{"id":3517,"date":"2023-11-23T02:35:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T02:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/?page_id=3517"},"modified":"2024-05-10T02:24:49","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T02:24:49","slug":"airport-sim-card","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/airport-sim-card\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a SIM card at Costa Rica Airports: #1 Definitive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Visiting Costa Rica can be an exciting adventure, but staying connected while exploring this tropical paradise is extremely important. Purchasing a local SIM card is the most affordable and convenient way to access mobile data during your travels. Buying a SIM card at Costa Rica airport upon arrival ensures you have connectivity right away versus trying to find and purchase one in town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This definitive guide will provide everything you need to know to smoothly buy a Costa Rica SIM at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"sim card at costa rica airport feature picture\" class=\"wp-image-3555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><div><div><a href=\"#i-where-can-tourists-find-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">I. Where Can Tourists Find a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#ii-what-to-prepare-to-buy-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">II. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iii-best-bets-outside-costa-rica-airports\">III. Best Bets Outside Costa Rica Airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#iv-e-sim-an-alternative-to-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">IV. eSIM \u2013 An Alternative to SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#v-fa-qs-about-buying-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">V. FAQs about Buying a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#vi-conclusion\">VI. Conclusion<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-where-can-tourists-find-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">I. Where Can Tourists Find a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/28.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two international airports in Costa Rica that serve as the primary entry points for travelers &#8211; Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-juan-santamaria-international-airport-sjo-in-san-jose\">1. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the busiest airport, SJO offers the most options and availability for purchasing SIM cards on arrival. There are multiple stores, kiosks, and operators within the airport to buy either prepaid or eSIM cards. Prices are very reasonable and competitive between the various sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose\" class=\"wp-image-4025\" width=\"840\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Juan-Santamaria-International-Airport-SJO-in-San-Jose.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjoairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.sjoairport.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The following provider kiosks and stores are available in the SJO airport arrivals area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kolbi<\/strong> &#8211; Prepaid and eSIM plans available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Movistar<\/strong> &#8211; Prepaid SIM cards available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Claro<\/strong> &#8211; Prepaid SIM cards available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-custom-block-Z1otGmn wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-custom-block\"><div class=\"ggg-custom-shortcode gigago-block-blue\">\n    <div class=\"ggg-shortcode-content\">\n        <p><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Note:<\/strong> Keep in mind SJO can be very busy so be sure to allocate enough time on arrival to find a SIM provider and wait in any potential lines. Having local currency ready, knowing the amount of data needed beforehand, and researching plan options can help expedite the process.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-daniel-oduber-quiros-international-airport-lir-in-liberia\">2. Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LIR airport serves the Guanacaste region in northwest Costa Rica. It is much smaller than SJO but still offers multiple kiosks and stores to purchase SIM cards upon arrival including Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro. However, selection may be more limited than SJO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prepaid SIMs are readily available but eSIM capabilities may be restricted. Prices are generally very comparable to SJO though and the smaller airport size allows for quick purchasing. Overall, LIR is a very feasible option for getting connected right after landing in Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia\" class=\"wp-image-4028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2024\/05\/Daniel-Oduber-Quiros-International-Airport-LIR-in-Liberia.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lirairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.lirairport.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ii-what-to-prepare-to-buy-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">II. