Mobile Internet and SIM Cards for Costa Rica in 2025

Landing in Costa Rica without mobile connectivity is like exploring the rainforest without a map. You'll survive, but you'll miss half the experience and spend twice as much doing it.

Most visitors underestimate how much they'll rely on mobile internet in Costa Rica. GPS navigation becomes essential on winding mountain roads with poor signage. Translation apps help you communicate in remote areas. Weather apps warn you about sudden tropical storms. Banking apps let you avoid carrying excessive cash in tourist zones.

Fortunately, travelers researching "SIM card Costa Rica" options discover multiple connectivity solutions, from traditional prepaid SIM cards Costa Rica providers to cutting-edge Costa Rica eSIM technology. The challenge isn't finding a SIM card for Costa Rica, it's identifying the best SIM card for Costa Rica trip that balances coverage, cost, and convenience for your specific travel style.

The stakes are higher than just convenience. International roaming charges from your home carrier can easily hit $10-15 per day, turning a two-week vacation into a $200+ connectivity bill. Smart travelers solve this problem before boarding their flight by researching Costa Rica mobile internet options and Costa Rica mobile plans available to tourists.

This guide cuts through the marketing noise to show you exactly what works, what doesn't, and what each option actually costs when you factor in the hidden fees most providers don't mention upfront. We'll examine Costa Rica SIM card prices, mobile internet coverage in Costa Rica, and the best data plans for tourists Costa Rica currently offers.

What You Need to Know About Mobile SIM Cards for Traveling in Costa Rica

Costa Rica operates on GSM networks using 850MHz, 1900MHz, and 2100MHz frequencies. Most unlocked phones from North America and Europe work without issues, but verify your device supports these bands before traveling. The country's mobile infrastructure centers around three major players offering SIM cards in Costa Rica: ICE (operating the Kolbi brand), Liberty (formerly Movistar), and Claro. Each provider offers different coverage patterns, with ICE maintaining the strongest mobile internet coverage in Costa Rica due to its historical monopoly status.

• Traditional prepaid SIM card Costa Rica options require physical installation and typically cost between 1,000-1,500 CRC ($2-3 USD) for the card itself, before adding any data plans. If you're wondering "can I buy a SIM card in Costa Rica?" the answer is yes, you'll need your passport for registration, and the process can take 15-30 minutes at busy locations.
• eSIM technology eliminates these friction points entirely. Compatible devices can download carrier profiles digitally, activating service within minutes of purchase. However, not all eSIM providers are created equal. Many force you to purchase separate plans for each country, cluttering your device with multiple profiles and complicating expense tracking. Others promise "unlimited" data but throttle speeds to unusable levels after modest usage.

The mobile internet coverage in Costa Rica question deserves special attention. While all three major carriers cover San José and popular beach destinations adequately, rural coverage varies significantly. If your itinerary includes remote areas like Corcovado National Park or the northern border regions, verify coverage maps before committing to any carrier offering mobile internet Costa Rica services.

Data speeds also fluctuate based on location and network congestion. Urban areas typically achieve 4G LTE speeds of 20-50 Mbps, while rural locations may drop to 3G speeds of 1-5 Mbps during peak hours.

Best SIM Cards for Travelers in Costa Rica

When evaluating the best data plans for tourists Costa Rica offers, three major carriers dominate the market. Understanding each provider's strengths and weaknesses helps you choose the optimal SIM card Costa Rica solution for your travel needs.

Kolbi (ICE Costa Rica)

ICE's Kolbi brand remains Costa Rica's dominant mobile operator, controlling roughly 60% of the market. Their extensive infrastructure delivers the most consistent rural coverage, making Kolbi the practical choice for travelers venturing beyond main tourist corridors when seeking mobile internet in Costa Rica. A Kolbi SIM card costs 1,000 CRC ($2 USD) and comes with three monthly prepaid plans:

• Basic Plan: 2 GB data + 35 minutes + 30 SMS + 3 GB WhatsApp = 5,000 CRC ($10 USD)
• Standard Plan: 4 GB data + 50 minutes + 30 SMS + 3 GB WhatsApp = 8,000 CRC ($16 USD)
• Premium Plan: 5 GB data + 100 minutes + 30 SMS + 5 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram = 12,000 CRC ($24 USD)
• Short Plan: 1 GB valid for 15 days = 2,500 CRC ($5 USD)
• Light Users Plan: 2 GB valid for 30 days = 4,500 CRC ($9 USD)

⚡️The standout feature is Kolbi's Social Package: unlimited Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter for 7 days at just 1,500 CRC ($3 USD). For social media-heavy travelers, this represents exceptional value.

