But don’t swerve into oncoming traffic in order to avoid them. Sure, that seems like common sense, b

Driving in Costa Rica can be quite stressful and intimidating, especially if you have never driven in a foreign country, a big city, or over pothole ridden roads that sometimes wash away in rainstorms. Every country is unique in its obstacles and peculiar driving rules, so I've put together a list of tips for driving in Costa Rica based on over a year's experience of driving daily in the Central Valley and all over the country.
If you are vacationing in Costa Rica on one of those package holidays that includes a rental car, make sure it's a 4WD. It's not necessary to get around in Costa Rica, but it sure will make life a lot easier and you will then have the option to drive down the roads less traveled. You should consider using Vamos Rent-A-Car , they also have a rent to own option.
There are quite a few stoplights that have been installed to replace stop signs. The only issue is that the stop signs were never removed. If you see one of these stop sign/stoplight combos, know that stoplight trumps stop sign; don't stop if the light is green!
They never stay in their lanes and speed up and down the roads in the tight spaces between cars. Also, car drivers in Costa Rica do not respect the motorcycles – when a motorcycle is in a lane and a car is approaching at a faster rate, the motorcycle is expected to move over.
But don't swerve into oncoming traffic in order to avoid them. Sure, that seems like common sense, but it is one of the most common causes of accidents in Costa Rica. Just drive slowly over them if you cannot avoid them.
Sometimes the heavy rains will wash parts of the road away and there is no warning – no big sign, no clearly marked warning tape or concrete barrier. You just have to keep an eye out for this type of thing yourself.
The dogs here are everywhere, but they are incredibly street smart. I see less dogs lying injured on the side of the road here than I did in the States. What you do need to watch out for are animals like sloths, iguanas, turtles and birds. They aren't aware that they are crossing a road!
They don't have the right away in Costa Rica, but they're everywhere, so try not to run them over. I say be aware as opposed to watch out because you can't treat them with too much respect advantage car costa rental rica without causing trouble. I HATE that I'm saying this, but I've run into several instances of giving a wide berth or trying to be patient for a pedestrian or bicyclist with the result being the person I was trying to help getting incredibly pissed advantage car costa rental rica at me and yelling at me to move on because they have more than enough space. OK. Excuse me.
That sounds advantage car costa rental rica crazy, but I'm serious. In the States, we are accustomed to driving in an almost autopilot fashion – watching the car in front of us and that is about it. In Costa Rica, it's important advantage car costa rental rica to keep your eyes peeled for obstacles advantage car costa rental rica coming from any direction – potholes from below, bikes people and cars from in front behind and sideways. Just be more alert. And don't always assume the other cars will obey the traffic rules, chances are they probably won't.
Side note: If you are renting a car, you need to be aware of a common scam here in Costa Rica in which a thief will slit the tire(s) of a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant advantage car costa rental rica or anywhere the car pulls over. Once you start driving and realize the issue, you pull over and this is when the thief, who has been following you, robs you of your passport, money and any other valuables you have. In order to avoid this, do not immediately pull over with a flat tire – drive to the nearest service station or well populated area. Change the tire yourself or call the rental car company for assistance. Keep your valuables out of sight and well hidden at all times.
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