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"what to prepare to buy a sim card in costa rica\" class=\"wp-image-3654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/11\/32.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For both SJO and LIR airports, the arrivals area just after passing through immigration and customs is where you\u2019ll find kiosks and stores to buy a SIM card. There will be visible signage and branded stores for the major providers Kolbi, Movistar and Claro. Some general tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Look for kiosks or stores located close to the exits\/transportation pick-up area to minimize walking after purchase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm the provider offers prepaid\/eSIM options and your desired data amounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have passport ready to show for registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Know the duration you need coverage for (e.g 30 days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inquire about activation timeframe so you know when your service will start<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Kolbi and Movistar vendors accept both USD and local colones currency, but may offer better rates paying in colones. It&#8217;s recommended to withdraw some Costa Rican colones at the airport ATM to pay for the SIM.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-custom-block-WHwof wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-custom-block\"><div class=\"ggg-custom-shortcode gigago-block-yellow\">\n    <div class=\"ggg-shortcode-content\">\n        <p>The stores and kiosks are open during all flight arrival times, so you can purchase a SIM anytime you land in SJO or LIR. Depending on your airport experience, you may choose to buy it immediately or after collecting luggage. Just budget enough time to make the purchase before exiting.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iii-best-bets-outside-costa-rica-airports\">III. Best Bets Outside Costa Rica Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you opt for buying a SIM card elsewhere, there are still convenient options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carrier stores<\/strong>: Each major provider (K\u00f6lbi, Movistar, Claro) operates multiple stores around the country. Use their Spanish-language websites to find the nearest location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Convenience stores:<\/strong> Chains like M\u00e1s X Menos and AutoMercado sell prepaid SIMs with basic plans at hundreds of locations nationwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MiniSuper supermarkets<\/strong>: Another option, especially good in smaller towns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shopping malls<\/strong>: Larger malls like Multiplaza Escaz\u00fa in San Jos\u00e9 often house carrier shops and convenience stores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transportation hubs<\/strong>: Bus stations and city centers frequently have carrier or convenience store locations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-custom-block-Z1Ed2vn wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-custom-block\"><div class=\"ggg-custom-shortcode gigago-block-red\">\n    <div class=\"ggg-shortcode-content\">\n        <p>Use provider websites or ask locals to find stores in specific areas if traveling outside major population centers.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iv-e-sim-an-alternative-to-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">IV. eSIM \u2013 An Alternative to SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While physical SIM cards can be purchased on arrival at both SJO and LIR, eSIMs offer a popular digital alternative many travelers opt for. An eSIM is a software-based subscription downloaded to your device versus a plastic card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International provider like <strong>costaricaesim.com<\/strong> by <strong>GIGAGO <\/strong>offers affordable Costa Rica eSIM plans from $37.80 for 7 days 1GB data up to $108 for 14 days 3GB data. Plans include coverage throughout Costa Rica on the Claro and Kolbi networks with speedy LTE data and the ability to tether\/hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"plan-that-may-interest-you\">Plan that may interest you<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-cta-show-product-1tkOSi wp-block-lazyblock-cta-show-product\"><div class=\"cta-show-products mb-6\">\n    <div class=\"row vnb-esim-rows\" data-elementor-columns=\"3\" data-elementor-columns-tablet=\"2\" data-elementor-columns-mobile=\"1\">\n                                                <div class=\"column-item\">\n                    <div class=\"vnb-cta-show-product-item\">\n                        <div class=\"product-info\">\n                            <div class=\"product-transition\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/vnb-data\/media\/flag\/cr.png';\" alt=\"Costa Rica eSIM 7 Days Plan\">\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"product-caption\">\n                                <div class=\"country\">Costa Rica eSIM 7 Days Plan<\/div>\n                                <div class=\"from-price\">\n                                    <span class=\"title-price\" style=\"text-transform: