Your First Hour After Costa Rica Airport Arrivals: A Practical Checklist

Complete airport procedures first

Follow the official arrivals process and collect all bags before leaving the controlled baggage area. If something is missing, report it to the airline while you are still in the right place.

Keep your passport and important documents accessible but secure. Do not unpack all your bags in a busy public area to find a single confirmation.

Reconnect and review the pickup message

Use a trusted connection to read the rental company's current instructions. Save them before the trip as a backup. Confirm the airport code, meeting point and company contact rather than following a generic travel-blog description.

If a person approaches you, verify that the arrangement matches your booking. Use the contact method already supplied by the company if anything is unclear.

Prepare the documents and questions

Have the original documents and payment method required by your confirmed rental ready. Read the current company policies before travel so eligibility and payment questions are resolved before landing.

At handover, ask about the fuel type, assistance procedure, return location and any route concern. Inspect the car with the provider and make sure the recorded condition matches what you see.

Leave the office ready to drive

Check mirrors, controls, lights and navigation while parked. Confirm that the luggage fits securely and that everyone has an appropriate seat and restraint.

Choose a first stop that matches the remaining daylight and your energy. A meal and a short drive to accommodation may be all the arrival day needs. The beach, mountain trail or longer journey can wait until the next morning.

Before you go

• Save the confirmed pickup or return instructions offline.
• Check the airport code and the rental location.
• Allow time for luggage and vehicle handover.
• Keep the first or final drive realistic.

Useful planning links

SJO official passenger guide · Guanacaste Airport official passenger guide