Licensed Taxis

If you plan on spending a lot of time in San Jose or other main cities, the most convenient way to get around is by taxi, and thankfully taxis in Costa Rica are relatively inexpensive compared to what you are used to in the United States. They will save you precious time from having to navigate around an unfamiliar city and the hassle of finding parking spaces. If you are in a group of four, taxis may be a more affordable way of putting together your own city tour.

Taxis can be hailed or called ahead. The advantage of calling ahead is that the dispatch will be recorded, in case there is any complaint or incident. When the taxi arrives, you identify it by matching the number given to you on the phone with the number inside the yellow triangle on the taxi door; note that all licensed taxis have this yellow triangle and the number inside the triangle should match the number on the car plate.

If you cannot get to a phone, try walking to the nearest hotel or taxi stand. Taxis stationed outside hotels may charge a minimum rate but they are usually more comfortable and the drivers are more accustomed to foreign visitors. Taxi stations can be found around the city square or central park in every town and city. For long distance journeys and destinations outside city area, such as the airport, drivers may charge a fixed pre-agreed fare. All licensed taxis are equipped with meters, although not all taxi drivers use them all the time, some preferring to charge a fixed rate. You should however always insist that the meter be turned on at the start of the journey. If a driver refuses to put on the meter, you should refuse to use it, unless you know what the fare is supposed to be and negotiate it prior to departure.

You are strongly advised to avoid illegal taxis - those that do not have a yellow triangle on the door. All taxis are red, but only licensed ones carry this triangle. Most unlicensed taxis do not work by meters or install faulty meters to run up the fares, and passengers, foreigners especially, run the risk of being overcharged.

San Jose and other main towns and cities tend to run short of taxis during weekday rush hours especially during the rainy season; if you need to get to somewhere on time, be sure to allow plenty of leeway time to find or wait for a taxi to arrive.

The main taxi operators in San Jose:
Coope Tico 2224 7979
Alfaro 2221 8466
Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto 2221 6865
Coopetaxi 2235 9966
Taxis Coopeguaria 2226 1366
Taxi 5 Estrellas 2228 3159