In recent times, Uber has grow to be a viable transportation possibility on the streets of Costa Rica. It started working within the nation in 2015 and continues to develop with locals and vacationers regardless of ambiguous authorized considerations.
The rideshare app straddles a gray space that’s grow to be an annoyance for taxi drivers. That stated, we by no means use taxis anyway and don’t suggest them to any traveller. Taxis in Costa Rica are infamous for attempting to rip-off vacationers.
Enter Uber. Taking Uber is a superb various to taxis and public transport, however with some stipulations. It’s actually solely prevalent in cities like San Jose and isn’t tremendous useful elsewhere.
Because it’s not discovered all over the place within the nation, answering sure to “Is there Uber in Costa Rica?” is unfastened. Let’s dive into that and extra with these recommendations on every part you want to learn about Uber in Costa Rica.
E-hailing providers like Uber are life-changing travellers.
FAQs About Uber In Costa Rica
Since Uber in Costa Rica remains to be considerably new and constantly evolving, there’s a lot to contemplate. First, let’s reply some key questions:
Is there Uber in Costa Rica?
Sure, you need to use Uber in Costa Rica, however solely in choose cities. As of December 2023, rides are available within the main metropolitan areas of San Jose, Liberia, and San Carlos.
Uber operates outdoors of those predominant cities as nicely, however naturally, it’s not as available in additional distant areas. In different cities, the fare might even find yourself being pricier. This further price comes with surge pricing since there are fewer drivers outdoors town middle.
The excellent news is that it’s pretty straightforward to get a experience from the airport. So if you happen to’re touchdown in San Jose Worldwide Airport, you gained’t have a lot of an issue reserving an Uber. (Although there are particular steps you need to take to get to the precise pick-up level from the airport–extra on that within the subsequent sections) Nevertheless, getting a return experience again to the airport could also be tougher.
Is Lyft Out there In Costa Rica?
No, Lyft isn’t at the moment obtainable in Costa Rica.
Is DiDi Out there In Costa Rica?
Sure, the Chinese language-based rideshare firm DiDi began to function in Costa Rica in late 2019. It’s much like Uber by way of availability and value however appears to be much less in style.
Is Uber Authorized In Costa Rica?
Technically, Uber is working illegally in Costa Rica however sits in a gray space to Costa Rican lawmakers. Very similar to early operations in Canada, the USA, or Australia, Costa Rican authorities officers flip a blind eye to the rideshare service.
Uber drivers assume a threat by accepting rides, however there have been few instances of anybody being charged. The larger concern is with offended taxi drivers who don’t need Uber in Costa Rica. Authorized or not, Uber operates and continues to increase its protection in Costa Rica.
Crimson cabs with a yellow triangle are the one authorized taxis in Costa Rica (together with orange airport taxis). We don’t suggest taking taxis in Costa Rica, however if you happen to’re ever in a pinch, hop in considered one of these official taxis. Be careful for “pirate taxis,” which seem like common vehicles with out the markers. These autos are unofficial, unregulated, and their drivers are infamous for overcharging.
Why Is Uber Unlawful In Costa Rica?
Uber is a brand new tech-based taxi service that has no precedents in Costa Rican legislation. Much like pirate taxis, authorized taxi drivers don’t need Uber drivers stepping on their toes.
Their predominant argument is that Ubers can undercut taxi pricing. To settle this, Costa Rica added a 13% VAT to Uber rides in October 2020. The hope was to stage the taking part in discipline and permit each drivers to function concurrently. It additionally blurs the strains on its legality since paying taxes legitimizes the enterprise.
Is Uber The Greatest Method To Get Round Costa Rica?
Utilizing Uber in San Jose, Costa Rica, is an inexpensive and efficient strategy to get across the metropolis. Nevertheless, outdoors of San Jose, Ubers are few and much between. Ubers gained’t take you to nationwide parks, and even attending to the airport could be a problem.
For that motive, we extremely counsel renting a automotive in Costa Rica. It provides you extra freedom to discover by yourself schedule and may truly work out to be cheaper. In our expertise, this has been one of the best ways to get round in Costa Rica.
Automobiles for lease in Liberia Airport in Guanacaste
How A lot Does Uber Value In Costa Rica?
Usually, Ubers are 10-15% cheaper than taxi fares. For instance, say you’re staying at a lodge in Escazu and wish to go for dinner, a 3.5 km (2.17 mi) experience to the restaurant Mirador Tiquicia, would price CRC 1,750, which is about USD $3. The identical experience in a taxi can be CRC 4,579 or USD $7.15.
Bear in mind to count on surge pricing, particularly at rush hour. The variety of Uber drivers on the highway versus the variety of Uber requests determines costs. San Jose Uber charges can range rather a lot.
We propose utilizing Uber’s fare estimator earlier than your experience. For those who don’t have already got an Uber account, you’ll be able to create one right here to get a quote. Log onto the Uber web site, set your pick-up location, and add your vacation spot to see fares.
