Learn about the best SIM card options for your trips to South America and always stay connected to t...
SIM Cards
Before traveling to Costa Rica in 2026, it helps to know which SIM cards offer the best coverage, data value, and easy activation. That said, eSIMs like Holafly typically tend to offer a superior internet experience.
Picking the right SIM card in Costa Rica depends on your travel plans, so I compared options by price, data allowances, validity, and network coverage, as well as where it’s easiest to grab one, whether at the airport or in city shops. I focused on prepaid SIMs that actually make sense for travelers, covering everyday needs like navigation, messaging, and quick browsing.
Quick pick: the best SIM card for Costa Rica is Claro, because it balances strong coverage with plans that are easy to buy and set up while traveling. While local SIMs are often cheaper than eSIMs, they require a passport, a visit to a store, and a few extra minutes for activation before you’re online.
Note *All pricing information in this article is accurate as of February 9, 2026. Prices are subject to change at any time, so we recommend checking directly with each SIM and eSIM provider for the most up-to-date details before making a purchase.*
Quick verdict: For most travelers, a Claro Prepago SIM is the most flexible and easy way to stay connected in Costa Rica. You buy the SIM, then recharge credit (often starting around ₡1,000–₡3,000) and choose a data package that fits your needs, such as a combo with 2 GB of data and social media benefits offered through Claro’s prepaid bundle system.
If you prefer a fixed tourist SIM, the Kolbi SIM Turista (₡12 095 for 5 GB + 100 local minutes + 30 SMS / 30 days) gives you both data and calls. For budget travelers who need messaging and light browsing, Liberty Plan Libre Prepago (₡5 900 for 4–5 GB + local minutes / 30 days) is a solid choice.
| Provider | Price (from) | Data | Validity | Network coverage in Costa Rica | Where to buy | Best for |
| Claro | ₡1,000 ($2.02) | 300 MB + unlimited WhatsApp | 3 days | Broad coverage, strong in cities & tourist areas | Claro stores, authorized retailers, airport kiosks | Short trips, social media-heavy use |
| Liberty | ₡5,900 ($11.92) | 5 GB + social apps + local minutes | 30 days | Budget travelers, messaging/data combo | Liberty stores & retailers | Budget travelers, messaging/data combo |
| Kolbi | ₡12,095 ($24.43) | 5 GB + 100 min + 30 SMS | 30 days | Very wide coverage nationwide | kolbi shops / authorized resellers | Travelers wanting balanced data + calls |
Airport convenience: Claro has kiosks and stores at major airports, so you can get connected right after landing. Kolbi and Liberty require city store visits for the full tourist or prepaid packs.
Best value: Liberty Plan Libre gives a full month of data and local minutes at a lower price than Kolbi, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Longer stays or heavier data: Kolbi SIM Turista provides the most data plus voice/SMS for extended trips outside major cities.
Short trip, hassle-free: For trips under a week, a Claro recharge bundle or eSIM allows immediate connectivity without hunting for a store.
Costa Rica has several strong local mobile options for travelers, but three stand out for prepaid SIM cards that are easiest to use while visiting: Claro, Kolbi, and Liberty. These carriers offer reliable coverage in urban and many rural areas, solid data options, and multiple purchase points like airport kiosks and city stores.
Exact bundles and prices can change frequently, so travelers should confirm details in-store or on the carrier’s official site before purchasing.
Claro is one of Costa Rica’s largest carriers, with widespread 4G LTE coverage reaching major cities, highways, and popular tourist areas like San José, Liberia, and the Pacific coast. Its network is known for strong speeds in urban areas and reliable signal along main roads, making it dependable for travelers moving between cities.
What makes Claro stand out for visitors is its Prepago system, which lets you add credit and select a data or social media bundle on the spot. This flexibility is ideal for tourists who want control over spending and access to apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Google maps without committing to a fixed plan before arrival.
| Duration | Data | Pricing | Notes |
| 3 days | 300 MB+500MB(social) | ₡1,000 ($2.02) | Small starter plan for light use; good for checking messages and navigation. |
| 6 days | 1GB | ₡1,000 ($2.02) | Ideal for short city trips; no extra social media bonus included. |
| 15 days | 3GB+ Unlimited (social) | ₡2,500 ($5.05) | Balanced option for longer trips; unlimited social media makes it great for messaging apps. |
| 30 days | 5GB+ Unlimited (social) | ₡5,500 ($11.11) | Best for longer stays or heavier data use; covers maps, streaming, and social apps. |
Quick verdict: Claro Prepago is best for travelers who want flexible data packages and the ability to tailor usage. The main trade-off is that you must add credit and then select a bundle, rather than buying a single all-in-one tourist plan. You can buy this SIM at Claro stores, authorized retailers, and airport kiosks.
