eSIM for Costa Rica
Prepaid mobile data from $2.99 · delivered instantly by email
Get mobile data in Costa Rica without roaming fees: prepaid eSIM plans from $2.99, delivered by email within minutes. Install it before you leave and it connects to a local network when you land.
Costa Rica eSIM at a glance
- Price
- from $2.99
- Plans
- 10
- Validity
- 1 day – 30 days
- Data
- 0.49 GB – 30 GB · Unlimited
- Networks
- Claro Costa Rica, Telefonica Costa Rica
- Delivery
- Instant, by email (QR code)
Also travelling to nearby countries?
These regional plans cover Costa Rica and more on one eSIM.
Mobile internet in Costa Rica: what to know
The practical side of staying connected in Costa Rica: network quality, calls, blocked apps and local SIM rules.
- Mobile network
- Mostly 4G/LTE
- WhatsApp & FaceTime calls
- Work normally
- Blocked on local networks
- No major apps
- Local SIM card
- Shop visit needed; the eSIM avoids it
- Main airports
- San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR)
- Useful apps
- Uber, DiDi, and Waze
eSIM for Costa Rica: your questions
How much does an eSIM for Costa Rica cost?
Plans for Costa Rica start at $2.99 for 0.49 GB · 1 day. There are 10 plans to choose from, valid from 1 day to 30 days.
What is the best Costa Rica eSIM for a one-week trip?
For 7 days in Costa Rica, the best value is 3 GB · 7 days at $6.99: enough for maps, messaging, ride apps and social media. If you stream, make video calls or work online, take 10 GB · 30 days for $19.49.
Which eSIM should I get for two weeks in Costa Rica?
For 14 days in Costa Rica, the best value is 5 GB · 15 days at $10.99: enough for maps, messaging, ride apps and social media. If you stream, make video calls or work online, take 20 GB · 30 days for $34.49.
Is there 5G in Costa Rica?
Mobile internet in Costa Rica runs mostly on 4G/LTE; 5G is limited or not yet available. 4G is fast enough for maps, video calls and streaming. Your eSIM uses 4G/LTE, and 5G where the partner network allows it.
Do WhatsApp and FaceTime calls work in Costa Rica?
Yes. Voice and video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and similar apps work normally over the eSIM data in Costa Rica.
Do I need to register a SIM or show my passport in Costa Rica?
No. Your eSIM is bought online and needs no passport check or registration in Costa Rica.
Will my eSIM work as soon as I land at San José (SJO)?
Yes. Install the eSIM at home, switch it on when you land at San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR), and it connects to a local network within a minute or two. You can order a ride or message your hotel before you leave the airport.
Where does the eSIM work in Costa Rica?
Coverage is strong in San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo and along main roads. Signal can be weak or absent in remote areas such as Corcovado and Tortuguero: download offline maps before you go.
Which apps are useful for travelling in Costa Rica?
Travellers in Costa Rica commonly use Uber, DiDi, and Waze. They all work over the eSIM data. Sign up and receive any SMS verification codes before you travel, as the eSIM has no phone number.
Can I use the same eSIM in Costa Rica and nearby countries?
Yes. Regional plans (Latam, Global Lite, and Latin America) cover Costa Rica and other countries on one eSIM, so you do not need a new one at each border.
Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in Costa Rica?
The eSIM connects to Claro Costa Rica and Telefonica Costa Rica and switches to the best available network automatically.
How much data do I need for a week in Costa Rica?
For maps, messaging and social media, 1 to 3 GB per week is usually enough. If you make video calls, stream or work online, choose 5 GB or more, or an unlimited plan.
Can I buy my Costa Rica eSIM before I travel?
Yes, and it is the best option: install it at home over Wi-Fi. The plan only starts when your phone first connects to a network in Costa Rica.
Will WhatsApp still work with my usual number?
Yes. WhatsApp stays linked to your number. Keep your regular SIM on for calls and SMS if you want, and use the eSIM for data.
