If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, a local SIM or eSIM keeps you connected for maps, ride shares, and quick calls without paying high roaming fees from home. Most spots have good cell service, but signals drop in thick forests or high mountains.
This guide compares providers, explains buying options, covers eSIM plans that hold up, estimates data for common apps, and lists errors to avoid. Based on how networks perform in 2025, you can pick what fits your route.
Main Mobile Providers in Costa Rica Compared
Costa Rica has three main carriers: Kolbi from state-run ICE, Claro, and Liberty. They each run their own towers, so coverage and speed change by area. For mixed trips with towns and trails, Kolbi covers most ground. Claro works well in outlying spots, while Liberty handles city demands.
Kolbi reaches about 95% of the country, holding steady in parks and back roads. It offers 4G in many places and 5G in bigger towns, fine for calls and basic apps.
Claro provides strong signals in remote areas like the Osa Peninsula or northern coasts. It often shows faster download speeds, around 25 Mbps on average, with 5G in select zones.
Liberty leads in urban speeds, hitting up to 85 Mbps downloads in San José, with early 5G rollout. It covers coasts and cities well but thins out in far spots.
All carriers include free data for apps like WhatsApp in many plans. Check their sites for deals, which shift often.
| Carrier | Rural Coverage | City Speeds | Sample 7-Day Plan (Data + Calls) | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolbi | Broad, steady in parks | Average | $5: 2GB data, unlimited local calls | Trips with towns and nature |
| Claro | Good in isolated zones | Fast | $6: 3GB data, unlimited calls | Remote beaches or hikes |
| Liberty | Weaker in distant areas | Quickest | $5: 2.5GB data, unlimited social apps | City stays |
Who Has the Best Rural Coverage? Who’s Fastest in Cities?
For rural areas, Kolbi and Claro stand out. Kolbi covers more land overall, making it reliable for drives through national parks or mountain paths. Claro matches it in many remote spots and sometimes pulls ahead in signal strength for data-heavy tasks.
In cities like San José or Liberia, Liberty offers the top speeds, especially with 5G now live in urban centers. Claro comes close for downloads, while Kolbi is solid but slower during peak hours. If your trip stays in towns, Liberty keeps things quick for uploads or streaming.
5G arrived in 2025, with Liberty and Claro leading the rollout in key areas. Kolbi follows with expansions. Expect 4G as the main network in most tourist spots, with 5G adding speed in cities.
Buying a Physical SIM Card: Airport or In-Town?
You can pick up a SIM right after landing or wait for a town shop. Each choice balances ease and cost.
At the Airport:
- Kiosks at Juan Santamaría (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber (LIR) in Liberia sell from Kolbi and Claro.
- SIM cards cost $4–6, with starter plans at $5 for a week of data and calls.
- Handy for instant use, but prices run 20–50% higher than in town.
- Bring your passport; rules require registration, often with a fingerprint scan.
- Stick to official stands to avoid fake cards.
In Town:
- Carrier stores in malls, electronics shops like Gollo, or small pulperías sell SIMs for $2–4.
- Plans match airport options, and staff help with setup.
- Passport needed for registration, no extra steps for visitors.
- Cheaper for longer trips; grab one the next day if arriving late.
For short stays, airport setup gets you going fast. Longer visits save money in town. To activate:
- Insert the SIM.
- Dial a code like *123#.
- Restart your phone—ready in minutes.
eSIM Options That Work in Costa Rica—and When They Don’t
If your phone supports eSIM, like iPhones from XR or newer Androids, buy online before you fly. Scan a QR code on arrival for quick activation, no shop needed. These link to local networks like Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty.
Reliable Providers and Plans:
- Airalo: Flexible options, like 1GB for 7 days at $8.50 or 20GB for 30 days at $39.50. Good for varying needs, with 4G/5G where available.
- Holafly: Unlimited data from $7.90 for 1 day, up to longer plans. Works on Liberty or Claro; share 500MB daily with others.
- Nomad: Starts at $8 for 1GB/7 days, with high-speed 4G/5G in cities like San José or Tamarindo.
- Other Choices: Saily from $7.99, Jetpac for budget 3GB at $8. All cover major zones but cost more per GB than physical SIMs.
Pros: Keep your home number, easy switches, no lines. Setup needs WiFi at first.
They connect well in tourist areas but fade in deep jungle like Corcovado. APN settings might need manual entry if auto-setup fails—check the provider’s guide. Locked phones block activation; test at home. In low-signal spots like Monteverde, any option struggles.
Typical Data Needs for Travelers
Data amounts depend on your habits. For maps and messaging, plan for daily use patterns. A standard traveler with navigation and chats uses 200–500MB a day.
- Google Maps or Waze: 5–10MB per hour of directions, or 20–50MB for a full day with traffic updates.
- WhatsApp: Texts take 1–5MB daily; voice calls add 15–20MB for short talks; video hits 100MB for 30 minutes.
- Uber or Ride Apps: 10–20MB per booking and tracking; less with saved maps.
- Overall Weekly Estimates:
- Light (texts, quick searches): 1–2GB.
- Moderate (daily routes, social posts): 3–5GB.
- Heavy (videos, uploads): 7GB+.
Use hotel WiFi, often 10–20Mbps, to handle emails or calls and stretch your plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with SIMs and eSIMs
Small errors can leave you offline. Here’s how to skip them.
- Forgetting to Unlock Your Phone: Home carrier locks block local SIMs. Check and unlock weeks ahead; it takes time.
- APN Setup Glitches: Data fails without correct access points, common on eSIMs. Enter settings like “internet.libertycr.com” from the provider, then restart.
- Running Out of Data Quietly: Balances drop without big alerts. Track with apps or codes like *123#; recharge early to keep maps working.
- Leaving Roaming On: Home plan fees add up. Turn off data roaming in settings or use airplane mode for WiFi.
- Buying from Shady Sellers: Airport or street deals can give fake cards. Use branded kiosks and register with ID.
- Ignoring Compatibility: Older phones miss local bands. Confirm support for GSM 850/1900 (calls) and LTE 2/4/7/28 (data).
Recharging Your SIM and Extra Tips
Low on credit? Recharge options keep it simple.
- Online: Use carrier apps with a credit card.
- Scratch Cards: Buy at supermarkets, scratch the code, dial it in.
- In-Store: Pay cash at outlets.
Set balance alerts if available. For groups, rent a portable hotspot for $10 a day unlimited from local firms.
Dial 911 for emergencies from any phone. Turn off auto-updates to save data. Download offline maps in apps like Maps.me for weak-signal areas.
Costs stay low: $10–20 for moderate use over two weeks. Match your carrier to the route—Kolbi or Claro for rural drives, Liberty for town time.
With this setup, your phone handles everything from Arenal trails to Pacific beaches. Pick a SIM or eSIM that fits, monitor data, and stay connected on the road.