eSIM in Costa Rica: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Costa Rica, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 25 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Costa Rica: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Costa Rica?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$37.10	$1.86	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$28.08	$2.81	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →
Airalo ★ 3.9 · Review	Unlimited	10 days	$29.58	—	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Costa Rica

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Airalo	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
Airalo	2 GB	15 days	$6.02	$3.01
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$6.02	$6.02

Guide expert

From San José and mountain roads to the beaches of Guanacaste and national parks, a reliable connection genuinely makes traveling easier. This guide helps you choose the best Costa Rica eSIM plan based on your itinerary, usage and phone, then install it without unpleasant surprises.

How does an eSIM work in Costa Rica, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone: you purchase a plan online, receive a QR code or activation through an app, then download a mobile profile onto your device. Once in Costa Rica, this profile connects to a local partner network and provides mobile data without inserting or removing a physical card.

The main difference from a traditional SIM is convenience. A local SIM card generally requires finding a store, showing an identity document, understanding prepaid plans and handling the SIM tray. With a travel eSIM, you can buy and install it before departure while keeping your French SIM in the phone. This is particularly useful as soon as you land at Juan Santamaría Airport in San José or in Liberia: you already have access to Maps, Uber, WhatsApp and booking confirmations.

Most travel eSIMs for Costa Rica are data-only plans. They therefore do not necessarily replace your French number and do not systematically provide a Costa Rican number. Their advantage is routing Internet traffic through a local operator, while your calls can be made through WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Signal, Telegram or Teams. Before purchasing, check that your phone supports eSIM, is unlocked and allows two lines to be used simultaneously if you want to keep your usual number active.

iPhone XS, XR and later models generally support eSIM; on recent US iPhones, eSIM is even the only mobile option.
With Samsung, the Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip and several recent Galaxy A models are compatible, but availability may vary depending on the country of sale and the exact model number.
Google Pixel 3 and later models are often compatible; however, check for exceptions affecting models sold by certain operators.
To check whether eSIM is available, open the settings and look for “Add eSIM” or “SIM Manager.” The **\*#06#** code may also display an EID, the eSIM identifier.
Your phone must be unlocked from all carriers. A phone still locked to a French operator may reject an international eSIM, even if it displays the eSIM option.
An eSIM smartwatch, tablet or compatible router is not automatically supported by every provider: always check which devices are authorized under the selected plan.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best coverage in Costa Rica?

For reliable coverage, choose a Costa Rica eSIM that uses Kölbi, Claro or Liberty, and, if possible, prioritize a provider that clearly states its partner network. Kölbi, the mobile brand of historic operator ICE, is often the most reassuring choice for a varied itinerary, particularly outside major urban areas. Claro and Liberty can offer very good performance in urban and tourist areas, but their advantage depends more heavily on your exact route.

In San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Liberia, Tamarindo, Jacó, La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you will usually find reliable 4G for navigation, social media, video calls and light work. 5G is available in some areas, but it should not be the deciding factor: its rollout and availability remain uneven. Excellent 4G is more useful than a promise of 5G that is rarely accessible on the road.

Costa Rica’s terrain can quickly change the situation. Crossing the Central Mountain Range, driving toward Monteverde, exploring the Osa Peninsula, the areas around Corcovado or certain parts of Tortuguero can place you behind a mountain, beneath dense forest cover or far from a cell tower. No international plan can create a network where local operators have poor reception. In these areas, speeds can drop from several dozen Mbps to a slow connection or even disappear temporarily.

Do not confuse advertised coverage with consistently good service. A travel eSIM sometimes uses international roaming on the local network: you receive the same radio signal as the partner’s customers, but not necessarily the same priority as a local customer. For messaging, GPS and reservations, this generally causes no problems. For an important video conference from a remote lodge, it is better to plan on using the accommodation’s Wi-Fi and having a backup solution.

Major cities in the Central ValleySan José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago generally offer smooth 4G, with occasional 5G depending on the network and neighborhood.

Beach resorts and tourist hubsLiberia, Tamarindo, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo are usually well covered, with variable quality during peak periods.

Roads and small townsThe connection often remains adequate on major routes, but it may weaken in valleys, mountainous sections and heavily forested areas.

Parks, peninsulas and remote terrainIn certain parts of Monteverde, Tortuguero, Corcovado, Osa and on secondary roads, the signal may be weak or absent at times.

