The best eSIM for Costa Rica depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $2.24, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $8.52. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Costa Rica eSIM runs on one network: Claro. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Claro by hand.
The Costa Rica eSIM connects to the country's three main carriers: Kolbi (ICE, the widest nationwide coverage, reaching national parks and rural areas), Movistar Costa Rica, and Claro Costa Rica. 4G covers most of the country and 5G is now live in San José and major urban centers (Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago). Plugs are Type A and B (120V), same as the US.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) offers limited free WiFi; activate your Costa Rica eSIM before landing. Spanish is the official language, but English is common in tourist areas. The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), though US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and tours. For colones, use Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, or Scotiabank Costa Rica ATMs — no commission for Visa/Mastercard up to ₡200,000. Activate your plan before heading to remote destinations like Corcovado or Tortuguero, where signal may be intermittent.