Stay Connected in Costa Rica
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Costa Rica's connectivity situation is actually pretty solid for Central America, though it varies quite a bit depending on where you're headed. The major tourist areas—San José, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, La Fortuna—generally have decent mobile coverage and WiFi at most hotels and restaurants. That said, if you're planning to venture into more remote areas like the Osa Peninsula or deep into the rainforest, you'll likely find yourself off the grid fairly often. The country has been investing in its telecommunications infrastructure, so things are improving, but it's worth managing your expectations if you're used to consistently fast speeds. For most travelers, staying connected is straightforward enough in populated areas, but you'll definitely want to sort out your mobile data situation before leaving the airport or your first hotel.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Costa Rica.
Network Coverage & Speed
Costa Rica has three main mobile carriers: Kolbi (operated by state-owned ICE), Claro, and Movistar. Kolbi tends to have the best overall coverage, particularly in rural and mountainous areas, which matters if you're doing the typical Costa Rica adventure travel thing. Claro and Movistar are decent alternatives with competitive pricing, though their coverage can get spotty outside major towns. Network speeds are generally adequate for most travel needs—you can expect 4G/LTE in urban areas and tourist zones, with speeds that'll handle Google Maps, WhatsApp calls, and Instagram uploads without too much frustration. Video streaming works well enough most of the time, though you might hit some buffering in less developed areas. 5G is starting to roll out in San José and a few other cities, but it's not something you should count on for your trip. The mountainous terrain does create some coverage gaps, so don't be surprised if you lose signal on winding roads between destinations. WiFi at accommodations ranges from surprisingly good to frustratingly slow, depending on where you're staying.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is honestly the most convenient option for most Costa Rica trips, assuming your phone supports it (most newer iPhones and Android devices do). You can set it up before you even leave home, which means you'll have data the moment you land—no hunting for SIM card shops or dealing with language barriers at the airport. Providers like Airalo offer Costa Rica-specific plans that are reasonably priced, typically ranging from around $5-15 for 1-3GB up to $30-50 for larger data packages. The cost is a bit higher than buying a local SIM once you're there, but the convenience factor is significant. You can activate it instantly, keep your home number active for two-factor authentication, and avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. The main downside is that eSIM plans can be less flexible if you need to add more data mid-trip, though most providers let you top up through their app. For shorter trips (under two weeks), the price difference versus local SIM is pretty negligible when you factor in your time.
Local SIM Card
If you're looking for the absolute cheapest option or staying longer than a month, a local SIM makes sense. You can buy them at the airport from all three carriers, though the shops can have lines and the staff's English proficiency varies. It's often easier to visit a carrier store in town once you've settled in—you'll find them in most tourist areas and shopping centers. You'll need your passport for registration, which is standard practice. Kolbi tends to offer the best value with prepaid plans starting around $10-15 for a few GB, and you can top up easily at supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the country. The activation process is usually straightforward, though it might take 15-30 minutes between paperwork and getting everything working. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel—that's the main issue that trips people up. Tourist SIM packages are available that include data, calls, and texts, typically running $15-30 depending on how much data you need.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: local SIM is cheapest (maybe $10-20 savings over two weeks), but requires time and effort at a shop. eSIM costs a bit more but saves you probably an hour of hassle and works immediately upon landing. International roaming from your home carrier is almost always the most expensive option—we're talking potentially $10/day or more—unless you have a plan with included international data. For most travelers on trips under three weeks, eSIM hits the sweet spot between cost and convenience. For longer stays or if you're on a really tight budget, local SIM makes more sense.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in Costa Rica—at hotels, cafes, airports—is convenient but comes with real security risks that are worth taking seriously. When you're traveling, you're likely accessing banking apps, booking sites with credit card info, and email accounts with sensitive personal information, all while connected to networks that dozens or hundreds of other people are using. Unencrypted public WiFi makes it relatively easy for someone with basic technical knowledge to intercept your data. This is where a VPN becomes genuinely useful rather than just tech paranoia—it encrypts your connection so your information stays private even on sketchy networks. NordVPN is a solid option that's straightforward to use and works reliably in Costa Rica. It's not about being alarmist, but when you're in a foreign country accessing passport scans, travel bookings, and financial accounts, a bit of protection makes sense. Just get in the habit of connecting to your VPN before you join any public network.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in Costa Rica, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll land with immediate connectivity, can use Google Maps from the airport, and won't waste precious vacation time sorting out a SIM card when you're jet-lagged. The convenience of having everything working instantly is worth the small premium, especially when you're navigating a new country. Budget travelers: If you're truly on a shoestring budget, a local SIM will save you maybe $10-15, but honestly consider whether that's worth the hassle and potential confusion at a carrier shop. eSIM lets you hit the ground running and avoid the stress. Long-term stays (1+ months): At this point, definitely get a local SIM. The cost savings add up over time, and you'll want the flexibility to add data as needed without paying eSIM rates. Visit a Kolbi store once you're settled. Business travelers: eSIM is really your only practical option—your time is too valuable to spend dealing with SIM card shops, and you need reliable connectivity from the moment you land for calls, emails, and video meetings. Set it up before you leave home and don't think twice about it.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Costa Rica.
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