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Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

We are committed to offering unbiased and thorough recommendations. To support our website, we earn affiliate commissions from links to products on our site. While our reviews are independent and based on our own experiences and detailed product testing, these commissions allow us to cover costs and continue bringing valuable advice to travelers worldwide.

Our reviews and articles are updated regularly to ensure relevance and accuracy. Please note that we may not review every product in the market, but we strive to cover as many as possible to maintain a wide-ranging resource for our readers. Join us at Roami to stay connected wherever your travels may take you.

Best eSIM Costa Rica: compare, buy online and travel connected

Published: September 29, 2023

Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure

Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

We are committed to offering unbiased and thorough recommendations. To support our website, we earn affiliate commissions from links to products on our site. While our reviews are independent and based on our own experiences and detailed product testing, these commissions allow us to cover costs and continue bringing valuable advice to travelers worldwide.

Our reviews and articles are updated regularly to ensure relevance and accuracy. Please note that we may not review every product in the market, but we strive to cover as many as possible to maintain a wide-ranging resource for our readers. Join us at Roami to stay connected wherever your travels may take you.

If you are planning to travel to one of the most tropical and wonderful countries in Latin America, Costa Rica is such a great alternative. As you plan your trip, you shouldn’t worry about the internet. Anyway, we know that in this modern world it is very important to be connected to the internet, but doing it abroad with international Roaming can be very expensive, so we are going to tell you about a new and accessible alternative known as the eSIM for Costa Rica.

The eSIM card is different from other services such as Pocket Wifi because it is easier to get, install, and use. In this article, we are going to tell you all you need to know about it, how they work, prices, providers, and some of the reasons why it is such a great alternative.

eSIM card for Costa Rica: what you need to know

You have to know that not all smartphones can manage eSIM technology, so we have listed some of the requisites you must fit to acquire this product.

  • Make sure your cellphone is eSIM compatible, and also that it is compatible with the eSIM card that your provider offers. Most companies are compatible with iPhone XR and onwards.
  • You need an email account to receive the eSIM card.
  • You will have to connect to the internet to make the eSIM activation and download the profile after you scan the QR code.
  • Some providers may ask you to download their mobile app.

(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)

eSIM card for Costa Rica providers

Now that you have read about the requisites you must fit, you need to know about which providers offer this technology to travel to Costa Rica. The following companies offer international eSIM cards aimed at travelers:

  • Holafly
  • Truphone
  • WifiMap
  • GigSky
  • GlobaleSIM

eSIM card for Costa Rica data plans and prices

For you to make the best decision, we have listed the data plans and prices of the eSIM cards that each of the previous providers offers. Remember that the prices may vary depending on coverage, payment methods, and location.

Holafly eSIM card for Costa Rica: data plans and prices

  • Unlimited data for 5 days at USD 27
  • Unlimited data for 7 days at USD 34
  • Unlimited data for 10 days at USD 37
  • Unlimited data for 15 days at USD 47
  • Unlimited data for 20 days at USD 54

Truphone eSIM card for Costa Rica: data plans and prices

  • 3GB during 30 days at $49
  • 1GB during 30 days at $18

WifiMap eSIM card for Costa Rica: data plans and prices

  • 3GB during 30 days at $30.88
  • 1GB during 30 days at $35.35
  • 500MB during 30 days at $18.18

GigSky eSIM card for Costa Rica: data plans and prices

  • 1GB during 15 days at $10.99
  • 5GB during 30 days at $39.99

GlobaleSIM eSIM card for Costa Rica: data plans and prices

  • 1GB during 7 days at $49
  • 2GB during 10 days at $78
  • 3GB during 14 days at $95
  • 5GB during 30 days at $115

eSIM card for Costa Rica providers: a comparison

ProviderMobile dataDaysPriceSupportWhere to buy it
HolaflyUnlimited data 5$27English, German, French, and SpanishWeb
HolaflyUnlimited data 7$34English, German, French, and SpanishWeb
HolaflyUnlimited data 10$37English, German, French, and SpanishWeb
HolaflyUnlimited data 15$47English, German, French, and SpanishWeb
HolaflyUnlimited data 20$54English, German, French, and SpanishWeb
Truphone3GB30$49EnglishWeb
Truphone1GB30$18EnglishWeb
WifiMap3GB30$30.88English, RussianWeb, App Store, Play Store
WifiMap1GB30$35.35English, RussianWeb, App Store, Play Store
WifiMap500MB30$18.18English, RussianWeb, App Store, Play Store
GigSky1GB15$10.99EnglishWeb, App Store, Play Store
GigSky5GB30$39.99EnglishWeb, App Store, Play Store
GlobaleSIM1GB7$49EnglishWeb
GlobaleSIM2GB10$78EnglishWeb
GlobaleSIM3GB14$95EnglishWeb
GlobaleSIM5GB30$115EnglishWeb
Table N°1. Comparison between eSIM providers for Costa Rica.

Characteristics of the eSIM card for Costa Rica

It is very important you read more about the product you are about to buy, so we are going to show you below the main characteristics of the eSIM card, so you can compare it with the traditional SIM card.

  • Most eSIM cards are for only data, which means that they won’t let you make calls. If you want to communicate with someone you can do it using mobile apps such as WhatsApp or Skype.
  • Some eSIM cards configure the APN automatically.
  • Your smartphone will become a dual-SIM, which means that you will be able to use the eSIM and the traditional SIM card at the same time.
  • The eSIM card can be installed only once, so if you have any problem do not erase it, before calling your provider first.
  • Some eSIM cards let you share your mobile data.
  • You can have more than one data plan, but you can only use one at a time.

eSIM card for Costa Rica coverage

Another important aspect is the eSIM coverage. Some eSIM cards, usually cheap ones, do not offer great coverage, so you won’t be able to enjoy your mobile data.

To avoid these problems, you should pick the eSIM cards that have roaming accords with the local operators in Costa Rica. The main operators in this destination are the following: Claro, Movistar, and Kolbi.

You can check the coverage maps below, to learn more about it.

Claro 4G coverage map

Movistar 3G coverage map

Kolbi 4G coverage map

Can I get my eSIM card from local operators?

In Costa Rica, mobile operators like Claro, Movistar, and Kolbi do not offer eSIM cards yet. So, even though your device is eSIM compatible, you won’t be able to acquire an eSIM card.

It only affects residents with a fixed contract. If you are a traveler, and you want to get this technology you can get an eSIM card from the operators we mentioned before.

Frequent questions about the eSIM card for Costa Rica

Do I need a passport to make the purchase?

No, you don’t. But some providers may ask for your address.

Can I share mobile data with other devices?

Yes, the eSIM card for Costa Rica will let you share your mobile data with other devices. Anyway, you should check this with your provider.

How do I activate the eSIM card for Costa Rica?

After installing the eSIM profile, you have to pick it as the mobile data provider, turn on the mobile data and data roaming, and that’s it!

Do international eSIM cards have an expiration date?

Yes, just like traditional SIM cards, the eSIM has an expiration date.

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