5 Best SIM Cards for Costa Rica

If you enjoy staying connected during your beach vacation or sharing travel photos on social media, then you must choose the right SIM card for Costa Rica.

Grote KnipKnip is another beautiful beach, known for its abundant marine wildlife, visible on this snorkeling excursion. Taking a day trip to Klein Curaçao (Little Curaçao) is worthwhile as well, an uninhabited island with pristine coastlines and some of the clearest waters globally. This catamaran cruise includes a visit to the island along with snorkeling, a buffet, and an open bar.

However, the Holafly eSIM option is not the sole choice available. In this guide, I’ll discuss the top-rated Costa Rican SIM cards. I`ve selected the major local cellular phone companies in Costa Rica, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each. Furthermore, I’ll offer information about purchasinga SIM card for Costa Rica, whether it’s prior to your trip or while exploring the stunning landscapes of one of the most beautiful nations in Central America.

How do SIM cards in Costa Rica work?

SIM cards in Costa Rica operate quite simply; you merely need to insert them into your phone to start browsing the internet. Some even come with a few minutes and text messages at no additional cost, ensuring seamless communication as you enjoy the greatest activities in Costa Rica.

Should one choose an international digital SIM card, the process differs somewhat. The QR code received via email must be scanned using a mobile phone, activating the data package. However, it is imperative to confirm compatibility with certain phones beforehand, as support can vary; guidance on this is provided here.

Costa Rica SIM cards price comparison

In the following table, you’ll find different prepaid SIM cards for Costa Rica, making it possible to evaluate their pricing, duration in days, and the amount of GB provided by each. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your travel needs. The table incorporates options like the Holafly eSIM and the SimOptions SIM card, along with SIM cards from the top local cell phone companies in Costa Rica.

After examining the alternatives, you’ll notice that while the Holafly eSIM may not be the most affordable option, it allows for unlimited data usage. As a result, if you anticipate needing significant data amounts, it could prove more cost-beneficial over acquiring numerous Costa Rica SIM cards with lower data limits. Additionally, setting it up is quick and easy, and assistance is available 24/7 should any issues emerge.

If you select a physical Costa Rica SIM card, I propose choosing the SimOptions card. Its monthly plan delivers a generous data allotment at a competitive rate, even when contrasted to other local telephone companies.

If your trip is shorter and you don’t require much data, local mobile carriers in Costa Rica are excellent options. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to wait until you arrive at your destination to install them, which will take a lot of your valuable vacation time.

Best SIM cards for Costa Rica

Selecting the most suitable SIM card for Costa Rica depends on individual preferences. If you prefer having your phone ready to connect as soon as you arrive, I suggest the Holafly eSIM, which can be directly obtained from their website.

However, if you want internet access upon arrival but prefer a physical SIM card, an excellent substitute choice is to order a SimOptions SIM card beforehand. You’ll obtain it at your home within a maximum time frame of 72 business hours.

If you aim to reduce expenses and prefer a indigenous Costa Rican mobile network card, I suggest investigating other selections. In the subsequent section, I will furnish detailed data on each telecommunications business’s attributes, alongside the advantages and drawbacks of the offerings they present.

1. Holafly eSIM, the best SIM card for Costa Rica

The Holafly eSIM is the best SIM card for Costa Rica, provided your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

To acquire this eSIM, go to the Holafly website and complete the purchase. Shortly after, you`ll receive an email containing a QR code. Simply scan the code to begin enjoying your internet connection. The process is remarkably straightforward, and if any questions or issues arise, a 24-hour support chat is available.

One of my key reasons for selecting Holafly during my journey was that it is the sole SIM card in Costa Rica with unlimited data —a significant advantage for staying connected on social media websites, email, and even making calls and video calls. However, it`s important to note that the data cannot be shared with greater than one device, so each travel companion necessitates ordering their own eSIM card to be usedin Costa Rica.

Holafly has often been our preferred selection for varied voyages, as explained in my assessment of Holafly eSIM, which will furnish you comprehensive data about its services.

2. SimOptions card, another one of the best SIM cards for Costa Rica

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For me, making preparations well in advance for my vacations is preferable, so SimOptions can be a good alternative to other Costa Rican SIM cards. Be sure to order the SimOptions card at minimum 3 business days before your departure so you receive it at home prior to leaving. Inserting it into your mobile device is straightforward—simply put it in and you`re ready to surf the internet.

If your device only has one slot, the local SIM card must be removed prior to inserting the new one. But if it supports dual slots, both SIM cards can remain inserted simultaneously.

This option is particularly suggested for users whose phones do not support eSIM cards inCosta Rica.

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3. Kolbi, another good SIM card for Costa Rica

Kolbi is the largest telecommunications business in the country, offering some of the highly regarded identification cards in Costa Rica. Renowned for its dependable coverage, Kolbi ensures connectivity not only in cities but also in more distant areas.

