Traveling to Costa Rica and need an eSIM? With more devices becoming eSIM-compatible, using an electronic SIM card is often easier and more convenient than dealing with physical SIM cards when traveling abroad. In this guide, I’ll compare the best eSIM options for getting online in Costa Rica in 2024.
An Overview of eSIMs
Before jumping into the options, let’s do a quick eSIM refresher. An eSIM for Costa Rica is a digital SIM card that allows you to access mobile data without having to insert a physical card. eSIMs connect to the local network using a QR code or activation code.
eSIMs offer a few key benefits:
- No need to buy a local SIM card
- Easy activation from your phone
- Ability to switch plans instantly
- Multi-SIM functionality (use eSIM + physical SIM)
To use an eSIM, you’ll need a relatively modern smartphone model that supports the eSIM standard. Most flagship devices released after 2018 should be compatible.
When looking for the best eSIM for Costa Rica, here are a few things to consider:
- Data allowance – How much data do you need during your trip?
- Validity – How long will you be in Costa Rica?
- Price – How much are you willing to pay for connectivity?
- Customer support – It’s good to have backup in case any issues arise.
Next, let’s look at some of the top options…
Airalo: A Top Pick for Costa Rica
Airalo is my top recommendation for getting an eSIM for Costa Rica. I’ve used their eSIMs in multiple countries and have found their platform to be fast, convenient, and reliable.
Some key things to know about Airalo for Costa Rica:
- Network partner: Airalo uses the Kolbi ICE network in Costa Rica which has excellent nationwide LTE coverage.
- Data packages: Options range from 500 MB for 7 days ($5) up to 5 GB for 30 days ($31). These provide great value compared to alternatives.
- Ease of use: Activation is done entirely within the Airalo app by scanning a QR code. Super quick and easy.
- Reliability: In my experience, Airalo eSIMs stay active the entire duration and I’ve never had issues with speeds or connectivity.
For most travelers, I recommend Airalo’s 2 GB, 15 day eSIM for Costa Rica which costs just $17. This provides enough data for maps, social media, web browsing etc while keeping costs down.
To sum it up, Airalo hits the sweet spot between price, ease of use, and reliability. That’s why it’s my top eSIM recommendation for travel in Costa Rica in 2024.
Dent: Best Unlimited Data Option
For those who plan to use lots of data in Costa Rica, Dent could be a great option because they offer unlimited data eSIMs.
With the Dent “Global Data” eSIM, you get truly unlimited high-speed data on the Kolbi network in Costa Rica for $35/month.
Some key aspects of Dent’s Costa Rica eSIM:
- Unlimited 4G LTE data on Kolbi network
- Global eSIM also includes 91 other countries
- $35 monthly plan can be canceled anytime
- WiFi hotspot capability supported
- Ease of use similar to Airalo. Activation via QR code.
The unlimited data definitely comes at a premium. But frequent travelers who go through lots of bandwidth may find the ability to use as much as they want worth it.
While the monthly price is higher than my other recommendations, it’s far cheaper than racking up insane roaming fees on your home carrier.
So for unlimited access in Costa Rica plus 91 more countries, Dent is a leading choice to consider.
KnowRoaming: Global eSIM Provider
Another eSIM option I recommend checking out is KnowRoaming. They’re primarily a global eSIM provider, but their plans also cover Costa Rica.
A few important things to note about KnowRoaming:
- Large global network covering 200+ countries. Costa Rica is included.
- Short term data packs ranging from $15 (250 MB) to $50 (3 GB)
- Longer term plans like $40 for 1 GB monthly available
- Multiple networks deployed across regions
KnowRoaming doesn’t use the top Kolbi or Claro networks in Costa Rica. So coverage could be slightly worse with them compared to my other recommendations. But their global focus makes them an interesting option if you’re visiting multiple countries.
They offer both regular and unlimited data plans. But even their unlimited plans seem to cap speeds around 5 Mbps from what I could gather online.
So KnowRoaming makes for an easy way to get connected across Costa Rica and beyond. But speeds and connectivity may not match options focused solely on Costa Rica like Airalo or Dent.
Other Options for eSIM in Costa Rica
There are a handful of other lesser-known eSIM providers that could work for getting online in Costa Rica as well:
- Nomad – Decent option with packages starting at $12 for 1 GB. Uses Kolbi network.
