Nomad America Costa Rica Campervan and Camper 4×4 Rentals: Frequently Asked Questions

Nomad America FAQ

FAQ Vehicles & Equipment

Still not sure what car is best for your adventure?  We have great options for all kinds of trips and groups! From great cars for couples to big groups and families, we are sure we can work something out that will work for you. Check through some of our most frequently asked questions and then send us a message if something is not clear.

The best options for couples or two people that we have are the 4×4 Toyota Prado 2-door option (Link to information about Toyota Prado) or the 4×4 Suzuki Jimny (Link to Information about Suzuki Jimny)- both have rooftop tents measuring 1.4 meters wide by 2.4 meters long. The Prado can fit 5 people (the rear seats are in) but we usually fold down the seats to make more space for equipment/luggage. The Suzuki Jimny is only for two people, as we have completely removed the rear seats to make more room.

Our medium category is made up of “4-door cars” – Which are mostly Toyota Fortuners, Toyota 4Runners and Toyota Prado 4-door. These cars all have ample space for storage, luggage and equipment space and big enough space for 5 passengers. For travelers who do not fit in the rooftop tents, we provide at no additional cost standard ground tents with inflatable mattresses. If you are traveling with small children who require baby/child seats this category is the best/most comfortable option.

We require the driver to be 25 years or older, for 21-25 year olds we require double the security deposit. We do not rent to under 21’s. We also have no age restrictions for children – let us know in advance if you need baby or child seats and these are free.

We give discounts for long term rentals (over 4 weeks) and for
“early bird” reservations – more than 100 days in advance. Contact us for more info.

Although we have a 24/7 phone line open to our active adventurers for any help/assistance/emergencies our base is only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: late returns incur in a late drop off fee. Read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Our insurance covers all of Central America except Belize (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) – Mexico requires an additional $180/month for insurance activation.
Our options vary from full TPL (Third Party Liability) and CDW (Cost Damage Waiver) and additional passenger medical insurance options or an add-on for full window/tire coverage.
Our third party damages are covered up to US$400.000 for personal damages and US$100.000 for property damages, while our vehicles are fully covered.

If you have your own insurance from your Credit Card company or personal insurance let us know and we will waive our insurance costs.

Yes.

Yes. We offer full-country guided tours from 3 to 30 days long and we travel in caravans every couple of months up to Guatemala or Mexico, visiting 27 volcanoes on the way and surfing spectacular desolate beaches.
Every March we embark on a one month long overland trip from Costa Rica to Arizona. You can join per person or a full car group.

We have several multi-lingual guides up for grabs.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Dutch.

We are working on compiling tons of campsites in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Let us know if you know of any cool spots we should add to our list!

This here is a link to our 60 and counting campsites in Costa Costa Rica Campsites

Of course! We help you save money by offering a hotel + restaurant + adventure vehicle all in one. We include full kitchen supplies, gas stoves, gas tanks, pots & pans, eating utensils and even folding table + chairs. Eat out and about on your adventure.

You can book online at: Book Now
The reservation will take a 20% down-payment fee paid safely via PayPal.

We have tons of options for adventures! We have:
– Multi-day guided kayaking camping tours.
– Multi day guided Mountain biking tours
– Group Hikes
– Group Camping trips

FAQ Online Reservation & Payment

Easily confirm your reservation right on our website. Read some common questions and doubts about our payment options, reservations, policies and other items concerning payment and reservations. If you are having trouble creating and online booking please contact us and we will solve it right away 🙂

To check on the different prices for all our cars and availability, please go to the BOOK NOW page: https://www.nomadamerica.com/booknow-4×4-costa-rica/

Step 1: Checking Availability

  • Enter a ”Start Date” and an ”End Date’‘ to see which cars are available for your desired dates
  • You can also choose different languages for the booking platform/process at this stage
  • It will show you immediately the AVAILABLE cars in the first lines and then the Sold-Out cars

Book Campervan online in Costa Rica or Panama

Step 2: Choosing the Category or the Country you are interested in

Renting Campervan in Panama

Campervan Rental or 4×4 Campers in Costa Rica or Panama

  • For the time being our selections are divided into:
    • 4×4 Expedition Vehicles Costa Rica: All our rooftop tent camping equipped 4×4’s in Costa Rica
    • Campervans Costa Rica: Sleep-Inside camper vans in Costa Rica
    • 4×4 Expedition Vehicles Panama: All our rooftop tent camping equipped 4×4’s in Panama
    • Extras: Insurance option, extra equipment, drop off fee’s and more