Kolbi's primary weakness is pricing. Their Costa Rica SIM card prices rank among the highest in Central America, and their customer service can be frustratingly slow during peak tourist seasons.

Claro Costa Rica

Claro, part of the Mexican telecommunications giant América Móvil, entered Costa Rica's market as the third major player. They've built a competitive network that covers most populated areas adequately while offering some of the market's most aggressive pricing. Claro SIM cards cost 1,500 CRC ($3 USD) with five prepaid options:

Free social media includes WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. International minutes cover Central America, Panama, USA, and Canada.

Claro's international calling inclusion makes them attractive for visitors who need to stay in touch with home, but their network coverage remains inconsistent in rural areas.

Liberty (formerly Movistar)

Liberty operates Costa Rica's second-largest network, focusing primarily on urban and suburban coverage. Their infrastructure performs well in San José, major beach towns, and established tourist destinations, but struggles in mountainous and remote regions where Costa Rica mobile internet coverage becomes critical. Liberty prepaid SIM cards cost 1,500 CRC ($3 USD) with several short-term options:

• 1 GB data valid for 24 hours = 700 CRC ($1.40 USD)
• 1.2 GB data + 20 minutes valid for 7 days = 1,250 CRC ($2.50 USD)
• 1 GB data + 15 minutes valid for 6 days = 2,000 CRC ($4 USD)

All Liberty plans include free social media access, and they offer both physical SIM cards and eSIM options at their retail locations.

✅ Liberty's pricing structure favors short-term visitors who primarily stay in developed areas. However, their coverage limitations make them unsuitable for adventure travelers or anyone planning to explore Costa Rica's more remote attractions.

Best eSIM for Travelers in Costa Rica

Costa Rica eSIM technology transforms how you connect, eliminating the hassle of physical prepaid SIM cards Costa Rica vendors traditionally offer while often delivering superior value. However, the eSIM market includes significant variations in pricing, coverage, and user experience.

Most eSIM providers require you to purchase separate plans for each country you visit. This creates several problems: your device accumulates multiple eSIM profiles, expense tracking becomes complicated, and you can't easily use leftover data from one destination in another.

Yesim solves this with a fundamentally different approach: one International eSIM that works in over 200 countries, including Costa Rica. You purchase data credits that work globally, eliminating the need to research and buy new plans for every destination. Here's how Yesim compares to other major eSIM providers for Costa Rica.

Yesim's advantages become clear when you consider the total cost of ownership:

• ✅ Pricing Efficiency: Yesim's Pay As You Go model starts at €0.50, with large data packages offering better per-GB rates than most competitors. A 10GB package costs €45 and works globally, while Airalo charges $37 for 10GB that only works in Costa Rica.
• ⚡️Global Simplicity: Install one eSIM, use it everywhere. No need to research local providers, compare plans, or manage multiple eSIM profiles as you travel through different countries.
• 🌐 True Data Sharing: Your data credits work across all supported countries. Unused data in Costa Rica carries over to your next destination, maximizing value from every purchase.

The technical implementation matters too. Yesim connects to premium local networks in Costa Rica, ensuring you get the same high-speed coverage as domestic users rather than being relegated to slower roaming partnerships.

How to Buy a SIM Card for Traveling in Costa Rica

Understanding where and how to purchase connectivity solutions answers the common question "can I buy a SIM card in Costa Rica?" with specific locations and procedures for both traditional and digital options.

