eSIM for Costa Rica: what actually works
A researched, up-to-date guide to mobile data in Costa Rica. Operators, coverage, prices, and when a local SIM beats us.
Choose your eSIM Costa Rica according to the length of your stay and your expected data use. 5 GB is generally enough for maps, messaging and social media, while video streaming and hotspot use require more data. The plans shown range from 1 to 20 GB and start at $3.90. They are fully refundable within 30 days provided the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination. The activation link is sent by email after purchase.
Costa Rica eSIM plans
Prices in USD. Instant QR activation. Pick your data, land connected.
Networks: Claro
Networks: Claro
Networks: Claro
Networks: Claro
Networks: Claro
Network data source updated:
Clear data. Clear price.
Drift plans show a fixed data allowance, validity period and final price before checkout.
About “unlimited” plans: Plans marketed as unlimited, including Holafly plans, may still be subject to local network Fair Usage Policies (FUP) and temporary speed reductions after heavy use. Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited full-speed data.
Buying a local SIM instead
Where to buy: Kolbi stores, supermarkets and pharmacies; airport counters at San Jose and Liberia
Price: 10-25 USD
Costa Rican SIMs are easy to buy at the airport with a passport, but for a short eco trip a travel eSIM avoids the queue and works the moment you land. Remember that remote national parks have little signal on any network.
The verdict
Our eSIM wins when: you want to land connected for an eco or beach trip without queuing, or you are moving between several regions on one trip.
Bottom line: For the typical one to two week nature trip a travel eSIM is the easiest choice. For a long stay a local Kolbi SIM is cheaper per gigabyte.
Costa Rica eSIM FAQ
Is 4G or 5G better in Costa Rica in 2026?
5G is now broad across the main cities and tourist regions, and 4G was already fast enough for maps, calls and streaming. Pick a plan on coverage where you are going, not on 4G versus 5G. The realistic weak spots are the dense rainforest interior, remote national parks such as Corcovado, and the more isolated beach and mountain roads, where signal thins between towns.
Does an eSIM work on arrival at the airport in Costa Rica?
Yes. Available networks depend on the selected plan and are shown with each plan. Check the selected plan's activation conditions before travelling. No need to find a SIM counter at San Jose and Liberia.
Which operator is best for a tourist in Costa Rica?
Kolbi is the safest single choice with the widest reach. Claro is a solid alternative, good coverage in the cities and main resorts. Available networks depend on the selected plan and are shown with each plan.
Cities & islands in Costa Rica
Local coverage, the best network by area, and the same plans that work nationwide.
Ready to sort your Costa Rica eSIM?
Pick the plan that fits your trip to Costa Rica, or work out exactly how much data you need first.