blind bend. The reality is somewhat different. While many roads are indeed badly potholed, driving is relatively easy, and with your own vehicle you can see the country at your own pace without having to adhere to bus and plane schedules. Citizens of the US, Canada and the UK need only a valid driver's licence to operate a vehicle in Costa Rica. Residents of other countries should check with their nearest Costa Rican consulate, although in practice both police and rental agencies readily accept Australian and New Zealand licences. In Australia, international drivers' licences can be obtained from state motoring organization offices in major towns and cities, or contact the Australian Automobile Association, 212 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601 ( 
02/6247 7311, 
www.aaa.asn.au ). In New Zealand, contact the New Zealand Automobile Association at 17/99 Albert St, Auckland ( 09/377 4660, www.aa.co.nz ) or your local AA office.
In recent years, a system of fines (multas) for infractions like speeding has been introduced in Costa Rica. The limit on the highways is either 75km/hr or 90km/hr and is marked on the road surface or on signs.
Speed traps are very common, and if you're caught speeding you may have to pay up to $150. If a motorist – especially a trucker – in the oncoming direction flashes his headlights at you, you can be almost certain that traffic cops with speed-trapping radar are up ahead. Although traffic cops routinely accept bribes to tear up tickets, it's a very serious offence and should not be attempted under any circumstances.
Petrol is positively cheap by European standards: about $15 a tank on a medium-sized car or about $30 for a big 4WD. If you're unlucky enough to have an accident in Costa Rica, don't attempt to move the car until the traffic police arrive: call the National Insurance Institute ( 800/835-3467), who will send an inspector to check the vehicles involved to assess who caused the accident – vital if you're using a rental car.
If you intend to drive in the rainy season (May– Nov), especially on the Nicoya Peninsula, or to Santa Elena and Monteverde, or anywhere at all off the beaten track, you'll need to rent a four-wheel drive (4WD).