Are you traveling to Costa Rica and want a prepaid SIM card for your phone? Getting a local SIM to remain reachable but without high international roaming rates makes this possible. While using Costa Rica SIM cards is relatively new, it offers instant and reliable communication through the latest generation 4G/LTE network.
This article will provide all the information on acquiring a Costa Rica SIM card.
Table of Contents
I. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Costa Rica Trip?
When traveling abroad, using your regular home SIM card can lead to extremely high roaming fees for calls, texts, and data. Renting a SIM card in your destination is often the cheapest and most convenient option. Here are some key benefits of getting a local Costa Rica SIM card:
1. Save Money
Rather than paying high roaming charges from your provider in your homeland, a Costa Rica SIM will let you pay low local rates. You may save hundreds of dollars during the trip.
2. Better Coverage
Costa Rican providers like Kolbi and Movistar have extensive networks that reach even remote areas. A local SIM ensures you get strong coverage around the country.
3. Unlimited Data
Most Costa Rica SIM cards come with unlimited data plans. This allows you to use maps, stream media, and stay connected hassle-free.
II. Costa Rica SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
When buying a Costa Rican SIM, you’ll come across two main options:
1. Physical SIM Card
This is a standard SIM card that goes into your unlocked phone. Popular providers like Kolbi and Movistar issue physical SIMs.
- Easy to obtain
- Works on any unlocked phone
- Must go to the store to get SIM
2. eSIM from costaricaesim.com
An eSIM is a digital SIM downloaded to your phone. eSIM provider like costaricaesim.com by GIGAGO offer eSIMs for Costa Rica.
- More convenient
- Keep your number
- Limited phone compatibility
- Only data, no local calling
For most travelers, a physical SIM card is the better choice. It gives you complete cell service, and you can easily get it upon arrival at the airport or local provider shops.
III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica SIM cards usually offer data-only plans or packages with calling, texts, and data. For a short 1-2 week trip, most travelers find 5-10GB of data is sufficient. This allows you to:
- Use Google Maps for navigation
- Look up directions and opening hours
- Share photos and videos on social media
- Stream some music and light video
- Stay in touch via messaging apps
If you'll be staying longer or using more data-intensive apps, go for a 10-15GB plan. For heavy data users who stream HD video, 30GB plans are also available.
IV. How Much Does a Costa Rica SIM Card Cost?
Here is the information about SIM card costs in Costa Rica presented in bullet points:
- The main cell phone providers in Costa Rica are Kölbi, Liberty, and Claro.
- Kölbi charges 1,000 colones for their SIM card.
- Liberty charges 1,500 colones for a SIM card.
- Claro’s SIM card ranges in price from:
- 1,000 colones if you don’t add money when buying
- 2,500 colones if you do add money when buying
- In general, most SIM cards will cost between 1,000 to 2,500 colones.
In US dollars, the cost is around:
- $1.50 for a SIM card at the lower end of the price range
- $3.75 at the higher end of the price range
- So picking up a prepaid SIM card only requires a small investment of 1,000-2,500 colones or around $1.50-$3.75.
V. Costaricaesim.com – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
If you have an iPhone or newer smartphone model that supports eSIM, you can opt for a digital eSIM plan for Costa Rica instead of a physical nano-SIM card. eSIMs are installed directly on your device – no need to swap SIM cards.
Benefits of Using an eSIM for Costa Rica from costaricaesim.com by GIGAGO:
- Keep your original phone number activated instead of needing a Costa Rica local number.
- Easy online purchase and installation before travel by downloading the eSIM profile from the email received after ordering.
- Suitable for dual SIM phone users who don’t want to remove their primary SIM.
Plan that may interest you
Saves the hassle of finding a SIM card retail store in Costa Rica and allows activating data access anywhere in the country. Round-the-clock support from costaricaesim.com are available should any issues arise during purchase or installation of the Costa Rica eSIM plan.
VI. Where to Buy a Costa Rica SIM Card?
You can purchase a Costa Rica SIM card at:
1. Airport
There are booths at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose where you can buy SIMs from Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro. Prices are reasonable and you’ll have it set up upon arrival.