Physical SIM Cards

You can purchase Costa Rica SIM card options at several locations:

• Airport Locations: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport both have carrier kiosks in their arrival areas. Expect longer wait times during peak tourist seasons and slightly higher prices than retail locations.
• Carrier Stores: ICE/Kolbi, Liberty, and Claro operate retail locations throughout Costa Rica's major cities and tourist areas. Staff at these locations can help configure your phone and explain plan options, but English proficiency varies significantly.
• Authorized Retailers: Many electronics stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets sell prepaid SIM card Costa Rica options and top-up credits. This option offers convenience but limited technical support if you encounter activation issues.
• Required Documentation: You'll need your passport for SIM card registration. The process typically takes 10-20 minutes and includes basic identity verification.

✅ Activation Process: Most SIM cards activate automatically within 15 minutes of insertion. If activation fails, you'll need to call customer service or return to the point of purchase.

eSIM Purchase and Installation

eSIM purchase happens entirely online, making it the preferred option for prepared travelers: Pre-Travel Purchase: Buy and install your eSIM before departing. This ensures immediate connectivity upon landing and eliminates airport queues entirely.

• Installation Process: Purchase generates a QR code that you scan with your device camera. The eSIM profile downloads and activates automatically, typically within 2-3 minutes.
• Device Compatibility: Verify your phone supports eSIM before purchasing. Most iPhones from iPhone XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel phones support eSIM technology.

🛜 Yesim Installation: Download the Yesim app, create an account, purchase credits, and scan the provided QR code. The global eSIM profile installs once and works immediately in Costa Rica and 200+ other countries.

Best Mobile Internet Options for Travelers in Costa Rica

Your Costa Rica mobile internet strategy should align with your travel style and data usage patterns.

Coverage considerations also influence your choice. ICE/Kolbi provides the most comprehensive rural coverage, making them essential for adventure travelers. Liberty and Claro focus on urban and tourist areas, which may suffice for beach-focused trips.

Network congestion varies by location and time. Popular tourist destinations experience slower speeds during peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM), while business districts in San José may slow during weekdays.

Tips for Using Cell Phone Service in Costa Rica

Once you've secured your Costa Rica SIM card or eSIM solution, smart usage habits prevent bill shock and connectivity problems. These proven strategies help you maximize your mobile internet in Costa Rica investment while avoiding the costly mistakes that catch unprepared travelers.

• ✅ Avoid Roaming Charges: Turn off international roaming on your primary SIM before traveling. Accidental data usage can generate hundreds of dollars in charges within hours.
• ✅ Download Offline Maps: Google Maps allows offline map downloads for specific regions. Download Costa Rica maps while connected to Wi-Fi to reduce navigation data usage.
• ✅ Monitor Data Usage: Both iOS and Android provide built-in data monitoring tools. Set usage alerts to avoid overage charges or service throttling.
• ✅ Currency and Payment: Most carriers accept US dollars at tourist locations, but you'll get better exchange rates paying in colones. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.
• ✅ Backup Plans: Technology fails. Carry emergency contact information written on paper, including your hotel address in Spanish and important phone numbers.
• ✅ Time Zone Awareness: Costa Rica uses Central Standard Time year-round (no daylight saving). Adjust your phone's automatic time zone settings to avoid confusion with scheduled calls or reservations.

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Conclusion

Smart connectivity planning transforms your Costa Rica experience from frustrating to seamless. The days of accepting expensive roaming charges or struggling with unreliable tourist SIM cards are over.

For most travelers, Costa Rica eSIM technology offers the optimal balance of convenience, coverage, and cost. Yesim's global approach eliminates the complexity of managing multiple local plans while delivering premium network access and competitive Costa Rica SIM card prices.

Traditional SIM cards for Costa Rica options still serve specific use cases, particularly extended stays or travelers who prioritize absolute minimum costs over convenience. ICE/Kolbi remains the practical choice for rural mobile internet coverage in Costa Rica, while Claro offers good value for urban-focused trips among the best data plans for tourists Costa Rica provides.

The key insight: plan your connectivity strategy before you travel. If you choose Yesim's global eSIM solution or a local carrier, having internet access from the moment you land saves time, money, and stress throughout your entire Costa Rican adventure.

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