eSIM Costa Rica
Costa Rica eSIM: Best eSIM for Costa Rica From $5.98
Jan
Written by Peter Moore – eSIM Content Writer
Best eSIM for Costa Rica: eSIM4
eSIM4 is our top pick for the best eSIM for Costa Rica in 2026. Plans start at $5.98 for 1GB over 7 days on the Claro network. That is the lowest starting price of the 6 providers on this page.
For one or two weeks, 3GB for 30 days costs $17.98 and 5GB costs $24.98. Install it before your trip, then switch it on when you land.
Why We Chose eSIM4
- Network: Claro, on 3G and 4G.
- Plans: 1GB to 20GB of data, for 7 to 30 days.
- Price: From $5.98, up to 56% off the regular price.
- Hotspot: Allowed on every plan.
- Setup: Instant email delivery and no ID check.
- Calls and Texts: Call and text real phone numbers with the Yabb app.
Costa Rica eSIM Prices: 6 eSIM Providers Compared
Compare 6 eSIM options for Costa Rica. eSIM4 starts at $5.98 for 1GB, the lowest starting price of the 6 providers here. Prices are in USD. eSIM4 prices checked October 28, 2026, other providers October 13, 2026.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Starting Price | Starting Plan | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⭐ eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | $5.98 | 1GB, 7 days | Claro |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | $7.99 | 1GB, 7 days | Not confirmed |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.7/5 | $7.50 | 1GB, 3 days | Liberty |
| 4 | Nomad | 4.6/5 | $8.00 | 1GB, 7 days | Liberty, Kolbi (ICE) |
| 5 | Jetpac | 4.5/5 | $7.00 | 1GB, 4 days | Claro |
| 6 | aloSIM | 4.4/5 | $9.50 | 1GB, 7 days | Claro, Telefónica |
Costa Rica eSIM Plans: How Much Data You Need
We suggest 3GB to 5GB for one or two weeks. The right plan depends on your data usage, your trip length and your budget.
| Your Trip | eSIM4 Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend, maps and messages | 1GB, 7 days | $5.98 |
| One week, light use | 2GB, 15 days | $11.98 |
| One to two weeks, normal use | 3GB, 30 days | $17.98 |
| Two weeks, lots of photos | 5GB, 30 days | $24.98 |
| A month, or an extended stay | 10GB, 30 days | $32.98 |
| A month, heavy use or hotspot | 20GB, 30 days | $38.98 |
Video uses the most mobile data on a trip to Costa Rica. Netflix says HD video uses up to 3 GB an hour, and its basic quality up to 0.3 GB an hour (Netflix Help). Maps, WhatsApp and ride apps use far less.
Every eSIM4 plan allows hotspot use, so you can share your data with a laptop. If you run out of data, buy another plan. eSIM4’s Costa Rica plans go up to 20GB. For unlimited data, see the FAQ below.
Top eSIM Providers for Costa Rica
Each card shows one provider’s network, plans, setup steps and price table. Prices are in USD.
eSIM4
Lowest starting price, on Claro
eSIM4 is our top pick for Costa Rica. It sells prepaid eSIM plans on the Claro network, with the lowest starting price of the 6 providers here. Every plan allows hotspot use, and your eSIM arrives by email straight away.
Coverage
eSIM4 runs on Claro, one of the Costa Rican networks, on 3G and 4G. One plan works across Costa Rica, from San José to Guanacaste. Check the towns on your route on Claro’s coverage map.
Data Plans
eSIM4 sells six plans, from 1GB for 7 days to 20GB for 30 days. All are prepaid, with hotspot use. For calls and texts, use the Yabb app.
Activation Process
You order on esim4.com, and eSIM4 emails your QR code straight away. Install it at home over Wi-Fi, then turn on the eSIM4 line and data roaming for that line when you land. Your plan starts when you activate it.
Price
Pricing starts at $5.98 for 1 GB over 7 days. 2 GB for 15 days costs $11.98, and 20 GB for 30 days costs $38.98. No other provider on this page starts lower.
| Data / Type | Duration | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $13.50 $5.98 | 56% OFF |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $24.30 $11.98 | 51% OFF |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $34.20 $17.98 | 47% OFF |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $47.70 $24.98 | 48% OFF |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $61.20 $32.98 | 46% OFF |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $72.90 $38.98 | 47% OFF |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lowest starting price here: $5.98
- Runs on Claro, 1GB to 20GB
- Instant delivery and no ID check
- Excellent 24/7 support
Cons
- Data plans only: call and text through the Yabb app
- No unlimited plan for Costa Rica alone
Saily
Data plans from the NordVPN team
Saily comes from the team behind NordVPN. It sells its plans through an app.
Coverage
We could not confirm which local network Saily uses in Costa Rica. Its plans there are data only.
Activation Process
Download the Saily app, buy a plan, and install the eSIM through the app. Set it up on Wi-Fi before you leave. The plan starts when it connects to a supported network.
