Picture stepping out of Juan Santamaría airport, opening your map and ordering a ride before you even reach the taxi rank. With a Costa Rica eSIM, your phone is online the moment you land, no SIM swap and no roaming shock.
Why use an eSIM in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is built for explorers, and connectivity makes every day smoother. An eSIM means you skip the airport kiosk queue, keep your home number active, and avoid the painful per-megabyte roaming rates from your carrier.
- Install before you fly and switch on when you land
- Keep your usual number for calls and WhatsApp
- Top up data instantly if you stay longer
Get your Costa Rica eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.
View Costa Rica plans →Networks & coverage
Costa Rica has solid mobile coverage on three carriers: Kolbi (ICE), Claro and Movistar. Kolbi, run by the state ICE group, has the widest reach into rural and coastal zones, while Claro and Movistar are strong in cities.
- 4G/LTE covers San José, Liberia and most tourist hubs
- 5G is expanding across the Central Valley and San José
- Towns like La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio have reliable LTE
Remote rainforest and mountain stretches can drop to slower speeds, so download offline maps before heading off-grid.
How to get connected
1. Buy your Costa Rica eSIM online and check your email for the QR code 2. Scan the QR code in your phone settings to install the data plan 3. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line when you arrive and you are online
How much data do you need
- 1-3 GB: a short trip with maps, chat and light browsing
- 5-10 GB: a one to two week holiday with social media and uploads
- 15 GB or unlimited: remote work, video calls and heavy streaming
Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, so most travelers comfortably manage on a mid-size plan.
Get your Costa Rica eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.
View Costa Rica plans →Good to know
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC); US dollars widely accepted
- Capital: San José
- Language: Spanish
- Time zone: Central Standard Time (UTC-6), no daylight saving
- Must-see: Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest
FAQ
Is my phone compatible? Most phones from the last few years support eSIM, including recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models. Check your settings for an Add eSIM option.
When should I install it? Install at home over Wi-Fi before your trip, then simply switch the line on after you land. The data plan starts when you connect in Costa Rica.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number? Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your original number, so it keeps working normally while the eSIM provides your data.