How to Get Internet in Costa Rica: Airport SIM, Local SIM, eSIM, and Pocket WiFi Explained

Airport SIM Cards in Costa Rica

Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, but it comes with limitations.

Availability at Costa Rica Airports

At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, there are currently no fully staffed Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty counters operating inside the terminal. Instead, travelers may find:

• SIM card vending machines in the international arrivals area (Terminal A)

• Limited self-service kiosks near rental car zones

At Liberia International Airport (LIR), options are even more limited, and many travelers must wait until reaching the city.

Airport SIM Prices (Approximate)

• SIM card: 1,000–1,500 CRC (≈ $2–3 USD)

• Data plans:

  • Kolbi: ~5,000 CRC ($10 USD) for 2 GB

  • Claro: ~2,000 CRC ($4 USD) for 1 GB

  • Liberty: ~700 CRC ($1.40 USD) for 1 GB (24 hours)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Immediate internet access

• No need to search for stores

Cons

• Self-registration can be confusing

• Limited support

• Slightly higher prices

• Spanish-only interfaces in many cases

For most travelers, airport SIM cards are acceptable if you urgently need data upon arrival.

Local SIM Cards from Costa Rican Operators

Buying a local SIM card from a city store is the most affordable and reliable option for many visitors.

Main Mobile Operators in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has three major mobile networks:

All providers require passport registration by law. Activation usually takes 2–5 minutes in-store.

Local SIM Prices (Late 2025)

• SIM card: 500–1,500 CRC ($1–3 USD)

• Typical tourist plans:

  • 2 GB: ~5,000 CRC ($10 USD)

  • 5 GB: ~10,000–12,000 CRC ($20–24 USD)

• Validity: 7 to 30 days

• Top-ups widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores

Coverage and Speed

• 4G/LTE covers most cities and tourist destinations

• Rural and jungle areas may have limited signal

• 5G is currently limited to parts of central San José

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Cheapest long-term option

• Staff handles setup and testing

• Good nationwide coverage

Cons

• Requires visiting a store

• Passport required

• Physical SIM swap needed

eSIM for Costa Rica (Best for Convenience)

If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest way to get internet in Costa Rica without visiting a store or swapping SIM cards.

Why Choose an eSIM?

• Buy before travel

• Activate instantly with QR code

• No passport verification required

• Works immediately after landing

Roafly Costa Rica eSIM

For travelers who want to skip physical SIM cards and avoid visiting mobile stores after landing, an eSIM is of the most practical ways to get internet in Costa Rica. Roafly’s Costa Rica eSIM is built specifically for short-term and flexible travel, offering strong local network coverage without contracts, ID checks, or complicated setup.

Because the eSIM is installed digitally, you can complete everything before your trip and activate mobile data as soon as your phone connects to a supported Costa Rican network. This makes it especially useful for late arrivals, short stays, or travelers who want instant connectivity for navigation and ride-hailing apps.

Available Packages

• 1GB / 7 Days – $4.90

• 3GB / 30 Days – $9.90

• 5GB / 30 Days – $14.90

• 10GB / 30 Days – $24.90

• 20GB / 30 Days – $49.90

All prices are in USD, and packages are valid within Costa Rica.

Network Coverage

Roafly eSIM connects to Costa Rica’s most reliable local networks:

• Kolbi ICE

• Liberty

This combination ensures stable coverage in major cities, tourist destinations, and most travel routes across the country.

Key Features

• Works in Costa Rica

• Data-only plan (no local calls or SMS)

• Mobile hotspot supported

• No eKYC or ID verification required

• Activation starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network

• Installation methods:

  • iOS Direct Install

  • QR Code

  • Manual setup

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No physical SIM card needed

• No store visits or passport registration

• Excellent price-to-convenience balance

• Ideal for short trips and flexible itineraries

Cons

• Requires an eSIM-compatible device

• Data-only (no local voice calls)

If you want a deeper comparison and usage scenarios, you can also check our detailed guide on the best eSIM for Costa Rica, where different travel styles and data needs are explained in more detail.

Pocket WiFi Rentals in Costa Rica

Pocket WiFi devices provide internet by creating a portable hotspot.

Pricing

• $5–10 USD per day

• Often requires deposit

• Battery life: 6–10 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can connect multiple devices

• Useful for families or groups

Cons

• More expensive for solo travelers

• Extra device to carry and charge

• Can lose signal in rural areas

Comparison: Internet Options in Costa Rica

Mobile Network Operators in Costa Rica: Coverage, Speed, and What Travelers Should Know

Final Tips for Staying Connected in Costa Rica

• Liberty is best for city speed, Kolbi for remote areas

• Avoid streaming heavily unless on WiFi

• Download offline maps before rural trips

• Top up data early during long stays

For most travelers, an eSIM provides the simplest and most flexible solution, while local SIM cards remain a solid budget option for longer visits.

Check the latest Costa Rica eSIM packages for before your trip to stay connected from the moment you land.