Step 3: Choosing your Vehicle

  • If your car is available you can click on the BOOK NOW button to see the final price with insurances and any other extras you would like to add.Booking Buttons 4x4 Availability
  • If it shows Sold-Out of any car or the car you wanted, click on the AVAILABILITY calendar icon of that car and it will show you the calendar with the available days in green color. If it looks like its available most of the time, email us and we will try to figure out a way to rearrange the calendars/bookings to make something work out for you.
  • If you are ready to book, enter your information and you will be able to confirm the booking with a 20% downpayment. Refer to next F.A.Q. for a explanation of the online payment process via PayPal.

In order to secure your booking we take a 20% downpayment fee via our online booking system. This system uses PayPal and is 100% safe. We offer the full 20% refund if you cancel with more than 30 days notice.

PayPal is just our payment processor, you can pay via this method without having an account just using your standard credit or debit card. You can access PayPal as a guest in case you don’t have an account, you will find the option under the Log-In button.

Also, setting up an account in PayPal is very easy, a few minutes and an email and you are ready to go.

Watch this quick video explaining how to set up a PayPal account or click this link: How to set up a PayPal Account

In case you don’t want to open an account, or can’t proceed to pay as a guest in PayPal let us know and we will help you with the process and find another solution.

All bank transaction fee’s or credit card commission charges, that is on our side, you don’t have to worry for an extra charge or commissions. The final price you pay is the price you see at the checkout when you select the vehicle.

We currently have a 5 day minimum to rent our camping equipped vehicles and campervans.

The initial deposit (20%) will be processed online as explained in the previous answers.

At our office (the day you pick up the vehicle) we have different payment options.

  • You can choose to pay the whole balance online at the office of before arrival
  • Payment using Visa or MasterCard

Nomad America Payment Options

If you cancel with more than 30 days’ notice we provide a full refund of the deposit minus any incurred transaction fees. This will be refunded to the same payment method you used.

  • For cancellations with less than 30 days’ notice we charge a 20% of the total.

There will be a security deposit charged at the time of vehicle pick-up. This is a hold placed on a debit or credit card which varies depending on the vehicle category from $1200 for Small vehicles and $1500 for Large vehicles.

The security hold will be released when the vehicle is returned in good state. Credit card “releases” are usually instant, while Debit Card holds can take from 3 to 10+ days depending on the bank.

We are working on compiling tons of campsites in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Let us know if you know of any cool spots we should add to our list!

This here is a link to our 60 and counting campsites in Costa Costa Rica Campsites

Of course! We help you save money by offering a hotel + restaurant + adventure vehicle all in one. We include full kitchen supplies, gas stoves, gas tanks, pots & pans, eating utensils and even folding table + chairs. Eat out and about on your adventure.

You can book online at: Book Now
The reservation will take a 20% down-payment fee paid safely via PayPal.

We have tons of options for adventures! We have:
– Multi-day guided kayaking camping tours.
– Multi day guided Mountain biking tours
– Group Hikes
– Group Camping trips

Basic Information

Adventures in a far away Tropical Paradise! Where should I go? What should I see? Too much information and doubts can confuse anyone. Read a few tips and ideas to guide you in the proper direction. Also remember, the day your trip starts we can go over in person all the ideas, routes, maps and suggestions!

We give a free trip planning assistance for any rental. This includes a personalized itinerary and suggested routes depending on your interests in Costa Rica. We also offer our full list of recommended campsites (over 80) and help you plan a great adventure filled with activities like waterfalls, hiking, scuba diving, water rafting and much more.

Driving in Costa Rica is on the right side of the road. If you are coming from left side driving countries it is no issue regarding license requirements – if you need a quick drive with one of our team members to go over basic adjustments before starting your trip that is no problem, we can go for a little loop in/around our area to get you accustomed. Once you get off the path on the 4×4 roads, doesn’t matter which side of the road you choose 🙂

We require the driver to be 25 years or older, for 21-25 year olds we require double the security deposit. We do not rent to under 21’s. We also have no age restrictions for children – let us know in advance if you need baby or child seats and these are free.

We give discounts for long term rentals (over 4 weeks) and for
“early bird” reservations – more than 100 days in advance. Contact us for more info.