capitalize;\">\n                                        From                                    <\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"text-price\">\n                                        &#36;9.90                                    <\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"icon\">\n                            <svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                <path d=\"M31.25 21.25L6.25 21.25C5.91848 21.25 5.60054 21.1183 5.36612 20.8839C5.1317 20.6495 5 20.3315 5 20C5 19.6685 5.1317 19.3505 5.36612 19.1161C5.60054 18.8817 5.91848 18.75 6.25 18.75L31.25 18.75C31.5815 18.75 31.8995 18.8817 32.1339 19.1161C32.3683 19.3505 32.5 19.6685 32.5 20C32.5 20.3315 32.3683 20.6495 32.1339 20.8839C31.8995 21.1183 31.5815 21.25 31.25 21.25Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                                <path d=\"M30.7303 19.9984L20.3628 9.63342C20.128 9.3987 19.9962 9.08036 19.9962 8.74842C19.9962 8.41648 20.128 8.09813 20.3628 7.86342C20.5975 7.6287 20.9158 7.49684 21.2478 7.49684C21.5797 7.49684 21.898 7.6287 22.1328 7.86342L33.3828 19.1134C33.4992 19.2295 33.5915 19.3675 33.6545 19.5193C33.7176 19.6712 33.75 19.834 33.75 19.9984C33.75 20.1628 33.7176 20.3256 33.6545 20.4775C33.5915 20.6294 33.4992 20.7673 33.3828 20.8834L22.1328 32.1334C21.8981 32.3681 21.5797 32.5 21.2478 32.5C20.9158 32.5 20.5975 32.3681 20.3628 32.1334C20.1281 31.8987 19.9962 31.5804 19.9962 31.2484C19.9962 30.9165 20.1281 30.5981 20.3628 30.3634L30.7303 19.9984Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/esim\/costa-rica-7-days\/\"><\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"column-item\">\n                    <div class=\"vnb-cta-show-product-item\">\n                        <div class=\"product-info\">\n                            <div class=\"product-transition\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/vnb-data\/media\/flag\/cr.png';\" alt=\"Costa Rica eSIM 15 Days Plan\">\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"product-caption\">\n                                <div class=\"country\">Costa Rica eSIM 15 Days Plan<\/div>\n                                <div class=\"from-price\">\n                                    <span class=\"title-price\" style=\"text-transform: capitalize;\">\n                                        From                                    <\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"text-price\">\n                                        &#36;18.90                                    <\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"icon\">\n                            <svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                <path d=\"M31.25 21.25L6.25 21.25C5.91848 21.25 5.60054 21.1183 5.36612 20.8839C5.1317 20.6495 5 20.3315 5 20C5 19.6685 5.1317 19.3505 5.36612 19.1161C5.60054 18.8817 5.91848 18.75 6.25 18.75L31.25 18.75C31.5815 18.75 31.8995 18.8817 32.1339 19.1161C32.3683 19.3505 32.5 19.6685 32.5 20C32.5 20.3315 32.3683 20.6495 32.1339 20.8839C31.8995 21.1183 31.5815 21.25 31.25 21.25Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                                <path d=\"M30.7303 19.9984L20.3628 9.63342C20.128 9.3987 19.9962 9.08036 19.9962 8.74842C19.9962 8.41648 20.128 8.09813 20.3628 7.86342C20.5975 7.6287 20.9158 7.49684 21.2478 7.49684C21.5797 7.49684 21.898 7.6287 22.1328 7.86342L33.3828 19.1134C33.4992 19.2295 33.5915 19.3675 33.6545 19.5193C33.7176 19.6712 33.75 19.834 33.75 19.9984C33.75 20.1628 33.7176 20.3256 33.6545 20.4775C33.5915 20.6294 33.4992 20.7673 33.3828 20.8834L22.1328 32.1334C21.8981 32.3681 21.5797 32.5 21.2478 32.5C20.9158 32.5 20.5975 32.3681 20.3628 32.1334C20.1281 31.8987 19.9962 31.5804 19.9962 31.2484C19.9962 30.9165 20.1281 30.5981 20.3628 30.3634L30.7303 19.9984Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/esim\/costa-rica-15-days\/\"><\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"column-item\">\n                    <div class=\"vnb-cta-show-product-item\">\n                        <div class=\"product-info\">\n                            <div class=\"product-transition\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/vnb-data\/media\/flag\/cr.png';\" alt=\"Costa Rica eSIM 30 Days Plan\">\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"product-caption\">\n                                <div class=\"country\">Costa Rica eSIM 30 Days Plan<\/div>\n                                <div class=\"from-price\">\n                                    <span class=\"title-price\" style=\"text-transform: capitalize;\">\n                                        From                                    <\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"text-price\">\n                                        &#36;24.50                                    <\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"icon\">\n                            <svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                <path d=\"M31.25 21.25L6.25 21.25C5.91848 21.25 5.60054 21.1183 5.36612 20.8839C5.1317 20.6495 5 20.3315 5 20C5 19.6685 5.1317 19.3505 5.36612 19.1161C5.60054 18.8817 5.91848 18.75 6.25 18.75L31.25 18.75C31.5815 18.75 31.8995 18.8817 32.1339 19.1161C32.3683 19.3505 32.5 19.6685 32.5 20C32.5 20.3315 32.3683 20.6495 32.1339 20.8839C31.8995 21.1183 31.5815 21.25 31.25 