The place Is Uber Out there In Costa Rica?
Although the protection maps appear promising, they’re a little bit bold. In actuality, the precise lively areas are way more restricted.
Uber service protection in San Carlos space
San Jose Uber Protection Map
Uber service protection for Liberia, Costa Rica
San José
The vast majority of Uber drivers are positioned within the San Jose metropolitan space. Uber works in several elements of the Central Valley, with some popping up in La Fortuna as nicely. Uber in La Fortuna could be very new, so don’t depend on it.
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose Worldwide Airport
Although there are a lot of vehicles on the town, service to San Jose Airport could be a little difficult. It’s straightforward sufficient to request a experience within the app, however you’ll should organize a pickup location away from the arrivals space. The bus cease on the opposite facet of the parking storage is a well-liked spot for Uber drivers. Additionally, some individuals have reported that the airport WiFi blocks entry to the Uber app, so that you’ll want cell information to ebook.
Taking an Uber in Costa Rica for a departure flight is a better course of. Your Uber driver can drop you off like regular however would possibly request that you just sit within the entrance seat. That is to keep away from any confrontation with taxis.
In case you are travelling with a bunch, do not forget that Uber in Costa Rica solely provides vehicles with a most capability of 4 passengers. For those who want a bigger automobile, think about using a unique ride-sharing service or a conventional taxi.
Jaco
Uber in Jaco, Costa Rica, started in early 2019 and is far much less lively. On the time of analysis, there have been solely 5 Uber autos obtainable in all of Jaco. A small variety of vehicles means an extended wait and probably unreliable service.
The reality is, Jaco is a comparatively small city, and most of its sights are discovered inside a two-mile stretch. Contemplating that, it’s completely possible and usually extra handy to only journey by foot. If you want to get from level A to level B quicker, you might need higher luck renting a scooter than counting on Uber as your predominant methodology of transportation. Pricing will range relying on the corporate, however renting a scooter for $20 for six hours of use is fairly commonplace.
Jaco, Costa Rica
Tamarindo
There’s a small presence of Uber in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The corporate introduced its enlargement to the Nicoya Peninsula in 2019 however isn’t as rapidly rising as San Jose. Once more, with just a few vehicles utilizing Uber in Tamarindo, we wouldn’t rely on it as a dependable choice to get across the city.
The city itself is kind of compact and walkable. But when your lodging is farther away or if you wish to discover past the principle streets on the town, renting a motorcycle or a scooter is most probably going to be extra handy than utilizing Uber. There are a selection of rental outlets on the town, so that you’ll have the ability to discover one inside your funds.
Tamarindo from above
Liberia
Uber in Liberia, Costa Rica, is extra widespread than in different elements of Guanacaste. On the time of analysis, we noticed 5-10 Uber autos in Liberia. You should use Uber to journey inside Liberia if you want to make your approach from Liberia Airport to town centre or the reserve. However if you’re in search of transportation choices to journey from LIberia Airport to your lodging elsewhere in Guanacaste, we suggest taking a shuttle or renting a automotive as an alternative.
Puerto Viejo
There are only a few, if any, Uber drivers working in Puerto Viejo. On the time of analysis, we discovered no Uber drivers in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast. The vacation spot is kind of distant and small, and thus there may be little demand for Uber in Costa Rica. Native taxi drivers will be discovered for these in search of methods to discover the realm, though you’ll discover that the majority excursions and exercise suppliers will supply shuttle transfers included within the actions.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa
For those who had been contemplating counting on Uber in Santa Teresa, don’t even hassle. As an alternative, your finest choices are native shuttles, taxis, or tuk tuk providers. A tuk-tuk is a small, three-wheeled taxi that may maintain a few passengers; they appear a bit like a mixture between a automotive and a golf cart. The fare is often much like that of an everyday taxi.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Osa Peninsula
For those who plan on going to Osa Peninsula whilst you’re in Costa Rica, remember that rideshare choices are non-existent on this space. For those who’re venturing to the Osa Peninsula, you’ll wish to lease a automotive, and we recommend renting a 4×4. Many roads on the peninsula are unpaved, and all the roads will be difficult in the course of the wet season.
Costa Rica Osa Peninsula
Montezuma
For those who’re hoping to make use of the Uber app in Montezuma, Costa Rica, you then’re going to be upset; even common taxis are tough to search out. The best choice for simply getting round city is to lease a mountain bike.
Fundamental strip in Montezuma
La Fortuna
You’ll be stunned to be taught that Uber is offered in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. We actually had been! With a few Uber vehicles in circulation, getting round utilizing the Uber app is feasible. Provided that many lodges in La Fortuna are positioned outdoors of the principle city whereas eating places, outlets and plenty of actions are on the town, attending to and from city and not using a automotive could be a problem.
