Mobile Operators in Costa Rica: Which One is the Best?

Mobile phone service is provided by many competing telecommunications in Costa Rica. Making the choice of operator for somebody visiting or moving to Costa Rica is not a simple matter. 

In this article, we’ll summarize for you the major mobile operators, tips on how to select the best option, compares major providers, and answers some frequently asked questions.

I. Mobile Operators in Costa Rica at a Glance

If you’re looking to get a mobile phone plan in Costa Rica, you’ve got a few solid options to choose from. The three main mobile operators in Costa Rica are Claro, Liberty, and Kölbi.

II. Selecting the Best Mobile Operators in Costa Rica

• Coverage – Check out whether the operator provides 4G service in your area of residence, work, and travel destinations. Kölbi and Claro operate the largest telecommunication networks in Peru.
• Speed – Performance varies. Recent studies show that, on average, the speed of the 4G networks is fastest at Claro, followed by Kölbi.

• Network bands in Costa Rica – Make sure your device is compatible with network bands used in Costa Rica. Unlocked phones usually work on any operator.
• Contract vs prepaid – Prepaid offers more freedom, but contract may provide more for heavy users.

III. Best Mobile Operators in Costa Rica – Detailed Comparison

Digging deeper into the top providers in Costa Rica:

1. Liberty

• Coverage – 4G LTE reaches about 95% of the population. 3G fills most remaining gaps. Liberty has a reliable service across cities and major routes.
• Speeds – Average download speeds of 35 Mbps, just behind Kölbi as the fastest network. Good performance for streaming and web use.
• Plans – Postpaid monthly plans from about $20 for 500 MB of data to $50 for 10 GB. Discounted prepaid packs and data add-ons available.
• International – Competitive rates to call North America and Europe. Roaming agreements allow use abroad.
• Customer Service – Large retail presence across Costa Rica. Customer service generally decent but lags Claro.
• Phone Selection – Broad range of cell phones from entry-level Android to premium iPhones available.
• Perks – Spotify, Netflix, and other streaming services included on high-end plans.

2. Claro

• Coverage – 4G LTE reaches 90% of population. Claro has a reliable service even in remote areas thanks to wide network.
• Speeds – Typical 4G speeds of 25 Mbps. Slightly slower than Liberty but still fast enough for most uses.
• Plans – Postpaid plans from $25 for 1.5 GB to $60 for unlimited data. Prepaid options and data packages too.
• International – Low rates for calls to 40+ countries. Claro Americas roaming provides service in 15+ nations.
• Customer Service – Widely praised for quality of in-store experience and call centers.
• Phone Selection – Vast range of latest devices from Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola and more.
• Perks – Free access to Claro Video streaming on higher-end plans.

3. Kölbi

• Coverage – 4G LTE reaches near 85% of population. Kölbi still expanding 4G to more rural zones.
• Speeds – Fastest average 4G download speeds upwards of 40 Mbps in testing. Quick for media and downloads.
• Plans – Postpaid options from $20 for 500 MB to $50 for 6 GB. Also prepaid and tourist SIMs.
• International – Has roaming deals with 100+ partners globally. International calling competitive.
• Customer Service – Mixed reviews on quality of customer support and retail outlets.
• Phone Selection – All major flagships available but smaller selection than Claro and Liberty.
• Perks – Data-free access to select apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Costa Rica Mobile Operators?

SIM cards are available at airport kiosks upon arrival and at branded retail stores across Costa Rica:

• Claro – Widest retail presence with stores in nearly every mall and many convenience stores.
• Liberty – Good distribution of stores in cities and airports. Look for blue logo.
• Kölbi – Kölbi shops located in some malls and outlets. Limited third-party sales.

V. eSIM in Costa Rica – an Overview

Besides these local operators, eSIM provider costaricaesim.com by GIGAGO also makes it easy for visitors to purchase plans from Claro or Kolbi’s network in Costa Rica while abroad as well. Plans will be based on our website, offering 1 GB or 3GB for seven days at US $ 37.80 each month; as well as a package of the same amount used over fourteen days, also starting from us $ 45 every four months.

Plan that may interest you

It’s easy to set up a Gigago eSIM remotely for Costa Rica. The customers then receive their profile details, including a QR code to scan on the compatible device. After the eSIM connects to service in their country, it automatically turns on data access.

Thus, whether it be with local mobile operators ‘eSIM options or the multi-country plans of global one eGigago, travellers now have a variety of digital alternatives for going online in Costa Rica. This allows them to access cellular data without incurring any roaming charges on visits.

VI. FAQs about Mobile Operators in Costa Rica

VII. Final Words

In the end, all three major mobile operators in Costa Rica have pros and cons. Consider your needs and research plans to find the best fit. Ask others for recommendations too. Competition is strong, so choose the provider that best meets your requirements for good coverage and service throughout the country.