If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and typed “Turo Costa Rica” into Google with hopeful vacation energy… surprise! Turo is not here.

Yep, the whole “rent from a cool local, skip the chaos of traditional counters, easy app check-in” dream?
It left the country in 2022 and hasn’t come back.

But don’t worry, Costa Rica has its own version now.

Let’s break it all down so you don’t waste hours researching outdated info.

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☕ First, the tea: Turo does NOT operate in Costa Rica

Turo quietly stopped operating in Costa Rica in mid-2022.
Why? A mix of:

• Low number of available cars
• High insurance requirements
• Complicated local regulations
• Pricing challenges

The result: no official Turo presence anywhere in Costa Rica, not San José (SJO), not Liberia (LIR), not the airports, not “secret listings,” nada.

If you see a blog claiming otherwise… that blog probably hasn’t been updated since dinosaurs roamed Playa Flamingo.

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But you will see “Turo-like” offers… and they’re not always safe

Because Turo left a big hole in the market, some locals rent their cars:

• on Facebook Marketplace
• in WhatsApp groups
• through word of mouth

BUT; here’s where it gets risky:

❌ Mandatory liability insurance is often not included

Costa Rica requires a very specific type of insurance (S.O.A. + Liability), and skipping it is illegal.

❌ Cash deposits with strangers

Imagine landing at SJO, jet-lagged, and handing hundreds of dollars to a person you met 20 minutes ago in the parking lot.
Pura… vida? 😅

❌ No support if something goes wrong

If the Host ghosts you, cancels last minute, or the car breaks… there’s no platform to protect you.

❌ Prices often end up similar to agencies anyway

Once insurance is added, private rentals quickly lose their “cheap” appeal.

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So what’s the best Turo alternative in Costa Rica? Meet Ventu.

Costa Rica now has its own peer-to-peer car-sharing platform : Ventu : designed specifically for the local rules, insurance requirements, and the “don’t-surprise-me-at-the-counter” pain every traveler has felt.

Ventu was built to give travelers the ease of Turo… without the chaos.

✔ Verified Hosts

All Hosts go through verification, so you’re not renting from “Carlos #4 from a random Facebook group.”

✔ Secure payments through Stripe

Use a credit or debit card; no handing your card to strangers or leaving cash deposits.

✔ ID + driver’s license check through Veriff

Quick, secure, and 100% digital.

✔ All mandatory insurance included

The price you see is the price you pay.
No counter drama. No upsells. No “surprise, it’s double!”

✔ Delivery to your hotel or the airport

Airport arrivals without the shuttle chaos? Yes, please.

✔ Real Costa Rican Hosts

Support locals, skip big agencies, and enjoy a smoother, more honest experience.

You can browse cars here (no login needed to explore):
👉 ventucr.com

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🌴 Why peer-to-peer works great in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is all about community, small businesses, and local experiences.
A platform like Ventu lets you:

• rent from real Costa Ricans
• drive cool, local-owned vehicles – not your typical white rental
• skip the mega-agency stress
• support families, not conglomerates

It’s the purest version of pura vida.

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🏁 The Bottom Line

• Turo is not available in Costa Rica.
• Private rentals exist but come with real risks (insurance issues, cash requirements, no protection).
• The safest, easiest, most transparent Turo-style option in Costa Rica right now is Ventu.

If you want the convenience of Turo without the surprises, Ventu is your best bet.
Your future self, freshly landed in Costa Rica, tired from the flight, and not ready for rental-counter stress, will thank you.

👉 Explore cars here: ventucr.com

Pura vida and happy driving! 🌴🚗💛

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Legal Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is based on general driving guidelines and experiences in Costa Rica. Traffic laws, regulations, and road conditions may change, and enforcement may vary. We strongly recommend checking official sources, for the most up-to-date and accurate information before driving in a foreign country. Always ensure you have the proper documentation, insurance, and knowledge of local driving laws to enjoy a safe and hassle-free experience.

FAQ

• Does Turo work in Costa Rica?
  No, Turo does not operate in Costa Rica.
• Why did Turo leave Costa Rica?
• Is there a Turo alternative in Costa Rica?
  Yes: Ventu is the modern peer-to-peer platform available in Costa Rica.