My son and I used Michael’s referral last October. We picked up an all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV four at the airport in San Jose. If I recall correctly, the agency was Alamo. The next day, we noticed that one of our tires was losing air. I called the agent at the airport, and he directed us to a shop within a mile of our hotel for a repair. It only took about 15 minutes and we were on our way. Dropping the vehicle off at the airport upon our departure was also very painless. As Michael said, the price you pay is the price quoted. Our car was one year old and in good shape.
Thanx Richard, I appreciate the testimonial and glad to hear everything worked out and double thanx for taking the time to say. And just so there's no confusion for folks who may be reading this, it is not Alamo,,,, but it is Alamo cars.
We went through your website link to rent a vehicle for our upcoming trip in December. Easy and hassle free process. Thanks for all your helpful vids Michael!
Yes I figured they get copied at every hotel I visit so wasn't worried about that. Payment was only collected at the end of the rental excluding the deposit on collection.
Thanks for the update and reminder about the car rental issues in Costa Rica, and yes, the high season is real, and everything is more expensive. Not just cars, lodging, tours and food are more expensive during the high season along with limited selection and availability.
Hey Michael my wife and i rented vehicle through your referral service last November. We were in Playa Del Coco and we could not have been happier with how well it went. The price was the price the vehicle was nice and we were treated very well by the rental company.
I remember arriving there and being told I had to buy their car insurance - even though the credit card I charged was supposed to provide it - and it doubled the rental price. Very annoying. Also, the cars were garbage I went through 3 in 2 weeks
Yes, that does suck. I have felt that pain. That's why I have the people I do, that doesn't happen.... or very rarely I should say. Thanx for commenting.
also once i rented from a guy who had a car dealership because it was much cheaper. we took the ferry across puntarenas, then up the mountain ( gravel road at the time ) going to los delfines. the jeep literally stopped, no cell phone service, howling monkeys.. very scary,.. the people behind us had a tow rope and towed us down to a pulperia. there we called the guy i rented from. we hitched a ride to los delfines. left the jeep at the pulperia. the next day the dude shows up at los suenos with a replacement car. ( he said the jeep had a fuse come loose) probably from the rough gravel road & all he had to do was push it back in. All of that , so embarrased, but great customer service!
as usual.. i need to know what's going on??? . actually i rented a huge suv once down there. the rental car place was all out of my reservation, so they literally went & bought a new car for me. ( took about 3 hour wait ) ( i needed an large suv ). i got full insurance, or it was required. i ended up visiting family near san pedro mall. the streets were so narrow the darn thing wouldnt fit in the roads, but thats where we were staying, so.. smashed it all to hell. upon return , the worker said "let me get my manager" then the manager comes & looks it over.. he says " you know this was a brand new car right?" i said yes and explained how the damn roads were smaller then the stupid car. he said " alright, Pura Vida" took the keys & that's all she wrote!
We booked a rental car through Travel Costa Rica NOW for a week back in March. The price was the price upfront, brand new Hyundai Tucson, excellent customer service. Depending on your trip details you might not want to pick up at the airport when you arrive. Why? Here in Boston there are no direct flights to San Jose and we arrived into SJO in the dark after a long day of travel. The last thing we wanted to do was wait in a car rental line and then drive out of San Jose airport in the dark. The car rental company's contract included free delivery to hotels within a reasonable distance. Our first full day we simply Ubered into San Jose-you don't want to drive a rental car into downtown San Jose. Ubers are cheap and plentiful around San Jose. The next morning the car rental company delivered the rental car on time to our hotel. Yes, the TCRN tips video from earlier this year is the best overall travel tips video on Costa Rica. I wrote a long comment on that video with some additional observations and feedback from our week of traveling.
Always appreciate your comments and in this case a testimonial, it definitely helps. Yes, UBER is the way to go around San Jose for sure.... personally, I like driving, so San Jose is fun for me as long as I got someone telling me when to turn lol. And thanx for the extra tips on the TIPS video... all is welcome and helpful.
