Staying connected to the internet is essential for modern travelers, whether you need to share your adventures on social media, access maps and navigation, or stay in touch with loved ones back home. Mobile Internet in Costa Rica can enhance your overall travel experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the country’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural offerings.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet in Costa Rica – Coverage and Speed
Mobile networks in Costa Rica saw improvements over the course of 2023, according to data from OpenSignal and Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. Here’s an overview:
1. Costa Rica Mobile Internet Coverage
All three major operators – Claro, Kölbi, and Liberty – achieved very high nationwide coverage, according to OpenSignal’s August-October 2023 data. On average, Costa Rican users spent over 97% of their time connected to a 3G or better cellular signal across all operators.
When looking specifically at 4G availability, Claro led the way with 89.6% of time spent on a 4G or better connection. This was 4.4 and 22 percentage points higher than Liberty and Kölbi respectively.
So while coverage was widespread on all networks, Claro appeared to have the most advanced 4G infrastructure across Costa Rica.
2. Speed of Mobile Internet in Costa Rica
Download and upload speeds saw marked improvements over the year. Ookla data for February to December 2023 showed median mobile download speeds rose from 25.73Mbps to 45.3Mbps, while median uploads increased from 8.42Mbps to 13.37Mbps.
OpenSignal’s Q4 2023 data revealed Claro as the fastest network for both median download (40.56Mbps) and upload speeds (9.98Mbps). Liberty had the lowest latency of 33ms.
On the fixed broadband side, Metrocom led median downloads at 225.94Mbps and uploads at 179.66Mbps according to Speedtest Intelligence.
So in summary, 4G coverage and mobile internet in Costa Rica speeds made strong gains across Costa Rica networks through 2023. Claro established itself as the leader for both speed and availability, though all operators provided near-ubiquitous national coverage. Fixed line connections also saw major improvements led by Metrocom.
Let's lean about roaming in Costa Rica in this article: Data Roaming in Costa Rica: The Essential Guide for Travelers
II. Mobile Internet in Costa Rica: Connection Options for Tourists
Here’s a table comparing the pros, cons, and price range in USD of connectivity options for travelers to Costa Rica:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free WiFi | Cost-effective option | Limited availability and coverage | Free |
| Pocket WiFi | Portable and convenient | Additional device to carry and charge | $5 – $15 per day |
| eSIM | No physical SIM card required | Limited availability and compatibility | $10 – $30 (varies by provider) |
| SIM Card | Widely available | Requires a compatible unlocked device | $10 – $30 (varies by provider) |
| Roaming | Seamless connectivity with your current mobile number | Potentially high roaming charges | Varies by carrier (can be expensive) |
If traveling to Costa Rica, using an eSIM is the best solution for tourists. Because it’s no roaming fees, convenience, flexibility, continuous connectivity, easy setup, and future-proofing against technological changes.
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Costa Rica
If you want to use mobile internet in Costa Rica, one of the most important things to budget for is mobile data. Having a reliable data connection is crucial for things like navigation, online payments, chatting with friends, and streaming entertainment. However, roaming costs with your home provider can add up quickly. Here are some tips for estimating your data needs and costs for different trip lengths to Costa Rica:
Plan that may interest you
- For a 1 week trip, 1GB of data is usually sufficient for basic tasks like maps, messaging, and light web browsing. The Costa Rica 7 Days plan from Costaricaesim.com for $9.90 offers 1GB of data and is a good affordable option.
- On longer 2-3 week trips, you’ll want more breathing room for social media, photos/videos, and streaming music. The 15 Day plan from Costaricaesim.com offers 2GB of data for $18.90, providing a good balance of data and value.
- Family trips or digital nomads staying 1 month will need several GB to stay reliably connected. The 30 Day plans range from $24.50 for 3GB up to $34.50 for 5GB from Costaricaesim.com. These represent the best value, with rates much lower than roaming costs from home carriers.
In summary, budget $10-20 for a week’s data, $15-25 for 2 weeks, and $25-35 per month by using Costa Rica eSIM plans. They offer affordable capped amounts without surprise bills compared to roaming. Be sure to check if your device supports eSIM too. With the right plan from Costaricaesim.com, you can enjoy using mobile internet in Costa Rica without worrying about data costs.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in Costa Rica
This table provides a quick comparison of the key aspects of coverage, speeds, plans, international services, customer service and device selection offered by the top three mobile operators in Costa Rica – Liberty, Claro and Kölbi.
| Operator | Coverage | Speed | Plans | International Calling | Customer Service | Handset Selection |
| Liberty | 4G LTE reaches 95% of the population. Reliable 3G in remaining areas. | Average 4G download speeds of 35Mbps, fast for streaming and web use. | Postpaid plans from $20-50. Prepaid and data add-ons available. | Competitive rates to North America and Europe. Roaming agreements allow use abroad. | Large retail presence across Costa Rica. Generally decent service but lags Claro. | Broad range of phones from entry-level to premium. |
| Claro | 4G LTE covers 90% of the population. Reliable coverage even in remote areas. | Typical 4G speeds of 25Mbps, enough for most uses. | Postpaid plans $25-60. Prepaid options and data packages. | Low rates for calls to 40+ countries. Claro Americas provides roaming in 15+ nations. | Widely praised for quality in-store and call center support. | Vast selection of latest Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Motorola devices. |
| Kölbi | 4G LTE reaches nearly 85% of the population. Expanding 4G to rural zones. | Fastest average 4G download speeds over 40Mbps. | Postpaid $20-50. Prepaid SIMs and tourist packages. | Roaming deals with 100+ global partners. Competitive international calling. | Mixed reviews on quality of support at shops and call centers. | Flagship phones available but smaller selection than competitors. |
When choosing a mobile operator in Costa Rica, it’s essential to consider factors such as network coverage, data speeds, plan options, and customer service to ensure you select the best fit for your travel needs and preferences.
Read also: Costa Rica SIM Cards: Updated Prices and Where to Buy
V. FAQs
1. How do I activate an eSIM in Costa Rica?
Activating an eSIM in Costa Rica is a hassle-free process. Simply ensure your device is eSIM-enabled, then visit your chosen telecom operator’s website or app to purchase and activate the eSIM plan of your choice. The setup can often be done directly from your device, without the need for a physical SIM card.
2. What is the average mobile internet speed in Costa Rica?
The average mobile internet in Costa Rica speed is around 20 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 50 Mbps or higher. This level of performance is suitable for most common internet activities, such as browsing, streaming, and light video conferencing.
3. Can I use public Wi-Fi in Costa Rica?
Yes, many hotels, restaurants, and other tourist-friendly establishments in Costa Rica offer free public Wi-Fi access to their customers. While public Wi-Fi can be a useful supplement to your mobile internet, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid using it for sensitive activities like banking or accessing personal information.
VI. Conclusion
As you plan your trip to Costa Rica, be sure to research the available mobile internet options, compare the offerings of the major telecom operators, and choose the solution that best suits your needs and budget. With the right mobile internet plan, you can truly make the most of your time in this captivating Central American destination.
In conclusion, having access to reliable Mobile Internet in Costa Rica connectivity is essential for tourists traveling in Costa Rica. Whether you need to stay connected with loved ones, navigate unfamiliar terrain, or simply share your travel experiences on social media, having a local SIM card or eSIM can greatly enhance your overall experience in the country.