Although we have a 24/7 phone line open to our active adventurers for any help/assistance/emergencies our base is only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: late returns incur in a late drop off fee. Read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Our insurance covers all of Central America except Belize (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) – Mexico requires an additional $180/month for insurance activation.
Our options vary from full TPL (Third Party Liability) and CDW (Cost Damage Waiver) and additional passenger medical insurance options or an add-on for full window/tire coverage.
Our third party damages are covered up to US$400.000 for personal damages and US$100.000 for property damages, while our vehicles are fully covered.

If you have your own insurance from your Credit Card company or personal insurance let us know and we will waive our insurance costs.

Yes.

Yes. We offer full-country guided tours from 3 to 30 days long and we travel in caravans every couple of months up to Guatemala or Mexico, visiting 27 volcanoes on the way and surfing spectacular desolate beaches.
Every March we embark on a one month long overland trip from Costa Rica to Arizona. You can join per person or a full car group.

We have several multi-lingual guides up for grabs.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Dutch.

We are working on compiling tons of campsites in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Let us know if you know of any cool spots we should add to our list!

This here is a link to our 60 and counting campsites in Costa Costa Rica Campsites

Of course! We help you save money by offering a hotel + restaurant + adventure vehicle all in one. We include full kitchen supplies, gas stoves, gas tanks, pots & pans, eating utensils and even folding table + chairs. Eat out and about on your adventure.

You can book online at: Book Now
The reservation will take a 20% down-payment fee paid safely via PayPal.

We have tons of options for adventures! We have:
– Multi-day guided kayaking camping tours.
– Multi day guided Mountain biking tours
– Group Hikes
– Group Camping trips

FAQ Camping and Driving Tips

Adventures in a far away Tropical Paradise! Where should I go? What should I see? Too much information and doubts can confuse anyone. Read a few tips and ideas to guide you in the proper direction. Also remember, the day your trip starts we can go over in person all the ideas, routes, maps and suggestions!

We give a free trip planning assistance for any rental. This includes a personalized itinerary and suggested routes depending on your interests in Costa Rica. We also offer our full list of recommended campsites (over 80) and help you plan a great adventure filled with activities like waterfalls, hiking, scuba diving, water rafting and much more.

In order to secure your booking we take a 20% downpayment fee via our online booking system. This system uses PayPal and is 100% safe. We offer the full 20% refund if you cancel with more than 30 days notice.

We require the driver to be 25 years or older, for 21-25 year olds we require double the security deposit. We do not rent to under 21’s. We also have no age restrictions for children – let us know in advance if you need baby or child seats and these are free.

We give discounts for long term rentals (over 4 weeks) and for
“early bird” reservations – more than 100 days in advance. Contact us for more info.

Although we have a 24/7 phone line open to our active adventurers for any help/assistance/emergencies our base is only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: late returns incur in a late drop off fee. Read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Our insurance covers all of Central America except Belize (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) – Mexico requires an additional $180/month for insurance activation.
Our options vary from full TPL (Third Party Liability) and CDW (Cost Damage Waiver) and additional passenger medical insurance options or an add-on for full window/tire coverage.
Our third party damages are covered up to US$400.000 for personal damages and US$100.000 for property damages, while our vehicles are fully covered.

If you have your own insurance from your Credit Card company or personal insurance let us know and we will waive our insurance costs.

Yes.

Yes. We offer full-country guided tours from 3 to 30 days long and we travel in caravans every couple of months up to Guatemala or Mexico, visiting 27 volcanoes on the way and surfing spectacular desolate beaches.
Every March we embark on a one month long overland trip from Costa Rica to Arizona. You can join per person or a full car group.

We have several multi-lingual guides up for grabs.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Dutch.

We are working on compiling tons of campsites in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Let us know if you know of any cool spots we should add to our list!

This here is a link to our 60 and counting campsites in Costa Costa Rica Campsites

Of course! We help you save money by offering a hotel + restaurant + adventure vehicle all in one. We include full kitchen supplies, gas stoves, gas tanks, pots & pans, eating utensils and even folding table + chairs. Eat out and about on your adventure.

You can book online at: Book Now
The reservation will take a 20% down-payment fee paid safely via PayPal.