I've used Alamo 3x within 11 months. They've been OK until I met inspector at drop off. I expected to get hit with gas, as it was impossible to get gas at morning rush hour day of departure. We topped off in Cahuita for $70 and got charged $63 with a3/5 tank. On journey back to San Jose, I noticed I scrapped some paint on right rear bumper. My cousin said it was a $80 fix. At drop off, the assessment from a computer said the cost was $390. The print out said "rear bumper" which suggests maybe a total replacement. I had limited time to challenge the gal, but I questioned if they charged renters with existing scratches. She only said they don't fix scratches - but I'm sure the renter gets charged. I did get insurance, but my deductible was $1000. I followed up with dude checking up on me throughout my ten days, and he's ignoring me. ....... I'll use your guy next time. The problem is you really need a car in CR.
When I go to your recommended car rental agency, it has extra car coverage already added, so I still don't know if I have to have this. My credit card says I am covered. Still confused.
Hi Michael, we are considering taking a charter flight from San Jose to Quepos to stay in that area - can you tell me if car rentals are available in Quepos from your referral source? Thanks a lot,
HEY Michael PURA VIDA BROTHER, your 100%+,right, but my Son and Daughter, ranted a nice Suzuki, they were the first one to drive it with only 25, miles on it , and it was Alamo, it went well, with it was because they watch one of your videos, on renting a car, your are the BEST,👍
Thanks for the practical information about renting a car in Costa Rica. Is it easier to drive in La Fortuna than in the Central Valley? I've wondered if renting a car would be a good option for doing a border run from La Fortuna. Thanks for all you do!
I'm planning on traveling in Costa Rica for the full month of August! I would definitely love to get in contact soon with you for car rental mostly! Right now it's the only problem I have left! It's more expensive that renting an Airbnb for a month lol.
My opinion is that most of the people saying they got took on their rental car must not have traveled outside the U.S. , renting a car anywhere outside the states is very expensive. we have been traveling to Costa Rica for years and have not found a safe way to rent there without paying about twice what it is in the U.S.. You can get around some of the extra insurances, but you are taking a chance of ending up in a situation you will not like. We have rented from all the major names (Alamo, National, Economy Ect.) We have also had quotes from people who get pushed on TH-cam, they have never been any different. Just pay attention when you book, If its not crazy expensive, you are not seeing all the fees. Its not any different in Belize, Mexico.
We'll try you next time, We got a quote from ( I think his name is Jairo) He has nice cars, but his rate was way over what We paid at Alamo and Adobe. We have not found a legit car under $100 a day, it is about half the total cost of our whole vacation, they take money from the rest of the people trying to make a living off tourism. It is what it is, We love Costa Rica, so We will pay it.@@TravelCostaRicaNOW
You have a typo, you said: " Rental car scams have exited in Costa Rica since...". I think you meant to say " Rental car scams have existed in Costa Rica since..."
If people did use this service is it normal for you to provide pictures of your passport and license? I got a quote but I am worried about sharing that information with a complete stranger
We saw this place on TH-cam and we decided to take the risk but we shouldn't have worried because they are not only legit but incredibly helpful. The price was the lowest I could find and that is normally a bad thing when it comes to car hire. not so in this case. The car was delivered to my hotel on arrival and it was even collected at short notice a day early at the end of our holiday after I realized that I had the dates wrong. I couldn't contact Alamo to explain but these guys were on hand even on a Sunday evening to help sort us out. you may look at all the reviews and be pessimistic that these are all fake but the reality is they just trying to be the good Samaritans in a market that is often polluted by shady tactics and rip off merchants. I will definitely use them again and recommend them to friends and family.
Did you have to provide passport and license photos when you booked? I am a bit weary about sharing that over email and the agency asked for the information.
@@heymanheyhey Yes I figured they get copied at every hotel I visit so wasn't worried about that. Payment was only collected at the end of the rental excluding the deposit on collection.