21.25Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                                <path d=\"M30.7303 19.9984L20.3628 9.63342C20.128 9.3987 19.9962 9.08036 19.9962 8.74842C19.9962 8.41648 20.128 8.09813 20.3628 7.86342C20.5975 7.6287 20.9158 7.49684 21.2478 7.49684C21.5797 7.49684 21.898 7.6287 22.1328 7.86342L33.3828 19.1134C33.4992 19.2295 33.5915 19.3675 33.6545 19.5193C33.7176 19.6712 33.75 19.834 33.75 19.9984C33.75 20.1628 33.7176 20.3256 33.6545 20.4775C33.5915 20.6294 33.4992 20.7673 33.3828 20.8834L22.1328 32.1334C21.8981 32.3681 21.5797 32.5 21.2478 32.5C20.9158 32.5 20.5975 32.3681 20.3628 32.1334C20.1281 31.8987 19.9962 31.5804 19.9962 31.2484C19.9962 30.9165 20.1281 30.5981 20.3628 30.3634L30.7303 19.9984Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/esim\/costa-rica-30-days\/\"><\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>How eSIMs Work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use an eSIM, you must have a smartphone with eSIM capability &#8211; many newer iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsungs support eSIM. Costa Rica providers Kolbi and Movistar offer prepaid eSIM plans. With an eSIM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You pre-register your device&#8217;s unique digital ID remotely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The activation code is scanned or downloaded to your phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cellular service starts immediately with no plastic SIM required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-ggg-custom-block-194Pwg wp-block-lazyblock-ggg-custom-block\"><div class=\"ggg-custom-shortcode gigago-block-yellow\">\n    <div class=\"ggg-shortcode-content\">\n        <p>For ultimate convenience, eSIM allows you to pre-purchase and activate service before you even get to Costa Rica. Just scan the QR code and you\u2019re set!<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-cta-description-1vGWXJ wp-block-lazyblock-cta-description\">\n<div class=\"cta-description mb-6\">\n    <h2 class=\"title\"><span>GiGaGo Partner<\/span> &amp; Enjoy your Benefit<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"content\"><p>Skip the Roaming Surprise with costaricaesim.com<\/p><\/div>\n    <div class=\"link-shop\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/\">\n            Buy my eSIM        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"v-fa-qs-about-buying-a-sim-card-at-costa-rica-airports\">V. FAQs about Buying a SIM Card at Costa Rica Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1700447371360\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use my regular smartphone SIM in Costa Rica?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Roaming rates from your home SIM are very expensive. A local SIM is highly recommended for affordable data and calling rates in Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1700447388294\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I need to show my passport to get a SIM card at Costa Rica airports?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, you need to show your passport as ID for registration on any SIM card purchase in Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1700447409742\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much does a prepaid SIM card at Costa Rica Airports cost?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>SIM prices vary based on provider, data amounts and duration. Average prices are $20-$30 USD for a card with a few GB of data that lasts 30 days. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1700447418925\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is there free WiFi I can use in Costa Rica?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Some accommodations may offer WiFi but it\u2019s not widespread. Purchasing local SIM is the most reliable way to stay conveniently connected across Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vi-conclusion\">VI. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a SIM card at Costa Rica airports is the easiest and most affordable way to access mobile data during your travels in Costa Rica. Both SJO and LIR airports offer multiple kiosk and store options for prepaid and eSIM service from top providers Kolbi, Movistar and Claro. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being prepared with proper documentation, unlocked phone, cash and determining the duration needed will ensure a smooth SIM purchasing experience on arrival. With connectivity right after landing, you can start your Costa Rica adventure off right away with cell service!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Visiting Costa Rica can be an exciting adventure, but staying connected while exploring this tropical paradise is extremely important. Purchasing a local SIM card is the most affordable and convenient way to access mobile data during your travels. Buying a SIM card at Costa Rica airport upon arrival ensures you have connectivity right away versus [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3555,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-right-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3517"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3517"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3517\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/costaricaesim.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}