Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary airport serving the city of San José and the surrounding central region of Costa Rica. As a major gateway for travelers visiting Costa Rica, getting a local SIM card upon arrival at Juan Santamaría Airport is a common task. This guide will provide helpful information on where and how to purchase a SIM card at the airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría Airport
There are several options for purchasing a Costa Rica SIM card upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport:
1. Vendors in the Arrivals Area
After passing through immigration and customs, you will find a Kölbi/ICE kiosk just past the customs area exit. They sell SIM cards (around $5) with varying amounts of data, minutes, and texts.
Prices and included value for SIM cards at these official kiosks are generally reasonable.
Keep your passport handy, as you'll need to provide it to purchase and register the SIM.
2. Airport Convenience Stores
- Small convenience stores like PlugIn located throughout the airport also sell SIM cards from Kolbi, Liberty, and Claro. Rates and data bundles may not be as competitive as the main kiosks.
- But if you’re already buying water/snacks, it’s a quick option to grab a SIM card too.
Get more insights on Buying a SIM card at Costa Rica Airports: #1 Definitive Guide
II. Juan Santamaría Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
The main mobile operators at Juan Santamaría International Airport are Kölbi (state-owned), Liberty, and Claro. Here’s an overview of what’s available from each:
| Provider | Plan Name | Data Allotment | Duration | Price in USD |
| kölbi (ICE) | En Todas Plus 10 | 500 MB | 10 days | ~$4 |
| kölbi (ICE) | En Todas y más | 2 GB | 30 days | ~$7 |
| Liberty | PrePlan 15+ | 2.3 GB | 15 days | ~$8 |
| Liberty | PrePlan 15 | 1.4 GB | 15 days | ~$7 |
| Claro | 7 days | 3 GB | 7 days | ~$9 |
| Claro | 15 days | 2 GB | 15 days | ~$7 |
Find out which carrier has the best coverage in San José with our article How To Buy A SIM Card In San José: Tips from Locals.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría Airport
- Valid photo ID or passport – You will need to show one of these to purchase a SIM card.
- Funds in Costa Rican colones – SIM cards and plans are paid for in CRC. Kölbi SIMs start at 1000 CRC, Liberty at 1500 CRC, and Claro 1000-2500 CRC.
- Decide on a mobile operator – The main options are Kölbi, Liberty, and Claro. Kölbi has the best coverage.
- Choose a SIM type – Prepaid SIM only or bundles with data/minutes. Kölbi, Liberty and Claro offer these.
- Know package/plan details – Data allowances, validity periods, add-on options from each provider. Plans start from 100MB for 1 day to 2GB monthly.
By having your passport handy, an unlocked phone that’s charged up, and knowing your required SIM card size, the process of getting connected with a Costa Rican SIM upon arrival at SJO can be quick, convenient, and cost effective.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Juan Santamaría Airport
While physical SIM cards purchased at the airport are the most common option, eSIM technology provides an alternative way to get connected upon arrival in Costa Rica:
1. What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is an embedded, software-based SIM card that is programmed remotely. There is no physical card to insert into your phone.
International providers like costaricaesim.com by GIGAGO offer tourists an easy alternative to purchasing a physical SIM upon arrival in Costa Rica.
Benefits of getting an eSIM from costaricaesim.com:
- Plans include coverage across Costa Rica on the Claro/Kolbi network.
- eSIM profiles can be set up and purchased from the website prior to travel.
- Upon arrival in Costa Rica, the eSIM can be instantly activated by scanning the QR code sent via email to gain connectivity on the local network.
- Additional features include hotspot/tethering ability and 24/7 customer support.
Plan that may interest you
V. FAQs about Getting a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría Airport
Do I need to purchase a SIM card at the airport?
No, there are other options like getting one in the city center or using eSIM. But Juan Santamaría airport provides the most convenience immediately after landing.
How much does a SIM card at Juan Santamaría airport cost?
Basic prepaid SIM cards start around $5 USD. Tourist packages with data average $20-30 USD. Shop around for best rates.
How long does it take to get a SIM card at Juan Santamaría airport?
If you come prepared, it should only take about 10-15 minutes including wait time, purchasing SIM, activating it, and testing connectivity.
Can I pay in US dollars for a SIM card at Juan Santamaría Airport?
Some vendors may accept USD cash. But having local colones or using a credit/debit card provides the most convenience.
Does a SIM card at Juan Santamaría airport come with data? How much data should I get?
Basic SIMs may include 100MB free. Tourist SIMs offer 1-3GB. Get enough data for maps/apps during airport transfer and early travels.
How do I refill/recharge a SIM car?
You can purchase reload cards (often near SIM card stands) or mobile top-up cards in supermarkets and shops around San Jose.
Can I use the airport SIM card for my whole trip?
Airport SIMs are fine for short trips. For longer visits, you may want more data or purchase another local SIM card during your stay.
Do I need to show my passport to get an airport SIM card?
Yes, you need to provide your passport as ID when purchasing and registering any SIM card in Costa Rica.
Is buying a SIM card at Juan Santamaría airport reliable? Is coverage good?
Yes, major providers like Kolbi and Liberty have strong national coverage. Airport SIMs are a safe bet for connectivity.
VI. Conclusion
Obtaining a SIM card at Juan Santamaría Airport upon your arrival should be one of your top priorities . With main operators like Kolbi and Liberty offering tourist-friendly packages, getting set up with cellular data, calls and texts is a quick and easy process – especially if you come prepared with passport, unlocked phone, and charger.
Alternatively, eSIM technology allows you to conveniently activate pre-purchased service on landing. With the right SIM card or eSIM, you’ll have seamless connectivity for mapping, ride booking, and sharing photos of your early moments in Costa Rica.
