Holafly, Airalo, Vodafone, Nomad, Maya Mobile, and GigSky all offer Turkey eSIMs in 2025. Holafly gi...
Best eSIMS
Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, GigSky, Saily, and Yesim are the top eSIMs for Costa Rica. Holafly offers unlimited data, Airalo is the cheapest, Nomad is flexible, GigSky works well for multi-country trips, Saily focuses on privacy, and Yesim is easy to manage in-app.
For travelers visiting Costa Rica, we compared the top eSIM providers based on price, data, coverage, and setup. Quick picks: Holafly for unlimited data, GigSky for flexible regional coverage, and Yesim for affordable short-term plans.
Costa Rica’s eSIM market is expanding rapidly as tourism continues to grow, with 2.6 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
As travelers explore the country’s biodiversity and eco-friendly culture, many discover that Costa Rica is full of interesting facts and hidden gems.
Whether you’re exploring San José, relaxing on the coast, or hiking through rainforests, an eSIM ensures fast, reliable connectivity throughout your trip.
Whether you want unlimited data, regional coverage, or affordable short-term plans, the table below compares top providers by price, data allowance, setup process, and best use case to help you find the right fit for your trip.
| Provider | Price (from) | Data included | Features | Best for | |
| Holafly |  | $7.90 | Unlimited | No app required; setup via QR code sent by email | Travelers who want unlimited data with instant activation |
| GigSky |  | $6.99 | 1 GB (1–30 days) | Setup via QR code or GigSky app | Tourists needing regional coverage and flexible short-term plans |
| Yesim |  | $12.00 | 3 GB (7–30 days) | Setup via QR code or app | Travelers who want easy activation and affordable data bundles |
| Nomad |  | $8.00 | 1 GB (7–30 days) | App optional; easy setup and top-up | Digital nomads and long-term travelers who prefer reliable connectivity |
| Airalo |  | $9.50 | 1 GB (7–30 days) | Setup through app or QR code | Budget travelers who want simple, fixed data options |
| Saily |  | $7.99 | 1 GB (30 days) | App required; QR code or manual setup | Travelers who value flexible data options with built-in web protection |
The best Costa Rica eSIM options vary by data limits, coverage, and setup convenience, making it easier for travelers to choose one that fits their needs.
Holafly offers unlimited data and effortless activation, GigSky provides flexible regional plans, and Yesim delivers affordable short-term options.
Meanwhile, Nomad, Airalo, and Saily stand out for reliable connectivity, competitive pricing, and user-friendly apps.
Holafly is the best Costa Rica eSIM for travelers who want unlimited data, fast 4G coverage, and a simple QR code setup without needing an app.
It connects to Liberty, one of Costa Rica’s top mobile networks, providing stable 4G LTE speeds across major destinations. Activation is instant; just scan the emailed QR code, install, and turn on data roaming when you arrive.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1 Day | Unlimited | $7.90 | Best for layovers and brief stopovers |
| 5 Days | Unlimited | $29.90 | Good for short getaways or business trips |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $39.90 | Ideal for week-long vacations |
| 15 Days | Unlimited | $50.90 | Balanced option for most travelers |
| 20 Days | Unlimited | $61.90 | Suited for extended travel or work trips |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Holafly is perfect for travelers who want stress-free, unlimited data with instant activation. It costs a bit more than capped-data plans, but the reliable coverage and easy setup make it worth it for uninterrupted connectivity in Costa Rica.
GigSky is a flexible Costa Rica eSIM provider ideal for travelers who want both short-term and unlimited data options backed by global reliability.
It connects to major Costa Rican networks for steady 4G speeds in cities and coastal areas, with simple activation via email or the GigSky app once you arrive.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1 Day | Unlimited | $4.24 | Great for quick stopovers or layovers |
| 3 Days | Unlimited | $12.74 | Ideal for short vacations |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $6.99 | Budget-friendly for light users |
| 15 Days | 3GB | $14.02 | Good balance for moderate browsing |
| 30 Days | 5GB | $18.69 | Best for longer trips or remote work |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: GigSky is best for travelers who want flexible data options for short or long trips in Costa Rica with reliable 4G coverage and easy setup. The trade-off is that unlimited plans have daily caps and no call or SMS support.
Yesim is a budget-friendly Costa Rica eSIM for travelers who want flexible data options and simple activation. It connects to major local networks for reliable 4G coverage across the country, with quick setup via QR code or the Yesim app.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1 Day | Unlimited | $12 | Best for short layovers or day trips |
| 7 Days | 3GB | $12 | Ideal for light users on brief vacations |
| 15 Days | 5GB | $18 | Good balance for moderate browsing |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $30 | Great for extended travel or remote work |
| 7 Days | Unlimited | $34.80 | Best for travelers who need heavy data use |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Yesim is best for travelers who want affordable, flexible eSIM plans with easy app setup and hotspot support. The trade-off is limited calling features and potential speed reduction on unlimited plans.
Nomad is a flexible Costa Rica eSIM for travelers who want affordable data options and hotspot support without unlimited plans.