Price
Saily starts at $7.99 for 1 GB over 7 days. 10 GB for 30 days costs $36.99.
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $7.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $18.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $26.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $36.99 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- From the team behind NordVPN
- Installs through the Saily app
- Plans from 7 to 30 days
Cons
- Data only, no phone number
- Network not confirmed for Costa Rica
Airalo
Plans on the Liberty network
Airalo sells Costa Rica eSIMs on the Liberty network. Some of its plans add calls and texts.
Coverage
Its plans here run on Liberty, with no 5G listed.
Activation Process
Install from its app or with a QR code. Set it up on Wi-Fi before you travel and turn it on when you land.
Price
Airalo charges $7.50 for 1 GB over 3 days, $34.00 for 10 GB over 30 days and $40.50 for 20 GB. eSIM4 costs less at 1 GB, and at 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB over 30 days.
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 Days | $7.50 |
| 5 GB | 15 Days | $26.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $26.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $34.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $40.50 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on Liberty
- Some plans add calls and texts
- Installs through the app or a QR code
Cons
- Smallest plan lasts only 3 days
- Costs more than eSIM4 at 1, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Nomad
Two local networks, up to 20 GB
Nomad sells plans from 1 GB to 20 GB through its app.
Coverage
Nomad lists two networks: Liberty and Kolbi (ICE). It lists no 5G there.
Activation Process
Install through its app, or scan the code in your phone settings. Set it up before you fly.
Price
Nomad starts at $8.00 for 1 GB over 7 days, $2.02 more than eSIM4’s 1 GB plan. 10 GB for 30 days costs $25.00.
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB (Non-5G) | 7 Days | $8.00 |
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $8.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $19.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $25.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $31.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Two local networks
- Installs through the app or a QR code
- Plans up to 20 GB
Cons
- 1 GB costs $2.02 more than at eSIM4
- Data only, no phone number
Jetpac
Plans on Claro, up to 40 GB
Jetpac sells plans from 1 GB for 4 days up to 40 GB for 30 days.
Coverage
Jetpac uses Claro, the same network as eSIM4. Its help centre lists no 5G there.
Activation Process
Buy in the Jetpac app and install the eSIM from there. It connects when you land.
Price
Jetpac starts at $7.00 for 1 GB over 4 days. eSIM4’s 1 GB plan costs $1.02 less and lasts 7 days.
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4 Days | $7.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $23.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $41.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $58.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plans up to 40 GB
- Runs on Claro
- Installs through the app
Cons
- Data only, no voice or SMS
- 1 GB plan lasts only 4 days
aloSIM
Plans on Claro and Telefónica
aloSIM sells plans from 1 GB to 20 GB.
Coverage
aloSIM lists two networks: Claro and Telefónica.
Activation Process
Buy on the aloSIM site or app, then install the eSIM from the app. Install it before you leave and switch it on once you land.
Price
aloSIM starts at $9.50 for 1 GB over 7 days, $3.52 more than eSIM4. 2 GB for 15 days costs $15.00, against $11.98 at eSIM4.
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $9.50 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $15.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $20.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $29.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $36.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $45.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Two local networks
- Plans from 7 to 30 days
- Simple installation
Cons
- Highest 1 GB price of the 6 providers here
- Costs more than eSIM4 at every size both sell
Costa Rica eSIM Networks: Claro, Kolbi and Liberty
eSIM4 runs on Claro in Costa Rica. The other eSIMs on this page use Claro, Liberty, Kolbi (ICE) or Telefónica, all Costa Rican networks.
The Network column in the price table above shows each provider’s network. Jetpac and aloSIM also use Claro. We could not confirm Saily’s network.
Check coverage in Costa Rica on your route
Claro publishes a coverage map with 3G, 4G and 5G layers (Claro coverage map). Search the towns, beaches and parks on your route before you go. Download offline maps over Wi-Fi before long drives.
Looking for a Claro eSIM?
eSIM4 sells Claro data plans for visitors, and you buy them online. Claro’s own eSIM page sets up its eSIM when you buy a phone in Claro’s online store (Claro eSIM).
Local Physical SIM Card or eSIM in Costa Rica?
A travel eSIM is easier than a local SIM card for most trips. You set it up at home, and it works when you land.
How local SIM cards work
You buy a local SIM card after you arrive, at a phone store. Claro lists one of its stores inside Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), in the arrivals area next to baggage carousel 5 (Claro stores). You then swap it in for your home SIM.
Searching for a Costa Rica eSIM card? An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, so there is no card to collect or insert.
Why eSIM4 is easier
- No store visit and no ID verification: you buy online from eSIM4, from $5.98.
- Set up at home: eSIM4 emails your QR code straight away, and you install it before you fly.
- Works on landing: switch the line on when you arrive. Your plan starts when you activate it.
- Keep your home SIM active: it stays in your phone, so your own number stays reachable.
