This guide compares the best eSIM options for Costa Rica based on updated 2025-2026 pricing, coverage quality, and overall value.
Why Use an eSIM in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s geography ranges from dense jungle to remote coastal regions, making reliable data coverage particularly important. A travel eSIM offers:
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Instant activation before departure
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No physical SIM swap or passport verification
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Transparent prepaid pricing
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Access to top local networks (Kolbi ICE, Liberty, Movistar, Claro depending on provider)
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Secure and stable connectivity for maps, messaging, navigation, social media, and hotspot use
For short trips, backpacking itineraries, or multi-country travel, eSIMs are typically more convenient and far cheaper than traditional roaming.
Need data in Costa Rica? Get an eSIM!
What to Look For in a Costa Rica eSIM
Before choosing a plan, consider:
Data Needs
Light users may need only 3–5 GB, while remote workers or content creators often require 10–20 GB.
Coverage Quality
The best networks in Costa Rica are Kolbi ICE and Liberty. Some eSIMs specify their partner network, while others do not.
Validity Period
7-day, 30-day, and unlimited-data options are available. Most travelers staying 1–3 weeks choose 5–10 GB 30-day plans.
Fair Use Policies
Unlimited data providers often apply daily throttling after 1–2 GB of usage. This is crucial to know before purchasing.
Device Compatibility
Ensure your phone is eSIM-supported. If unsure, see: How to check if my phone supports eSIM
Costa Rica eSIM Plans Compared
Below is a detailed breakdown of the most relevant data packages from Roafly, Airalo, Saily, Roamless, Jetpac, and Holafly — focusing on 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB tiers.
Costa Rica eSIM Price & Network Comparison Table
| Provider | 3 GB / 30 days | 5 GB / 30 days | 10 GB / 30 days | 20 GB / 30 days | Networks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roafly | $9.90 | $14.90 | $24.90 | $49.90 | Kolbi ICE + Liberty | Strong dual-network coverage; no ID needed |
| Airalo | $20.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 | $45.00 | Liberty | Higher prices; single-network |
| Saily | $18.99 | $26.99 | $33.99 | — | Not specified | Pricier than Roafly; unknown operator |
| Roamless | $41.95 (3 GB only) | — | — | — | Kolbi ICE + Movistar | Very expensive for low data amounts |
| Jetpac | — | $20.00 | $33.00 | $58.00 | Claro | Discounts vary; Claro coverage strong in cities |
| Holafly | — | — | — | — | Not specified | Unlimited 7-day $36.90 with FUP throttling |
As seen, Roafly consistently offers the strongest price-to-coverage ratio, especially in the 3 GB, 5 GB, and 10 GB tiers that most travelers purchase.
Provider-by-Provider Breakdown
Roafly Costa Rica eSIM
Roafly combines excellent pricing, top-tier local networks (Kolbi ICE + Liberty), and instant setup via QR code, manual install, or direct install on iOS.
Available plans:
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1 GB / 7 days – $4.90
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3 GB / 30 days – $9.90
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5 GB / 30 days – $14.90
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10 GB / 30 days – $24.90
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20 GB / 30 days – $49.90
Need data in Costa Rica? Get an eSIM!
Best for: Travelers wanting the best coverage–price balance without hidden throttling or limitations.
For a breakdown of all Roafly data packages, see the complete Costa Rica eSIM plan overview, which includes 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB options
Airalo Costa Rica (Liberty)
Airalo’s Costa Rica plans run only on the Liberty network. Prices are significantly higher than Roafly’s for every data tier.
Plans:
3 GB – $20
5 GB – $30
10 GB – $35
20 GB – $45
Best for: Users already loyal to Airalo who want a simple, familiar interface.
Saily Costa Rica
Saily does not disclose its partnered operator for Costa Rica, which is unusual in this market. Pricing is generally above Roafly’s for all comparable plans.
Plans:
1 GB – $7.99
3 GB – $18.99
5 GB – $26.99
10 GB – $33.99
Best for: Occasional Saily users who prefer app-based credit systems.
Roamless Costa Rica (Kolbi ICE + Movistar)
Roamless is known for premium pricing, and Costa Rica is no exception: 3 GB costs $41.95, far exceeding the market average.
Plans:
1 GB – $14.45
2 GB – $27.95
3 GB – $41.95
Best for: Not recommended for most travelers due to cost.
Jetpac Costa Rica (Claro)
Jetpac operates on the Claro network, which performs well in city centers and tourist towns.
Plans:
5 GB – $20
10 GB – $33
20 GB – $58
Best for: Users looking for a mid-priced alternative with a strong city coverage profile.
Holafly Unlimited for Costa Rica
Holafly offers only unlimited plans with daily throttling after a fair usage threshold (typically 1–2 GB/day). No local operator is listed.
Plan:
7-day unlimited – $36.90
Best for: Travelers needing simple unlimited service but willing to accept slower speeds after FUP kicks in.
Which Costa Rica eSIM Is Best for Each Traveler Type?
Budget Travelers
Roafly 3 GB ($9.90) – best balance of price and coverage.
Standard 1–2 Week Vacation
Roafly 5 GB ($14.90) or 10 GB ($24.90) depending on social media and map usage.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads
Roafly 20 GB (49.90) for consistency and access to Costa Rica’s two strongest networks.
Heavy Social Media Creators
Roafly 10–20 GB or Jetpac 10 GB if Claro coverage suits your route.
“I just want unlimited” travelers
Holafly unlimited, but expect daily slowdown.
If you’re continuing your Central America trip, you might also need reliable connectivity across borders — see our comparison of the best eSIM for Mexico.
Coverage: Which Network Is Best in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s top networks are:
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Kolbi ICE – widest national coverage, especially in rural areas
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Liberty – strong in cities and coastal regions
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Claro / Movistar – good in towns, weaker in rural mountains
This is why Roafly’s dual-network (ICE + Liberty) setup is a major advantage.
Final Recommendation: The Best eSIM for Costa Rica
For most travelers, Roafly is the best overall eSIM for Costa Rica thanks to:
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The lowest prices across all major data tiers (3–20 GB)
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Access to both of Costa Rica’s strongest networks
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Instant setup with no ID requirement
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Clear, transparent data limits with no hidden speed throttling
Check the full list of Costa Rica plans to choose the right size for your trip.
