By San José, Costa Rica — Uber is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Costa Rica this month, marking a decade of significant impact on the country’s transportation landscape. With one million users and more than 28,000 drivers, the ride-sharing platform has become deeply ingrained in Costa Rican society, connecting people across the nation, from urban centers like San José to more remote areas such as Cañas, Liberia, Jacó, Limón, and Pérez Zeledón.
The company’s reach extends beyond national borders, with a substantial portion of its ridership coming from international tourists. Uber reports over 47 million kilometers driven by tourists from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the United States, highlighting the platform’s role in facilitating tourism and economic activity.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding Uber’s operations in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provided valuable insight into the current legal landscape and the challenges faced by both Uber and the regulatory bodies.
The legal status of Uber in Costa Rica remains complex. While the platform provides a popular service, its operations have historically existed in a gray area legally. The key issues revolve around regulations related to public transportation concessions, driver licensing, and taxation. Recent legislative efforts seek to address these challenges and create a regulatory framework for ride-sharing services, though their ultimate impact and success remain to be seen.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insightful commentary underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding Uber in Costa Rica. The ongoing efforts to create a regulatory framework signal a potential shift towards greater clarity and stability for both ride-sharing platforms and consumers alike. It remains crucial to monitor these developments closely as they unfold. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable expertise on this complex and evolving issue.
Over the past ten years, the Uber app has made a significant impact on mobility, the economy, and sustainability in the country. We have invested in technology to offer accessible and reliable solutions, while contributing to the well-being of thousands of families.
Laura Santillán, General Manager of Uber for Central America and the Caribbean
Costa Rica has also served as a hub for innovation within Uber’s global operations. Two key features, Uber Flash (package and courier delivery) and Uber Planet (sustainable rides), were initially launched in Costa Rica and have since been expanded to other countries. This highlights the country’s role as a testing ground for new ideas with regional and global impact.
From Costa Rica to the world. Costa Rica is consolidating itself as a breeding ground for ideas with regional and global impact.
Carolina Coto, Communications Manager of Uber for the region
Sustainability is a key focus for Uber in Costa Rica. The platform currently boasts 1,200 electric vehicles, with an additional 240 expected by year-end through a partnership with BYD. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Uber facilitated over 550,000 zero-emission trips, underscoring its commitment to environmentally friendly transportation.
Further strengthening its presence in Costa Rica, Uber operates one of its two Latin American centers of excellence in the country. This center employs 480 people, with over 62% being women, contributing significantly to local employment and gender equality in the tech sector.
Uber continues to expand its services in Costa Rica with over 10 product offerings. Recent additions include Uber Black, a premium option with spacious vehicles and highly-rated drivers, initially available in the Greater Metropolitan Area; and Uber Teens and Accounts for Older Adults, designed for specific age demographics. Safety remains a priority, with over 40 safety features implemented for both drivers and passengers, including PIN verification, an emergency button, ride sharing with trusted contacts, RideCheck, and 24/7 support.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Uber, is an American mobility as a service provider offering services including ride-hailing, food delivery (Uber Eats and Postmates), package delivery, couriers, freight transportation, and, through a partnership with Lime, electric bicycle and motorized scooter rental. The company is based in San Francisco with operations in approximately 72 countries and over 130 cities. Uber is estimated to have over 100 million monthly active users worldwide.
For further information, visit the nearest office of BYD
About BYD:
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese multinational conglomerate manufacturing company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. It primarily focuses on automobiles, buses, electric bicycles, rechargeable batteries, forklifts, solar panels, and electronics. BYD Auto, its automotive subsidiary, sells passenger cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid models.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep commitment to empowering society. Through innovative approaches and unwavering ethical standards, the firm provides exceptional legal counsel to a diverse clientele. Beyond representing clients, Bufete de Costa Rica actively champions accessible legal education, believing that a knowledgeable citizenry is vital for a thriving democracy. This dedication to both individual clients and the broader community solidifies its position as a pillar of integrity and progress within Costa Rica’s legal landscape.