We have tons of options for adventures! We have:
– Multi-day guided kayaking camping tours.
– Multi day guided Mountain biking tours
– Group Hikes
– Group Camping trips

FAQ Insurance & Legal

That serious stuff. Read more about the main questions, procedures and doubts regarding insurances and local laws/requirements for driving in Costa Rica or Panama. If something is not perfectly clear please contact us and we can discuss it via email or a quick phone call.

The insurance options we offer are separated in three options so you can choose which ones you need:

      • The Third Party Liability (TPL) covers ALL damages to third party personal and property damages, legal fees, damages to other cars or property all up to US$ 400.000 with ZERO deductible/Own Risk.
      • The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers all damages to our vehicle to its full value in case of accidents, theft, collision, damages, and has a deductible that goes from $1.000 to $1.500 USD responsibility/risk. Small cars will be $1000 and Medium and Large cars will be $1500. Everything above this amount is covered.
      • 100% Tire + Window Insurance Coverage covers ALL damages to windows and tires, with 0% Deductible/Own Risk.

You can use your own private insurance or credit card insurance providers no problem. In this case you will be requested to provide proof of own insurance that includes covers for Costa Rica and 4×4 rentals – some of our cars (Defenders, Land Cruisers, FJ Cruisers are considered “Exotic” for some private or credit card coverages so also consider this exclusion possibility in the fine print with your own providers.

Not presenting proper proof of own insurance or not getting Insured by our provider make you fully responsible for damages to the car and to third parties.

If something is not clear at the time of booking about insurances dont worry – we can discuss this in persona and you can add the necessary insurances the day you come to pick the car up.

If you use your own insurance provider all payments, refunds, paperwork and communication between your insurance is between you and your provider.

If you want to drive without Insurance we at least recommend you get the Third-Party Liability coverage (which covers damages you cause to other people or property) as that one can be the most risky/unpredictable/highest cost.

  • Make sure your driver’s license is not expired. We cannot and will not rent to someone with an expired license.
  • No need for an international driver’s license from Europe, U.S., Oceania and South and Central American countries.
  • Anyone with a driver license who is over 18 can drive the car.
  • Rentals with drivers who are all under 23 must leave a double security deposit – this can be left with debit/credit card or cash.
  • Additional drivers will need to present the driver’s license and sign the rental agreement as well to apply for the insurance coverage.
  • We can’t rent to someone who has been in the country for over 90 days.

The insurance agreement allows 1 person to drive the car, if any one else of the group wants to drive please select the additional driver option at the time of booking to be covered by the insurance provider. Dont worry if you forgot to add this, we can go over it at the office on the day of pick up.

We have a 0% Risk or No-Risk on all our Third-Party Insurance, but we do not provide this for our vehicles. Our cars are too prone to customers doing crazy stuff off the path so we have removed this option. You are responsible for up to $1000 in small cars and $1500 in large cars if an accident or damage happens.

Our insurance covers all of Central America except Belize (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) – Mexico requires an additional $180/month for insurance activation. Outside of Costa Rican Borders for Costa Rica cars only the main driver is covered by insurance. Sorry not possible to activate additional drivers internationally.

  • Water damages are NOT insured under any coverage.
  • All insurances are void if driver is under the effects of any alcohol or drugs.
  • Camping equipment and electronics are not insured under any coverage, client is 100% responsible for these items.
  • When the car is being driver by a driver that is not authorized under the rental agreement.
  • If an accident is not reported correctly when it happens, failure to do this will immediately void coverage. Read following FAQ for correct procedures.

Costa Rican law prohibits vehicles driving on the beach. This means you can drive to the beach, park and camp under the palm trees, but you can’t go play around in the tidal area for safety of other beach goers and to protect turtle nests and other wild-life.

No driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol.

If you are driving on 4×4 only paths and there is damage or an accident the towing and recovery expenses are your responsibility until a road accessible by a standard tow truck is reached.

NO smoking in the vehicle or tents. A cleaning fee of $250 will be charged for smoking in the car or the Rooftop tents.

Costa Rica has serious laws which prohibit smoking in public places (sidewalks, parks, beaches etc.) where other people are nearby – The fine is heavy.

You can book online at: Book Now
The reservation will take a 20% down-payment fee paid safely via PayPal.

We have tons of options for adventures! We have:
– Multi-day guided kayaking camping tours.
– Multi day guided Mountain biking tours
– Group Hikes
– Group Camping trips