Like Holafly, Nomad connects to Liberty, offering steady 4G speeds across the country. Setup is simple: activate by scanning the QR code from your email or manage your plan through the Nomad app.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $8 | Best for short trips or light browsing |
| 30 Days | 3GB | $15 | Good balance for casual use |
| 30 Days | 5GB | $19 | Ideal for moderate streaming and maps |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $24 | Great for extended travel |
| 30 Days | 20GB | $29 | Suited for remote work or heavy data users |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Nomad is ideal for travelers who want flexible, fairly priced eSIM plans with solid 4G coverage and hotspot support. The trade-off is the lack of unlimited data and no call or SMS features.
Airalo is a budget-friendly Costa Rica eSIM known for its flexible data plans and optional local call and text features. Activation is quick through the Airalo app or by scanning a QR code, with easy top-ups and data tracking available directly in the app.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $9.50 | Best for short visits or light browsing |
| 15 Days | 2GB | $15 | Suitable for moderate use during two-week stays |
| 30 Days | 5GB | $30 | Balanced plan for longer trips |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $35 | Ideal for frequent browsing or streaming |
| 30 Days | 20GB | $45 | Great for remote work or extended stays |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Airalo is best for travelers who want affordable, customizable Costa Rica eSIM plans with optional call and text features. The trade-off is that it lacks unlimited data and may have slower customer support response times.
Saily is a Costa Rica eSIM designed for privacy-focused travelers who want secure, reliable data powered by Nord Security. It connects to major local networks with consistent 4G coverage and setup through the Saily app or a QR code. Activation takes minutes, and users can manage plans, track usage, and enable hotspot sharing directly within the app.
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $7.99 | Best for short trips or light browsing |
| 30 Days | 3GB | $18.99 | Suitable for moderate data use |
| 30 Days | 5GB | $26.99 | Great balance for regular streaming and navigation |
| 30 Days | 10GB | $43.99 | Ideal for remote workers or longer stays |
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Saily is ideal for light to moderate data users who value security and simple app-based control. The trade-off is the lack of unlimited data and call or SMS functionality.
Costa Rica’s internet coverage is strong in cities but less consistent in rural and coastal areas, making eSIMs a practical choice for travelers who want reliable data everywhere.
Getting an eSIM in Costa Rica is quick and convenient whether you purchase it before your trip or after you arrive.
Pro tip: Why online is simplest
Purchasing online lets you compare plans, install your eSIM before departure, and activate it instantly upon landing. Always save your QR code or activation details offline in case you lose connection during setup.
Activating your Costa Rica eSIM takes only a few minutes and can be done before or after you arrive. Follow these simple steps to get started.
Country-specific note: If your eSIM provider recommends using a VPN for added privacy or to access certain websites, install and test it before entering Costa Rica to avoid connection issues.
Dual-SIM tip: Keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS, but use your eSIM for mobile data to stay connected affordably during your trip.
Before you buy an eSIM for Costa Rica, it’s important to make sure your phone is compatible. Most newer smartphones support eSIMs, but the steps to verify this vary slightly between iPhone and Android devices. Use the quick checks below to confirm if your device is ready.
For iPhone users:
For Android users:
Follow these smart tips to make your Costa Rica eSIM setup and usage as smooth as possible.
An eSIM offers the most convenient way to stay connected in Costa Rica.
You can activate your plan before you travel and go online immediately upon landing, avoiding in-person registrations and store visits required for physical SIMs.
| eSIM Benefits | Physical SIM Limitations |
| Set up before traveling with no need for a store | Requires ID verification and in-person registration |
| Works instantly when you arrive | Must locate and visit a carrier store |
| Lets you keep your home SIM active for calls | Only one SIM can be active at once |
| Clear, prepaid pricing with no surprise charges | May involve payment or translation difficulties |
| Compatible with VPNs for safer browsing | Regional restrictions or blocked apps still apply |
| Easy to manage or top up using an app | Requires removing and swapping SIM cards manually |
To identify the best Costa Rica eSIMs, we compared top providers across multiple criteria to ensure travelers get dependable coverage, fair pricing, and an easy setup experience.
Here’s what we evaluated:
Your best Costa Rica eSIM depends on your travel habits, budget, and how much data you’ll need. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right fit:
Holafly stands out overall for its unlimited data and app-free setup, making it the easiest option for most travelers.
Pro tip: Before you go, make sure you're fully prepared. In addition to choosing the right eSIM, check out our Costa Rica packing list to see what essentials you’ll need for every region and season.
Holafly is widely considered the best eSIM for Costa Rica, especially for travelers who want unlimited data, instant activation, and hassle-free setup. It connects to major local networks and you don’t need to download an app; just scan the QR code and you’re online.
Yes, travelers can buy local SIM cards in Costa Rica from providers like Kölbi, Claro, and Liberty. But if you prefer to skip the store visits and get connected instantly on arrival, Holafly’s eSIM is a more convenient option, offering unlimited data and easy setup with no physical SIM required.
Yes, Nomad eSIM works well in Costa Rica with 4G and 5G coverage. It’s easy to set up and offers flexible plans. If you want unlimited data and faster setup, Holafly is a better choice. No app is needed; just scan the QR code and connect instantly on arrival.
Yes, Airalo offers working eSIM plans in Costa Rica and is a solid pick for light data users. Some travelers have reported mixed connection speeds. For smoother setup and unlimited data, Holafly is the stronger option, especially if you need reliable coverage throughout your trip.
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Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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