Before purchasing, look for the listed partner network and prefer a plan that allows top-ups rather than an offer that cannot be extended.
Download offline maps from Google Maps or Maps.me before trips to Monteverde, Osa, Tortuguero or northern Guanacaste.
At your hotel, test the speed before a meeting: stable Wi-Fi may be preferable to 4G, even when your phone shows full bars.
Keep network mode on automatic 4G/5G rather than forcing 5G: this can sometimes prevent unnecessary switching and save battery life.
For a very remote road trip, do not rely solely on your phone for navigation, tide times or emergency contacts.

Should you choose a Costa Rica eSIM or a Central America plan?

For a trip limited to Costa Rica, a country-specific eSIM is generally the best choice: it often provides more data for the same budget and a more consistent network selection. It is perfectly suited to a classic trip combining San José, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and the Pacific or Caribbean beaches.

A Latin America or Central America regional plan becomes more attractive as soon as you cross a border. This applies to a Costa Rica–Panama itinerary, a trip including Nicaragua, or a longer journey to Guatemala, Mexico or Colombia. You avoid having to buy and reinstall an eSIM at every stop, which is especially convenient when crossing land borders where Wi-Fi is rarely guaranteed.

However, pay close attention to the exact list of countries: “Latin America” does not always mean that every Central American country is included. Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica may be covered, while Belize or certain territories may not be. Also check which network is used in each country, how much data is actually valid throughout the region and whether you can top up without installing a new profile.

Choose a local plan if you are staying only in Costa Rica and want the best value for money.
Choose a regional eSIM if your ticket includes Panama, Nicaragua or several Latin American countries.
Check the country list before paying: commercial names may suggest broader coverage than is actually provided.
Do not assume that unused data from a local plan will work after crossing a border: roaming must be explicitly included.

What do traveler reviews reveal about eSIMs in Costa Rica?

Traveler feedback mainly highlights the ease of arrival: being able to order transportation, contact your accommodation or check a route as soon as you leave the plane genuinely changes the experience. The apps from major providers are also appreciated for usage tracking, top-ups and the ability to keep the same eSIM for future trips.

Criticism tends to focus on three issues: activation completed too late without Wi-Fi, confusion surrounding “unlimited” plans and unrealistic expectations in wilderness areas. A properly installed eSIM does not guarantee a perfect connection deep inside a national park. Negative reviews can also result from a forgotten setting, particularly data roaming being disabled on the eSIM.

The useful conclusion is simple: the best Costa Rica eSIM plan is not necessarily the one that promises the most. It is the one whose validity matches your trip, whose partner network covers your route and whose terms regarding hotspot, top-ups and any speed reduction are clearly stated.

A recurring positive point: installation in just a few minutes and connection upon arrival when the profile was prepared before the flight.
A recurring positive point: keeping your regular SIM thanks to Dual SIM, without losing access to important messages.
Caution: “unlimited” may include a fair-use policy or reduced speeds after substantial usage.
Caution: excellent urban coverage does not guarantee a signal in mountainous, forested or maritime regions.

How do you buy, install and activate your eSIM for Costa Rica?

Prepare the eSIM calmly before leaving, but activate the data line only when instructed by the provider. This method prevents you from using up the validity period too early while giving you time to resolve any issue before the trip.

1
Check compatibility
Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Also check that there is room for an additional profile: some devices limit the number of saved profiles even though they can store several.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Purchase your plan online using reliable Wi-Fi and keep the confirmation email, the QR code and any activation details. Read the validity start rule: some plans begin when installed, while others start only when first connecting to a network in Costa Rica.
3
Install the profile on iPhone and Android
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then choose “Use QR Code.” On Android, the path varies slightly: generally open Settings > Connections or Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM, then scan the code. Give the line a clear name, such as “Costa Rica data,” to avoid confusion with your French SIM.
4
Activate upon arrival and configure the APN
When you land, select the eSIM as your mobile data line, enable data roaming on this line and disable data abroad on your French SIM. The APN is often configured automatically; if Internet does not start, enter exactly the APN provided by the seller without changing the other fields.
5
Troubleshoot if Internet does not start
Wait a few minutes after arrival, turn airplane mode on and off, and restart the phone if necessary. Above all, check that the eSIM is enabled, selected for cellular data and allowed to use roaming. If the issue persists, send support a screenshot of your network settings, the displayed operator name and your location.

Can I keep my number, make calls and share my connection with an eSIM in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can generally keep your French number while using the Costa Rica eSIM for Internet through Dual SIM mode. Set the travel eSIM as the data line and leave your regular SIM active only for essential calls or SMS. To avoid roaming charges, disable mobile data and roaming on the French line; also check that automatic data switching is disabled.