Kolbi is Costa Rica’s national mobile provider, known for the widest coverage across the country, including rural towns and major highways. Its 4G LTE reaches most tourist destinations, from city centers to coastal beaches, making it reliable for travelers venturing beyond urban areas.
The SIM Turista is designed specifically for visitors, offering both data and voice/SMS options in one package. This makes Kolbi a smart choice for tourists who need consistent nationwide connectivity without worrying about weak signal in remote locations.
| Duration | Data | Pricing | Notes |
| 30 days | 5GB | ₡12,095 ($24.43) | Fixed tourist SIM, includes calls and SMS |
Quick verdict: Kolbi SIM Turista is best for travelers who want balanced data and calls with very wide coverage. The trade-off is higher cost and limited purchase points, typically at Kolbi stores or authorized resellers.
Liberty offers prepaid mobile plans with solid urban coverage and simple, easy-to-use bundles. Its network is strongest in cities and along major travel routes, and the Plan Libre Prepago gives a set amount of data plus social media app access and local calling minutes.
Liberty is perfect for travelers who want predictable, budget-friendly plans and don’t need extensive rural coverage. The simplicity of the bundles makes it easy for visitors to pick a plan and start using it immediately without navigating multiple options.
| Duration | Data | Pricing | Notes |
| 30 days | 5GB + Unlimited social | ₡5,900 ($11.92) | Fixed data + social apps, easy to buy |
Quick verdict: Liberty Plan Libre Prepago is best for budget-conscious travelers who want a fixed data allowance and social app access. The trade-off is slightly less coverage in rural areas, and you need to visit a Liberty store or authorized retailer to buy and activate.
During my trip, I tried relying on local SIM cards entirely, and while it wasn’t difficult, it did take longer than I expected. Between finding the right store, waiting for staff to set up the SIM, and making sure the plan loaded correctly, it added up to a noticeable chunk of my first day.
Here’s a breakdown of your main options:
Important tip: Confirm the SIM is fully activated before leaving the store or kiosk. Check that data works and social apps are accessible. Activation usually takes a few minutes, but it’s worth testing on-site to avoid surprises later.
I tested a few eSIM options on my trip and found them much easier to use than a local SIM, especially if you are only visiting for a few days. With eSIMs, there is no need to go to a store, show ID, or wait for activation. You can install the plan ahead of time and be online as soon as you land.
From my experience, eSIMs are simpler and faster than physical SIMs for most travelers. Below is a quick comparison of three eSIM providers that work well in Costa Rica.
| Provider | Best for | Notes |
| Holafly | Travelers who need unlimited data | Great if you want unlimited data without worrying about usage limits. Setup is fast and simple, and it works right after installation. |
| GigSky | Frequent travelers | Works well if you want one provider that can be reused across multiple countries. |
| Nomad | Frequent travelers or multi-country trips | Works well if you want a single eSIM that can be used in several countries. Plans are flexible, and setup is straightforward. |
Quick take: Holafly is best if you want unlimited data without worrying about limits, Nomad is excellent for fixed data needs at good value, and GigSky works well for lighter usage and simple, predictable pricing.
SIM cards at Juan Santamaría International Airport typically start around ₡1,000–₡5,500 ($2–$11), depending on the provider and data bundle. Claro, Kolbi, and Liberty kiosks carry prepaid plans for short-term visitors.
For most travelers, Claro offers the best balance of coverage, value, and tourist-friendly bundles. Kolbi and Liberty are solid alternatives, with Kolbi being convenient for more data and voice minutes.
eSIM pricing varies by provider. Small data plans start around $8 for 1 GB for a week, while unlimited options can reach $90–$95 for 30 days. Holafly, Nomad, and GigSky are popular eSIM providers.
Holafly is the easiest for unlimited data and fast setup. Nomad provides excellent per-GB value, and GigSky is a simple, reliable choice for lighter use or shorter stays.
Purchase a local SIM or eSIM before or upon arrival. Using these plans ensures local rates for data, calls, and texts instead of your home carrier’s roaming fees.
Yes. Kolbi is a major national carrier with broad coverage across urban areas and many rural regions. It works well for both data and voice calls, though tourist SIMs may have more limited options.
Most modern unlocked U.S. phones work in Costa Rica. Make sure your device supports GSM networks and 3G/4G LTE bands used locally.
Incoming SMS from local numbers is included on local prepaid plans. Messages from international numbers may incur charges depending on your carrier or plan.
AT&T international plans cover Costa Rica, but rates are higher than local SIM or eSIM options. Using a local plan or eSIM is usually more affordable for travelers.
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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