2. Provider Stores
Major cities have dedicated shops for the various providers where you can get SIM cards. Look for locations like Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro. Bring your passport.
3. Mall Kiosks
In malls and shopping centers, you’ll often find kiosks selling SIM cards from multiple providers. They’ll help you activate it.
4. Online
Ordering online in advance can be convenient if you want it ready upon arrival. Companies like Kolbi allow online purchase and airport pickup.
For the best deals, buy from official mobile carrier stores or kiosks. Avoid street vendors selling SIMs as these may be fraudulent.
Get more insights on Buying a SIM card at Costa Rica Airports: #1 Definitive Guide
VII. How to Use Costa Rica SIM Cards
Using your Costa Rican SIM card is easy. Follow these steps when you get it:
- Activate the SIM
At the store, airport, or kiosk, they can activate the SIM for you. If not, call the provider’s hotline to activate.
- Insert into Phone
Turn off your phone, pop out your usual SIM, and insert the Costa Rica SIM. Turn your phone back on.
- Configure APN Settings
Under network settings, manually enter the provider’s APN details. This allows mobile data usage.
- Recharge as Needed
When your data or minutes run low, purchase top-up cards from stores around Costa Rica to recharge the SIM.
- Turn Off Data Roaming
To avoid unintended roaming charges, disable data roaming on your phone. Enable WiFi calling if available.
Follow your provider's setup instructions to get started. Once activated, the SIM will give you local Costa Rican cell service.
VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Costa Rica SIM Cards
The top Costa Rican mobile networks compatible with visitor SIM cards are:
1. Kolbi
Owned by the state electricity and telecom company ICE, Kolbi has excellent nationwide 4G and 3G coverage. Their tourist SIMs start at $12 for 5GB.
2. Liberty
This brand has fast 4G service across Costa Rica. Their prepaid SIMs begin around $25 for 8GB data. ATMs sell top-up cards.
3. Claro
Claro has a solid LTE network and competitively priced tourist SIMs. Speeds are quick and reliable even in remote zones.
You can’t go wrong with the major providers. For rural areas, Kolbi tends to have superior infrastructure. Compare rates and coverage maps before you buy.
Not sure which Costa Rica mobile operator to choose for your up coming trip? Check our article Mobile Operators in Costa Rica: Which One is the Best? to get more useful information!
IX. Tips for Saving Data for Costa Rica SIM Card
To reduce your data usage while traveling:
- Connect to free WiFi whenever available in hotels, cafes, etc.
- Download offline Google Maps of the area on WiFi before venturing out
- Put your phone on airplane mode when not in use
- Disable auto app updates and cloud backups
- Close background apps not in use
- Lower video resolution settings while streaming
- Disable auto video play on apps like Facebook or Twitter
Read also: Using A Cell Phone In Costa Rica – How Can I Do It?
X. FAQs
Can I use my regular SIM card from back home in Costa Rica?
Yes, but you’ll pay very expensive roaming rates. Purchasing a local SIM is cheaper.
Can I get a SIM card at Costa Rica airport?
Yes, there are SIM card desks in the arrivals area of the airports. Major providers like Kolbi and Movistar are available.
Do I need to show ID to buy a Costa Rica SIM?
Yes, you’ll need to provide your passport as identification when purchasing a SIM.
Are data speeds fast on Costa Rican networks?
Yes, 4G LTE service is widely available and fast. Speeds are quick enough for streaming and video calls.
Can I use a Costa Rica SIM in other Central American countries?
No, Costa Rican SIMs will not work outside the country. You’ll need new SIMs for each country.
XI. Final Words
Using a local SIM card is the best way to save money and stay connected during your Costa Rica trip. Major providers like Kolbi and Movistar offer prepaid packages with plenty of data and excellent coverage.
Shop around for the best rates, and purchase your SIM upon arrival at the airport. Follow the setup steps to get started on a Costa Rican mobile network fast. Have a great trip!