Most travel plans are data-only: they include neither a local number, traditional phone calls nor outgoing SMS. This does not prevent WhatsApp from continuing to work with your usual number, provided you do not recreate your account. WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Signal, Messenger, Skype and Teams calls simply use the eSIM’s data. To call a hotel, restaurant or local rental company that does not use WhatsApp, ask whether your provider offers a number, use a VoIP app or go through your accommodation.

Hotspot works with many eSIMs, but it is not universal. Check this before choosing an unlimited plan: some providers allow hotspot use freely, while others limit or block it. If you work with a computer, remember that an HD video conference can consume several gigabytes; hotspot should be a backup or occasional solution, not a promise of a mobile office in the middle of the jungle.

When your allowance runs out, access is usually cut off or heavily throttled. Open the provider’s app as soon as possible to purchase a top-up; do not delete the eSIM profile, as this may prevent data from being added or make the QR code unusable. If no top-up is available, purchase a new plan on the same profile when offered, or install a second eSIM only after saving the information from the first one.

Set the Costa Rica eSIM for mobile data and your French line for calls if you need to remain reachable.
Disable “cellular data switching” on iPhone or its Android equivalent to prevent accidental use of your French plan.
WhatsApp keeps your existing number: do not change the number in the app just because you are using an eSIM.
Test the hotspot before a day of remote work and limit automatic updates, cloud backups and high-definition videos.
Keep support contact details and your order reference in your offline notes in case you run out of data.

What guidelines should you follow to choose the best Costa Rica eSIM plan and avoid mistakes?

For a 7- to 10-day trip, you will often need 3 to 5 GB for Maps, messaging, reservations and some social media; plan for 10 to 20 GB or a generous package if you work remotely, share videos or use hotspot frequently.

Choose validity before data volume. A lightly used 30-day plan often costs less than a small 7-day plan that needs several top-ups, but there is no point paying for excessive validity for a weekend.
Read the definition of unlimited. Some plans reduce speeds after a daily or monthly threshold, limit hotspot use or prohibit intensive usage; check the fair-use terms before trusting the word “unlimited.”
Check when the counter starts. Installing an eSIM does not always mean activating it, but some sellers start the validity period upon installation. Install early only if their terms confirm that it starts with the first local connection.
Prefer a provider that states its network. Knowing whether the eSIM uses Kölbi, Claro or Liberty is more useful than a vague promise of nationwide coverage, especially for an itinerary outside San José.
Do not overlook offline maps. Download your travel area, reservations, tickets and accommodation addresses before rural sections; this reduces data usage and makes your journeys safer.
Block hidden data consumption. Disable mobile photo backups, app updates, video autoplay and podcast downloads over cellular data.
Keep a data buffer. Do not aim for your exact estimate: a delay, flight cancellation, hotel search or day without Wi-Fi can increase usage by several hundred MB.
Compare the total cost, not just the entry price. Look at the data volume, validity, top-ups, hotspot, possible taxes and support. A slightly more expensive but rechargeable and transparent offer can prevent a costly emergency purchase.
Prepare a backup solution. A second inactive eSIM, your hotel’s Wi-Fi, offline maps and your insurance number saved on your phone provide a much more effective safety net than relying on a single plan.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at San José or Liberia Airport?

Yes, if the profile is already installed, you have selected the eSIM for mobile data and enabled its data roaming. Wait a few minutes after turning off airplane mode; the phone first needs to register on the local network.

When exactly does my Costa Rica plan’s validity begin?

It depends on the provider: validity starts either upon installation or upon the first connection to a network in Costa Rica. Check this rule before departure, as it determines the best time to scan the QR code.

Can I use the same eSIM on my phone and computer?

No, an eSIM profile is normally linked to a single device. You can share your phone’s connection with the computer if the plan allows hotspot use, or purchase a second eSIM for a tablet or router.

Can I call emergency services in Costa Rica with a data eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for standard emergency calls. In Costa Rica, the emergency number is 911; use your regular phone line if it has reception, ask a nearby person or establishment for help, and keep emergency contacts available offline.

Can I get a refund if the eSIM does not work?

This depends on the seller’s terms. An eSIM that has already been installed or activated is often difficult to refund because the profile is considered consumed. Contact support quickly with screenshots and avoid deleting the eSIM before receiving their instructions.