This dude is ripping off my time!!! 3 mins in and its all who he is, what he does, how bad it sucks. Still no info. Learn from MR Beast, get to the damn point.
Cartagena is the place to be. Planning my trip in August where is raining every day and is a gosht town. You tuber why you lie about it? So far changing hotel, trips and excursions on Cartagena for 1/2 of the price and not rain. Costa Rica groceries are more expensive than USA. Will you reimburse my money if the rain ruins my trip? No so stop lying to people
I tried twice to go through your website, filled out the form, never heard from anyone. I saw that Sarah had interviewed Jairo as well and provided Facebook and WhatsApp contact info. I don't have either of those, but my husband had WhatsApp. So we were able to get in touch with Jairo, and I was eventually able to get his email. It would just be really helpful to have all his contact information, including email so that anyone can get in touch with him directly.
Sorry that happened to you but I send Jairo hundreds and hundreds of that form... and it's not usually a problem, especially twice, so not sure what happened but what did is a rarity.
My son and I used Michael’s referral last October. We picked up an all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV four at the airport in San Jose. If I recall correctly, the agency was Alamo. The next day, we noticed that one of our tires was losing air. I called the agent at the airport, and he directed us to a shop within a mile of our hotel for a repair. It only took about 15 minutes and we were on our way. Dropping the vehicle off at the airport upon our departure was also very painless. As Michael said, the price you pay is the price quoted. Our car was one year old and in good shape.
Thanx Richard, I appreciate the testimonial and glad to hear everything worked out and double thanx for taking the time to say. And just so there's no confusion for folks who may be reading this, it is not Alamo,,,, but it is Alamo cars.
We went through your website link to rent a vehicle for our upcoming trip in December. Easy and hassle free process. Thanks for all your helpful vids Michael!
You are very welcome. Smart move renting early,,,,, and thanx for commenting, I really appreciate the support.
Yes I figured they get copied at every hotel I visit so wasn't worried about that. Payment was only collected at the end of the rental excluding the deposit on collection.
Thanks for the update and reminder about the car rental issues in Costa Rica, and yes, the high season is real, and everything is more expensive. Not just cars, lodging, tours and food are more expensive during the high season along with limited selection and availability.
YES< you are exactly right.
Yep, I just priced a six day rental and it is 1/3 of what we paid in March. I love the rainy season.
Hey Michael my wife and i rented vehicle through your referral service last November. We were in Playa Del Coco and we could not have been happier with how well it went. The price was the price the vehicle was nice and we were treated very well by the rental company.
I remember arriving there and being told I had to buy their car insurance - even though the credit card I charged was supposed to provide it - and it doubled the rental price. Very annoying. Also, the cars were garbage I went through 3 in 2 weeks
Yes, that does suck. I have felt that pain. That's why I have the people I do, that doesn't happen.... or very rarely I should say. Thanx for commenting.
Definitely going to be contacting you soon!!! I see you broke out the Big “A” cup!!😂😂
Yes,,, I did. I love that cup... well, bowl really lol. We'll be here ;)
also once i rented from a guy who had a car dealership because it was much cheaper. we took the ferry across puntarenas, then up the mountain ( gravel road at the time ) going to los delfines. the jeep literally stopped, no cell phone service, howling monkeys.. very scary,.. the people behind us had a tow rope and towed us down to a pulperia. there we called the guy i rented from. we hitched a ride to los delfines. left the jeep at the pulperia. the next day the dude shows up at los suenos with a replacement car. ( he said the jeep had a fuse come loose) probably from the rough gravel road & all he had to do was push it back in. All of that , so embarrased, but great customer service!
your a good man I really enjoy your videos
Thanx rusty....I appreciate that. And coming from you that is high praise, since you're obviously a legend :)
@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I watch all your videos you and d angelo are gr8 guys hope to visit your country and meet you guys someday
as usual.. i need to know what's going on??? . actually i rented a huge suv once down there. the rental car place was all out of my reservation, so they literally went & bought a new car for me. ( took about 3 hour wait ) ( i needed an large suv ). i got full insurance, or it was required. i ended up visiting family near san pedro mall. the streets were so narrow the darn thing wouldnt fit in the roads, but thats where we were staying, so.. smashed it all to hell. upon return , the worker said "let me get my manager" then the manager comes & looks it over.. he says " you know this was a brand new car right?" i said yes and explained how the damn roads were smaller then the stupid car. he said " alright, Pura Vida" took the keys & that's all she wrote!