Uber in La Fortuna can actually assist, however we’d not depend on it as your predominant technique of transportation. In case you are travelling to La Fortuna and not using a automotive, we suggest getting an introduction to a neighborhood taxi driver out of your lodge and utilizing the identical driver for all of your transfers whereas on the town. You’ll kind a great rapport with the driving force all through your keep and sure get higher costs as nicely.
La Fortuna city, getaway to Arenal Volcano
What You Want To Know About Utilizing Uber In Costa Rica
Listed below are some suggestions:
Uber is a superb possibility within the metropolis of San José – There are many vehicles, and it’s dependable and quick. It’s confirmed to be an honest various to public transportation buses, particularly in the course of the wee hours.
Don’t depend on Uber anyplace else within the nation – Automobile leases and shuttles are much better choices outdoors of San Jose.
Uber at San Jose Airport will be difficult – It’s been briefly banned and blocked by airport WiFi. It’s nonetheless obtainable, however you’ll want to rearrange another pickup location to experience.
Know the place you’re getting picked up – At San Jose Airport, for instance, pick-ups don’t occur on the arrivals terminal. Often, drivers use the bus cease, however take note of the app and put together to stroll a bit.
Ensure you have information in your cellphone – Together with blocking the app, any airport WiFi will lower out as soon as you permit the terminal. We suggest getting a Solis WiFi hotspot and utilizing it for 1 day upon your arrival at any new vacation spot. Simply flip it on, give it a couple of minutes as well up, and also you’ve bought web. This buys you a while to discover a good SIM card to make use of for the remainder of your time within the nation. When you get a SIM, having a neighborhood quantity makes it rather a lot simpler to speak together with your Uber driver.
Be ready to attend – Site visitors in San Jose is horrible, particularly throughout rush hour.
Your journey might take longer – With loopy site visitors and busy streets, don’t count on zippy New York Metropolis-style service.
Don’t use the “Schedule Experience” function to ebook upfront – Whereas it appears handy, there’s no assure {that a} automotive will probably be obtainable. This will go away you stranded and not using a experience in an space with no cell service. It’s all the time higher to request the journey out of your pickup location.
Don’t be stunned in case your Uber automobile isn’t as trendy or as massive as you would possibly count on – That is particularly necessary if you happen to’re travelling with baggage. You’ll wish to go for an UberXL in case you have a number of individuals and baggage.
By no means pay your Uber driver in money – All the time use the fee function within the app. It’s safer for you, and you understand your driver will obtain the cash.
Suggestions For Driving In Costa Rica
Whether or not you resolve that renting a automotive is the higher possibility or if you happen to merely can’t keep away from it, listed here are just a few suggestions for driving in Costa Rica.
Use the Waze App: You’ll want a cellphone with a cell connection, however it’s important to have. The absence of road indicators and poorly designated roads make driving in Costa Rica difficult.
Be affected person: It’s potential for Costa Rican roads to be congested and twisty, and you’ll run into unexpected roadblocks like potholes or animals. To forestall accidents, it’s essential to drive gently and cautiously.
Be aware of site visitors legal guidelines: though they’re corresponding to these in the US or Canada, there are important adjustments that you ought to be conscious of. As an illustration, you will need to all the time carry your passport and driver’s license with you.
Keep away from driving at night time: Roads in Costa Rica aren’t nicely lit and could be difficult to see different autos, pedestrians, or animals on the highway. If in any respect potential, attempt to keep away from driving at night time.
Rent a four-wheel drive: Renting a four-wheel drive automobile is a superb possibility if you happen to intend to undergo Costa Rica’s rural or remoted places. 4×4 is important if you’re travelling to Costa Rica within the wet season.
Be looking out for scams: Dishonest locals benefit from vacationers by inflicting accidents or alleging that you just broken their automobile. Keep away from arguing or combating with different drivers, and drive rigorously.
Ensure you have a spare tire and the instruments to vary a tire and know the right way to do it. The roads in Costa Rica aren’t nice, and it’s higher to be over-prepared than to be stranded.
For those who’re used to driving an computerized, you’ll should specify when renting a automotive. Automobiles with handbook transmissions are extra widespread in Costa Rica.
Some bridges solely have one lane, so just one automotive can cross at a time. With the intention to get throughout, vehicles getting in both path must alternate and wait their flip.
Ultimate Ideas
In the case of utilizing Uber in Costa Rica, our recommendation is to skip it until you’re in San Jose. Your finest wager is to lease a automotive or manage transfers with respected corporations to keep away from fraudulent taxi costs and the shortage of Uber vehicles on the highway.
Once we journey in Costa Rica, we choose having our personal wheels to provide us the liberty to discover and the pliability to get round at our personal tempo. Whereas we’d love to have the ability to suggest utilizing public transportation, Costa Rica taxis or shared automotive providers, the reality is that this hasn’t been a precedence for the Costa Rican Authorities, and the infrastructure and nice public transportation system isn’t obtainable in most elements of the nation.
Renting a automotive is admittedly one of the best ways to get round Costa Rica!