--- title: "Driving in Costa Rica: Expat Guide" description: "New to driving in Costa Rica? Learn about road conditions, potholes, rainy season, local driving habits, and vehicle recommendations." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.puracars.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guides", "item": "https://www.puracars.com/guides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "What Expats Should Know About Driving in Costa Rica", "item": "https://www.puracars.com/post/driving-in-costa-rica-expat-guide" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "TechArticle", "headline": "Driving in Costa Rica: Expat Guide", "description": "New to driving in Costa Rica? Learn about road conditions, potholes, rainy season, local driving habits, and vehicle recommendations.", "image": "https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779897793934-fbcb6o.jpeg", "datePublished": "2026-05-27T06:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-07-14T18:04:52.942193+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Costa Rica Driving Tips" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PuraCars", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.puracars.com/favicon.png" } } } ] } --- [![PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/provider-logos/company-profile/logo-1763870694496.svg)](/) [Find Providers](/)[Mechanics](/car-mechanics)[Guides](/guides)[About](/about) [Let's Talk](/contact)Español [Back to Guides](/guides) Tips & Guides Guide / How-To # What Expats Should Know About Driving in Costa Rica Costa Rica Driving Tips • May 27, 2026• 5 min read • Updated Jul 14, 2026 ![What Expats Should Know About Driving in Costa Rica](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779897793934-fbcb6o.jpeg) In this article - [Expect Potholes](#expect-potholes) - [Rainy Season Changes Road Conditions](#rainy-season-changes-road-conditions) - [Waze Is Essential](#waze-is-essential) - [Defensive Driving Is Important](#defensive-driving-is-important) - [Parking and Security](#parking-and-security) - [Final Thoughts](#final-thoughts) **_Driving in Costa Rica is an adventure._** For many expats, it’s also one of the biggest adjustments after moving here. Road conditions, traffic patterns, and driving culture can feel very different compared to the United States or Canada. ## Expect Potholes Potholes are extremely common in many parts of Costa Rica. Even major roads can develop rough sections quickly, especially during rainy season. Driving slowly and staying alert becomes part of daily life. ## Rainy Season Changes Road Conditions Costa Rica’s rainy season can dramatically impact roads between May and November. Drivers may encounter: - Flooded streets - Mudslides - Reduced visibility - Washed-out roads - Heavy rain with little warning This is one reason SUVs and 4x4 vehicles are so popular. ## Waze Is Essential Most locals rely heavily on Waze for navigation. It helps drivers avoid: - Traffic - Accidents - Flooded roads - Police checkpoints Many expats quickly realize it’s more accurate than traditional GPS apps in Costa Rica. ## Defensive Driving Is Important Driving styles may feel more aggressive or unpredictable than what some foreigners are used to. Always stay alert for: - Sudden stops - Motorcycles passing closely - Pedestrians - Animals crossing roads - Limited road signage Patience goes a long way. ## Parking and Security In busy areas, many drivers prefer secure parking lots with attendants. Vehicle break-ins can happen, especially in tourist areas, so it’s best not to leave valuables visible inside the car. ## Final Thoughts Driving in Costa Rica can feel intimidating at first, but most expats adjust quickly. The key is choosing the right vehicle, driving defensively, and understanding that road conditions can change fast. At [CarAgentAi.com](https://CarAgentAi.com) we help expats better prepare for the realities of driving in Costa Rica. driving in costa rica costa rica roads expat driving guide costa rica vehicles rainy season driving ## Related Articles [ ![Mechanics in Guanacaste | Find a mechanic near you](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1786378443861-gexgyt.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### Mechanics in Guanacaste | Find a mechanic near you Find mechanics, workshops, and automotive services in Guanacaste. 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