We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.
This article will explain why an eSIM in Costa Rica is the most convenient SIM card for tourists and travellers. It will benefit you in multiple ways.
Avoid the hassle of changing out those tiny SIM cards in your device, and switch to eSIM instead!
Thanks to technology, eSIM has made our travelling lives so much easier.
eSIM Costa Rica is your best choice; let me explain why:
eSIM is a digital version of your physical SIM card already encrypted in your device. An eSIM enables you to activate a cellular plan from a phone carrier without using a physical SIM.
Getting an eSIM is straightforward; simply download the eSIM or data profiles to your device.
Most phones and devices already contain a microchip that allows you to install multiple eSIM profiles. It’s comparable to having several physical SIM cards with phone numbers and data packs loaded into your device simultaneously.
How long you wish to spend in Costa Rica and whether you will use wifi when available will decide what Costa Rica eSIM data plan you should select.
If you plan to use wifi in Costa Rica (cafes and hotels usually offer this option for free), then you should go with the small plan, 1GB for $9, valid for 7 days.
And, if you mainly rely on phone coverage for your data, buy the largest plan that includes more data, the 5GB for $31 eSIM, valid for 30 days.
The Airalo App is handy for buying more data when running low.
The best eSIM carrier for Costa Rica is Airalo. It’s the largest eSIM store with eSIMs to connect you in 190+ countries!
There are 4 x eSIM data packs available in Costa Rica
Arriving in Costa Rica and immediately connecting to the local carrier is a traveller’s dream!
It’s the most accessible Costa Rican SIM card for tourists – download, activate, and you’re good to go!
There’s no longer a need to queue at the airport to arrange a local SIM card; pre-organise your eSIM card in Costa Rica before your arrival.
It means you can order a taxi or ride via a ride-sharing app directly from the airport; it’s fantastic! Alternatively, jump online and search the public bus schedule for departures from the airport to the city, or instantly access google maps to follow navigation if you need to.
If you’re still wondering how an eSIM actually works, this post will explain it in plain English.
Download an Airalo eSIM for Costa Rica; it’s a wise choice to save you time, and being so affordable, it’s a wise move.
I honestly love this product. I even used the Global eSIM to keep me connected as I visited EVERY country in the world! True story, read about it on CNN.com.
The Global eSIM connects you to over 84 countries; it’s fantastic!
Buying a SIM card in Costa Rica has never been this straightforward (and affordable). Here’s how to download an eSIM.
Note: The eSIM validity data starts from the date of activation. So, you can purchase the eSIM beforehand but wait to activate it until just before you arrive in Costa Rica.
Important: Your device must be compatible with eSIM. Please check this list to see if your device supports eSIM before purchasing any Airalo eSIM.
Costa Rica is an exhilarating country, that is for sure! So be sure to check out these amazing things to do and don’t miss these 6 dishes you must try in Costa Rica.
And, if you use your data quicker than planned, it’s okay to top up with more. Open your Airalo App and top up with more data; it’s effortless.
It’s essential to add that Airalo sends you an alert message when you’re running low on data, reminding you to buy more. A helpful feature, wouldn’t you agree?
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, of course, you still have the option to purchase a physical SIM card at any major airport or phone store.
A local SIM will allow you to call and send local texts in Costa Rica. Depending on the plan you purchase, it will also give you access to local calling rates and data.
Many local carriers will claim to have the best sim card in Costa Rica, the most reliable connection, etc. And, with unlimited phone plans and carriers, prices tend to fluctuate.
Accordingly, you will find that the price comparison for eSIM Costa Rica is highly competitive to a physical SIM card for Costa Rica.
What I like most about buying an eSIM is its affordability, zero hassle, and zero fuss. And I love that I get to keep my original number.
It’s a reasonable question that many people who travel regularly have asked. “Which is better, physical sim or eSIM?”
I used to be one of those travellers, but since switching to eSIM and enjoying the many pros (which far outweigh the cons), I can’t imagine returning to physical SIM cards now.
I explain in this post why eSIM for all international travel is my only choice for staying connected worldwide.
Another perk of downloading an eSIM for Costa Rica is that you don’t need to remove your physical SIM card from your phone. eSIM is digital, so it’s all embedded inside your device; it’s fantastic.
I love technology!
It’s welcoming news because you avoid the risk of losing your tiny SIM card (as it stays inside your phone), and it also means you can receive your messages from home.
A bonus for eSIM users is that you don’t need to change your original mobile phone number; it stays the same. Convenient, especially when connecting with family and friends back home, as they don’t have to try and message you on a foreign number.
Oh, and once you buy an eSIM, you can navigate the Airalo app in English. So it’s much easier than decoding the Spanish language on your device.
So there you have it – Costa Rica eSIM is a clever choice for staying connected in this country.
Now that we’ve covered the best SIM card for your Costa Rica adventures – are you travelling to other Latin American countries too?
Suppose Costa Rica is just one stop for you on a much bigger Latin American adventure. Then, a Regional Latamlink eSIM may be what you’ve been searching for.
Why buy a Regional eSIM for Latin America? It will save you money, and one single eSIM will connect you to 19 Latin American countries! And yes, Costa Rica is included in this regional eSIM.
CHOOSE FROM 4 x Latamlink eSIM DATA PACKS:
In summary, eSIM Costa Rica and the Regional Latamlink eSIMs are affordable, reliable, and convenient. Your travelling life will get much easier once you make the switch.
To make switching to eSIM easier, don’t miss claiming your discount below!
SAVE $3 when you buy eSIM Costa Rica or any other Airalo eSIM. Use our referral code: RACHEL5045 to get $3 off your first purchase!
We have so many tips to help you travel more!
These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.
Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier!
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!
We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.
If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.
Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.
Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.
The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Get the best deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.
Finally, check out our travel resources page for the best websites, tools and products we use to travel the world.
View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.
🏥 Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo (Get 5% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing
🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.
🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.
👫 Group Tours: G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar.
📸 Day Tours & Trips: GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.
📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks, and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)
🎒 Luggage: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.
🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank. To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers.
🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.
💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.
📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)
✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!
