Updated on 15 Oct 2026, 05:30 AM
Getting Internet in Costa Rica as a tourist is usually easy. But mobile coverage can differentiate between cities, forests, mountains, and remote beaches.
That being said, your options range from local prepaid SIM cards to travel eSIMs, depending on how and where you plan to stay connected.
Planning your connection before you travel can help you get online faster once you arrive at the Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Navigating Options for Internet in Costa Rica as a Tourist
Getting online in Costa Rica is not that hard. But coverage can differ depending on where you travel.
You may get a strong signal in cities and popular tourist areas. Meanwhile, forests, mountains, and remote beaches can have weaker or less reliable service.
Three main networks dominate the market:
- Telefónica: Operates on good infrastructure and offers strong 4G coverage and fast speeds across major highways, San José, and top tourist hubs like Jacó and Tamarindo.
- Kölbi (ICE): The state-owned provider holding the largest market share. It provides the most comprehensive reach in remote rainforest zones, rural mountain passes, and coastal villages.
- Claro: Delivers high data speeds in urban centers and Central Valley regions, though coverage thins in isolated areas.
Under national regulations, all prepaid SIM card sales require formal identity verification. If you buy a local prepaid SIM, you will need to show your valid passport for registration. This is normally done at an official mobile store or authorized retailer.
Understanding Home Carrier Roaming Costs
If you choose to use your home plan while traveling, international roaming costs can quickly stack up over a typical multi-week vacation.
| Traveler | Typical Roaming Example | Possible Cost |
|---|---|---|
US Travelers |
Verizon and AT&T charge about US$12 per day in Costa Rica. |
Around US$84 for 7 days. Billing caps benefits may reduce the total. |
Canadian Travelers |
Major carriers may charge around CA$16-18 per day. |
Daily roaming can exceed CA$200 on a two-week trip. Travel passes may cost less. |
European & UK Travelers |
Costa Rica is outside the EU/EEA roaming zone, so rates depend on your carrier and plan. |
Costs can change |
Fast local data, zero roaming surprises. Order your SimCorner eSIM or SIM card before you fly.
Airport Kiosks, Local Shops, and Ground Connectivity
If you prefer to get connected after you arrive, you can find physical SIM options at San José and Liberia airports, as well as in major towns across Costa Rica.
Airport Kiosks & Telecommunication Outlets
You may find prepaid SIM cards at Juan Santamaría International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Show your passport, choose a data plan, and wait for the SIM to be registered and activated.
Time-Saving Tip: Buy the smallest data plan at the airport kiosk just to get online. Afterwards, grab a cheaper plan in town to dodge long airport setup lines.
Local Retail Shops
You can also buy a SIM from official Kölbi, Liberty, or Claro stores in places such as San José, Alajuela, and La Fortuna.
Time-Saving Tip: Keep a photo of your passport and hotel address saved on your phone. This way, shop staff can complete your registration faster.
Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas, but it can be less secure and unreliable in rural areas or between towns.
Time-Saving Tip: Pick up a digital eSIM before you board your flight. Bypass dependence on both physical shop lines and public Wi-Fi.
Pre-Arrival Options: Travel eSIMs and Physical SIM Delivery
Setting up your connection before you travel can save time after you land. You can avoid airport queues, local store visits, and in-person SIM registration.
| Feature | Pre-Arrival Travel eSIM | Pre-Arrival Physical SIM Card | Local Prepaid SIM (In-Country) |
|---|---|---|---|
Setup Timing |
Installed digitally |
Shipped to home address |
Physically purchased from a store |
Passport Verification |
Digitally purchased |
Handled digitally |
Passport check at local counter |
Ideal For |
Smartphones with a SIM tray |
Travelers comfortable managing local lines |
|
Hardware Required |
Digital profile download |
Physical nano-SIM swap |
Physical nano-SIM swap |
When comparing all other options, a pre-arrival eSIM is the best way to get connected before you arrive.
You can get SimCorner plans that connect to local Costa Rican networks in an instant. Compare eSIM options directly via Costa Rica eSIM or order physical SIM cards via Costa Rica SIM Card.
Picking the Best Connection Setup for Your Trip
Selecting the ideal mobile data setup depends on your travel itinerary, device compatibility, and how much data you will need.
- Remote Areas and Road Trips: A local Kölbi SIM can be a good choice if you plan to visit places such as Corcovado, Tortuguero, or rural rainforest areas where coverage can vary.
- Frequent Travelers and Digital Nomads: Get a travel eSIM before departure and get online as soon as you land. This helps access maps, messaging, and everyday browsing.
- Phones without eSIM Support: Just like a travel eSIM, you can purchase a physical travel SIM before your trip. You don’t have to be in a rush to buy a SIM after arrival.
SimCorner eSIM & SIM Plans for Costa Rica
eSIM Costa Rica Travel Data Plans
- Hardware Requirement: Unlocked device with native eSIM capability.
- Delivery: Instant QR code delivery via email.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Networks | Plan Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flexi |
10–50GB |
7–45 Days |
4 Countries, 8 Networks |
|
Essential |
12GB, 18GB & 30GB |
30 Days |
||
Flexi |
1–50GB |
7–45 Days |
Claro |
|
Ultra |
20GB, 50GB & 100GB |
31 Days |
Claro, Kolbi & Liberty |
|
Unlimited (Transparent FUP) |
3GB/day, then unlimited @128kbps |
5–30 Days |
Claro |
Tourist SIM Card Costa Rica Data Plans
- Hardware Requirement: Physical SIM card slot on a carrier-unlocked phone.
- Delivery: Direct postal delivery to your home before travel.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Networks | Plan Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Essential |
12GB |
30 Days |
Multi-network |
|
|
Unlimited (Transparent FUP) |
3GB/day, then unlimited @128kbps |
5–30 Days |
Liberty |
|
Flexi |
5–50GB |
30–45 days |
Liberty |
Shipping Information: All physical SIM card plans are available for delivery to residential and commercial addresses in Australia and New Zealand. Only the Essential (12GB/30 Days) plan is exclusively available in the USA, the UK, and Canada. More details: Shipping & Delivery
Top up instantly, track usage, and stay connected worldwide with the SimCorner App.