We booked a rental car through Travel Costa Rica NOW for a week back in March. The price was the price upfront, brand new Hyundai Tucson, excellent customer service.
Depending on your trip details you might not want to pick up at the airport when you arrive. Why? Here in Boston there are no direct flights to San Jose and we arrived into SJO in the dark after a long day of travel. The last thing we wanted to do was wait in a car rental line and then drive out of San Jose airport in the dark.
The car rental company's contract included free delivery to hotels within a reasonable distance. Our first full day we simply Ubered into San Jose-you don't want to drive a rental car into downtown San Jose. Ubers are cheap and plentiful around San Jose. The next morning the car rental company delivered the rental car on time to our hotel.
Yes, the TCRN tips video from earlier this year is the best overall travel tips video on Costa Rica. I wrote a long comment on that video with some additional observations and feedback from our week of traveling.
Always appreciate your comments and in this case a testimonial, it definitely helps. Yes, UBER is the way to go around San Jose for sure.... personally, I like driving, so San Jose is fun for me as long as I got someone telling me when to turn lol. And thanx for the extra tips on the TIPS video... all is welcome and helpful.
I've used Alamo 3x within 11 months. They've been OK until I met inspector at drop off. I expected to get hit with gas, as it was impossible to get gas at morning rush hour day of departure. We topped off in Cahuita for $70 and got charged $63 with a3/5 tank. On journey back to San Jose, I noticed I scrapped some paint on right rear bumper. My cousin said it was a $80 fix. At drop off, the assessment from a computer said the cost was $390. The print out said "rear bumper" which suggests maybe a total replacement. I had limited time to challenge the gal, but I questioned if they charged renters with existing scratches. She only said they don't fix scratches - but I'm sure the renter gets charged. I did get insurance, but my deductible was $1000. I followed up with dude checking up on me throughout my ten days, and he's ignoring me. ....... I'll use your guy next time. The problem is you really need a car in CR.
Cheers Brother. Thanks again for the info. Peace.....
Thanx. and you are very welcome paul. :)
When I go to your recommended car rental agency, it has extra car coverage already added, so I still don't know if I have to have this. My credit card says I am covered. Still confused.
Michael, just to clarify, the "car rental" on the top of your website links to Adobe, and if one scrolls down that goes to one of your connections?
Yes, exactly.
Hi Michael, we are considering taking a charter flight from San Jose to Quepos to stay in that area - can you tell me if car rentals are available in Quepos from your referral source? Thanks a lot,
HEY Michael PURA VIDA BROTHER, your 100%+,right, but my Son and Daughter, ranted a nice Suzuki, they were the first one to drive it with only 25, miles on it , and it was Alamo, it went well, with it was because they watch one of your videos, on renting a car, your are the BEST,👍
Thanks Mike. Great video
Thanx. always appreciated...
Thanks for the practical information about renting a car in Costa Rica. Is it easier to drive in La Fortuna than in the Central Valley? I've wondered if renting a car would be a good option for doing a border run from La Fortuna. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤
Good morning from Casta Rica! You know I used your rental car peopke! ❤
And I bet it worked out great :) and buenos dias to you as well. Welcome to Costa Rica.
I'm planning on traveling in Costa Rica for the full month of August! I would definitely love to get in contact soon with you for car rental mostly! Right now it's the only problem I have left! It's more expensive that renting an Airbnb for a month lol.
Good info Mike
Thanx Paul, appreciate that.