- Hotspot: every eSIM4 plan allows it.
Before You Buy an eSIM: Is Your Phone Compatible?
Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Most recent iPhones and many Android phones are.
Using an eSIM on iPhone
Apple Support says eSIM needs “An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later” (Apple Support).
Using an eSIM on Android
Many Android phones support eSIM, including recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models. Check your model on our list of compatible devices.
- Quick check: Dial *#06#. If an EID number shows, your phone can use eSIM on most models. Our EID guide explains more.
- Unlocked: A phone locked to your home carrier may block a travel eSIM. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you fly.
How to Install and Activate an eSIM for Costa Rica
Set up your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before your trip, then turn it on when you land.
- Buy your plan before you travel. Buy an eSIM for Costa Rica online. eSIM4 emails your QR code straight away.
- Install the eSIM at home. Use home Wi-Fi. iPhone: go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code. Android: on most phones, open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
- Activate it when you arrive in Costa Rica. Turn on the eSIM line, mobile data and Data Roaming for that line. Your plan starts when you activate it. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid roaming fees from your home carrier.
Forgot to install it?
Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) has free Wi-Fi on the network SJO Free WiFi (SJO airport). Connect to it, scan your QR code, then turn on the eSIM4 line.
Buy the plan, install it on home Wi-Fi, and land connected.
Get Set Up Before You Fly →Stay Connected in Costa Rica: Calls and Texts
eSIM4 plans for Costa Rica are data plans, so you make calls and send texts through apps. WhatsApp, FaceTime and video calls all work when using your eSIM data.
Call any phone number: Yabb
Yabb calls landlines and mobiles in 200+ countries over your eSIM data, so you can ring a hotel or tour office in Costa Rica. You buy calling minutes as you need them (Yabb).
Send real SMS texts
Yabb also sends real SMS texts to any mobile phone, and you get the replies in the app.
Learn More About Yabb Calling → Learn More About Yabb SMS →Costa Rica eSIM FAQs
Do eSIMs work in Costa Rica?
Yes, eSIMs work in Costa Rica on the local mobile networks. Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. eSIM4 runs on the Claro network in Costa Rica.
Which is the best eSIM for Costa Rica?
eSIM4 is our pick for the best eSIM for Costa Rica. It runs on Claro and has the lowest starting price of the 6 providers on this page: $5.98 for 1GB over 7 days. Every plan allows hotspot use, and there is no ID check.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Costa Rica?
eSIM4 has the lowest starting price of the 6 providers on this page, at $5.98 for 1GB over 7 days. It also has the lowest 2GB price here: $11.98 for 15 days.
Is there a Claro eSIM for Costa Rica?
Yes, eSIM4 sells prepaid Claro eSIM plans for Costa Rica, from $5.98. You buy online and get the QR code by email. Claro’s own eSIM is set up when you buy a phone in Claro’s online store.
Do I need a SIM card in Costa Rica?
No, you do not need a physical SIM card if your phone supports eSIM. eSIM4 emails your eSIM straight away, with no ID check, and you install it before you fly. If your phone has no eSIM, phone stores sell SIM cards, and Claro has a store at Juan Santamaría Airport.
Can I use my US phone in Costa Rica?
Yes, a US phone works in Costa Rica if it is unlocked and supports eSIM, or through your carrier’s roaming. Your carrier bills roaming at its own international rates. With eSIM4 you pay a set price up front, from $5.98. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid roaming fees.
Does an eSIM for Costa Rica work on iPhone?
Yes, it works on an unlocked iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later, according to Apple. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the eSIM4 QR code.
How much data do I need?
We suggest 3GB to 5GB for one or two weeks of maps, messages and photos. eSIM4 sells 3GB for $17.98 and 5GB for $24.98, both for 30 days. Video uses the most data: Netflix says HD video uses up to 3 GB an hour.
Can I get unlimited data in Costa Rica?
Yes, eSIM4’s Latin America eSIM sells unlimited data plans for 3 to 30 days, and it works in Costa Rica on Claro. You get full speed for the first 3GB each day, then about 1 Mbps until midnight local time. eSIM4’s Costa Rica plans go up to 20GB.
Can I use one eSIM for Costa Rica and Panama?
Yes, eSIM4’s Latin America eSIM covers 17 countries for a multi-country trip, including Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico and Colombia. The Costa Rica plan covers Costa Rica only. See our Latin America and Panama eSIM guides.
Does Airalo work in Costa Rica?
Yes, Airalo sells Costa Rica plans on the Liberty network, from $7.50 for 1GB over 3 days. eSIM4 runs on Claro and costs less: $5.98 for 1GB over 7 days, and less at 5GB, 10GB and 20GB over 30 days.
Will my WhatsApp work in Costa Rica?
Yes, WhatsApp keeps working with your usual number and contacts. It uses your eSIM data for messages and calls. Your home carrier’s roaming rates apply to normal calls and SMS on your home line.