The Kolbi SIM card in Costa Rica offers a dedicated plan for tourists, valid for one month. The plan incorporates 100 minutes of domestic calls, allowing you to use your phone without incurring additional costs.

While having their cards accessible in many stores all over the country is beneficial, the Kolbi SIM card in Costa Rica may not be the most economical choice. SimOptions, for instance, provides a plan with an equivalent timeframe and cost but delivers double the mobile data, rendering it a more appealing choice.

4. Claro, an alternative Costa Rica SIM card

If you’re still exploring your choices, consider Claro’s SIM card for Costa Rica. Claro provides various duration plans, offering a more customized selection compared to other providers. Notably, it stands out for having some of the most cost-effective prices available, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers.

However, you should note that Claro`s coverage might not be as extensive in certain regions of the country. If being constantly linked isn`t crucial or you don`t rely on nonstop connectivity for work, Claro remains a viable selection. Moreover, the widespread availability of Claro stores means you can easily procure them anywhere you travel.

Keep in mind that the data plans might not suffice for heavy users of mobile data, as the maximum offered is 5 GB for one month. Recharging is an option, but this should be considered when making cost comparisons. If frequent mobile data is used, opting for Holafly could prove to be more cost-effective.

5. Liberty, one of the cheapest SIM cards for Costa Rica

If you are searching for an affordable choice, Liberty is a company worth considering when selecting a SIM card for Costa Rica. While their pricing options are budget-friendly, it is crucial to note that their mobile data plans have relatively low allotments. Therefore, I only recommend Liberty SIM cards in Costa Rica to users who have minimal data needs, like sending a few correspondences.

For example, their maximum duration plan extends 2 weeks and includes 2 GB of data, which is suitable only for those who use their smartphones sparingly. As with Claro, there may be areas where signal strength is not optimal, so if reliable coverage is a priority, exploring alternate cell phone providers in Costa Rica could be a better choice.

Where to buy a SIM card for Costa Rica

You can acquire aSIM card for Costa Rica either in your home nation or upon arriving at your destination. Configuring your phone before boarding the plane allows travel without concerns, and if any problems arise, you can address them from the comfort of home, which can be extremely beneficial.

Buy a SIM card for Costa Rica at home

Purchasing your Costa Rica mobile SIM card in your home country is the best choice if you want to fully enjoy your vacation. It allows you to focus solely on appreciating your destination, as your device will be ready for use immediately upon disembarking from the plane.

I additionally endorse this Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs excursion. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the springs’ waters. Then, you’ll head to the Aurorium, where hopefully you`ll be able to watch an aurora display.

Buy a SIM card for Costa Rica upon arrival

Another choice is buying a SIM card for Costa Rica upon arriving at the airport or one of the nationwide stores. However, I suggest avoiding unauthorized sellers, as those SIM cards risk premature deactivation or not including the promised data.

One downside to this approach is limited time to compare options at the airport if on an organized tour, as sales areas may close depending on arrival time. Personally, I prefer focusing on exploring attractions and immersing in the local culture rather than dealing with errands that could have been arranged beforehand, so I purchase SIM cards prior to my trip.

How to activate a SIM card in Costa Rica

Activating the Holafly eSIM card is a straightforward process. All you need to do is scan a QR code that you will receive via email —fast and simple. However, if you opt for a physical international SIM card, you’ll need to remove your current card and insert the new one unless your phone has a dual slot.

While most Costa Rica SIM cards start working spontaneously, some may require configuration and activation via SMS. This varies depending on the chosen telephone company. I recommend asking at the store during purchase and waiting until your phone connects to the internet to ensure activation.

Requirements for using a SIM card in Costa Rica

To obtain a SIM card during a stay in Costa Rica, one simply needs to show their passport and select the data package matching their needs.

To access the internet using any of the mentioned SIM cards, confirm that you have a phone without restrictions. Additionally, for digital cards, verify your phone’s compatibility with the country’s network frequencies. Failing to do so risks preventing you from using any SIM card in Costa Rica, which makes this step extremely vital.

I personally rely on the Holafly eSIM, and I always verify compatibility through this link. Alternatively, you can seek assistance at the point of purchase, where they will furnish you with all the needed information.

Costa Rica SIM card vs Latin America SIM card

For travelers planning visits to multiple countries throughout Latin America, opting to use the Holafly eSIM for Latin America is a sensible choice. These plans, with durations ranging from 5 to 90 days, come at a marginally higher expense compared to other SIM cards for Costa Rica. However, they provide coverage in some of the most noteworthy countries to explore in Latin America, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Chile, Nicaragua, Peru, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. Therefore, for travelers with itineraries incorporating several of these nations, it will unquestionably be a cost-effective option.

Now that you are aware of how to access the internet in Costa Rica, you can identify the perfect option for your budget and trip duration. I`m certain you`ll find an alternative that perfectly meets your needs. If you have any questions or wish to share your experience using any of these SIM cards for Costa Rica, feel free to leave a comment below.

Spend your time in Costa Rica to the fullest extent!