My opinion is that most of the people saying they got took on their rental car must not have traveled outside the U.S. , renting a car anywhere outside the states is very expensive. we have been traveling to Costa Rica for years and have not found a safe way to rent there without paying about twice what it is in the U.S.. You can get around some of the extra insurances, but you are taking a chance of ending up in a situation you will not like. We have rented from all the major names (Alamo, National, Economy Ect.) We have also had quotes from people who get pushed on TH-cam, they have never been any different. Just pay attention when you book, If its not crazy expensive, you are not seeing all the fees. Its not any different in Belize, Mexico.
I'm different.
We'll try you next time, We got a quote from ( I think his name is Jairo) He has nice cars, but his rate was way over what We paid at Alamo and Adobe. We have not found a legit car under $100 a day, it is about half the total cost of our whole vacation, they take money from the rest of the people trying to make a living off tourism. It is what it is, We love Costa Rica, so We will pay it.@@TravelCostaRicaNOW
Flying into Liberia in March and wanted to make sure I was linked to the correct contact as it seemed to good to be true. Nativos?
you're in good hands
You have a typo, you said: " Rental car scams have exited in Costa Rica since...". I think you meant to say " Rental car scams have existed in Costa Rica since..."
If people did use this service is it normal for you to provide pictures of your passport and license? I got a quote but I am worried about sharing that information with a complete stranger
Every travel package I put together has to have a passport # for hotels, activities etc. Pretty normal here.
@@TravelCostaRicaNOW thanks for the reply I will send o er the information now.
@@TravelCostaRicaNOWthe website is down- we travel 4/9-4/16
I see on the link on your website it goes to Adobe car rentals. Is that your connection ? Legit ?
What’s the name of the rental car company?
Skip the intro lol 1:52
thanks mike!!!!
thank you roger.
We saw this place on TH-cam and we decided to take the risk but we shouldn't have worried because they are not only legit but incredibly helpful. The price was the lowest I could find and that is normally a bad thing when it comes to car hire. not so in this case. The car was delivered to my hotel on arrival and it was even collected at short notice a day early at the end of our holiday after I realized that I had the dates wrong. I couldn't contact Alamo to explain but these guys were on hand even on a Sunday evening to help sort us out. you may look at all the reviews and be pessimistic that these are all fake but the reality is they just trying to be the good Samaritans in a market that is often polluted by shady tactics and rip off merchants. I will definitely use them again and recommend them to friends and family.
Did you have to provide passport and license photos when you booked? I am a bit weary about sharing that over email and the agency asked for the information.
@@heymanheyhey Yes I figured they get copied at every hotel I visit so wasn't worried about that. Payment was only collected at the end of the rental excluding the deposit on collection.
@@wildboy1983 thanks for the reply. I feel a bit better about the whole process now
Costa Rica is going down for scam and high prices.
✌🏻🤟🏻✊🏻
pura vida.
🙏
This dude is ripping off my time!!! 3 mins in and its all who he is, what he does, how bad it sucks. Still no info. Learn from MR Beast, get to the damn point.
ok. f**k off. how's that?
Cartagena is the place to be. Planning my trip in August where is raining every day and is a gosht town. You tuber why you lie about it? So far changing hotel, trips and excursions on Cartagena for 1/2 of the price and not rain. Costa Rica groceries are more expensive than USA. Will you reimburse my money if the rain ruins my trip? No so stop lying to people
@jyoyo8888 yo dick. I left one of your other dumbass comments up on another video.. but if you keep it up, this will be your last.
I tried twice to go through your website, filled out the form, never heard from anyone. I saw that Sarah had interviewed Jairo as well and provided Facebook and WhatsApp contact info. I don't have either of those, but my husband had WhatsApp. So we were able to get in touch with Jairo, and I was eventually able to get his email.
It would just be really helpful to have all his contact information, including email so that anyone can get in touch with him directly.
Sorry that happened to you but I send Jairo hundreds and hundreds of that form... and it's not usually a problem, especially twice, so not sure what happened but what did is a rarity.