- Truphone – Packages from $15 (100 MB) to $45 (5 GB) available. Poor reviews.
- Ubigi – Has 500 MB ($14) and 5 GB ($38) options. Uses “multi-network” connectivity. KnowRoaming reseller.
Out of the main alternatives, Nomad would likely offer the next best experience after my top recommendations of Airalo and Dent.
But in general, I’ve found the bigger, better-established eSIM providers like Airalo tend to offer faster speeds and better reliability while traveling. So I typically prefer to use them over newer or smaller companies.
Getting Set Up With an eSIM for Costa Rica
Once you’ve selected the best eSIM for Costa Rica based on your requirements and budget, the activation process is quick and straightforward.
To install your Costa Rica eSIM:
- Create an account with your chosen eSIM company. Add your Costa Rica plan to cart, pay, and get your eSIM voucher code.
- Download the provider’s app (like Airalo app or Dent app). Open the app and enter your eSIM voucher code.
- Follow the activation steps shown in the app. This usually involves scanning a QR code using your phone’s camera. That’s it!
Within a minute or two, your eSIM plan will be activated and ready for use as soon as you land in Costa Rica. No need to worry about finding and inserting a Costa Rica SIM card.
Using Dual SIM Devices in Costa Rica
If you have a dual SIM device, using your regular SIM card alongside an eSIM for Costa Rica is an option worth considering.
That way you can keep your number active to receive calls/texts from back home but use the eSIM for cheaper high-speed data while traveling.
To enable dual SIM functionality:
- Leave your home SIM card inserted as SIM 1
- Follow the eSIM activation process outlined above (this will be set as SIM 2)
- Head to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Cellular Plans
- Enable both plans
With dual SIM enabled, your phone will intelligently route calls, texts, and data across the two lines.
What I typically do is disable mobile data on SIM 1. That way I can receive SMS and calls but won’t accidentally Rack up roaming charges for data.
Then mobile data gets forced onto my eSIM which offers cheap rates in Costa Rica. This dual SIM setup takes a bit more work to configure but gives me the flexibility to maintain contact while minimizing costs.
Summary: Finding the Best eSIM for Travel in Costa Rica
I hope this overview has helped explain the top options for getting an eSIM in Costa Rica!
My top overall recommendation is Airalo for their excellent balance of network coverage, data amounts, ease of use, and pricing.
For unlimited data in Costa Rica, Dent Wireless is a great premium choice. And KnowRoaming allows you to use a single eSIM across Costa Rica and 200+ other global destinations.
To recap the key details for finding the best Costa Rica eSIM:
- Verify your device is eSIM compatible
- Determine how much data you’ll need
- Select Airalo, Dent, or KnowRoaming based on requirements
- Follow the quick and easy activation process
With an eSIM set up before departure, you’ll be able to land in Costa Rica and immediately get online to power your travel experience!
Have a great trip! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM for Costa Rica
What is an eSIM for Costa Rica?
An eSIM for Costa Rica is a digital SIM card that provides mobile data by connecting to local carrier networks without having to insert a physical SIM card. eSIMs allow you to purchase cellular data plans online ahead of arrival for easy connectivity abroad.
Can I use an eSIM on iPhone in Costa Rica?
Yes, iPhones models XS and newer support using eSIM in Costa Rica as well as most countries globally. Simply follow the activation process using the provider’s mobile app after purchasing your plan.
How much does an eSIM cost for Costa Rica?
eSIM pricing can vary depending on factors like data amounts and trip duration, but quality plans generally range from $5 – $35. For example, a 2 GB 15-day eSIM for Costa Rica from Airalo costs $17. I don’t recommend paying more than $35 unless you really require lots of full-speed data.
Is it easy to set up my eSIM for travel to Costa Rica?
Yes, eSIM activation is designed to be simple for travellers. Just enter your voucher code in the provider’s app, scan the QR code shown, and wait 1-2 minutes. If you run into trouble, customer support teams are available to help get your eSIM working.
Can I use dual SIM with local eSIM in Costa Rica?
Absolutely. Many recent phones support functionality to have a physical SIM card (SIM 1) and an eSIM (SIM 2) active at the same time. This allows you to keep your number from back home while using eSIM for cheaper data.
What’s the best Costa Rica eSIM network?
Kolbi and ICE have the best networks in Costa Rica based on coverage and speeds. Airalo uses the Kolbi network for its Costa Rica eSIM plans so you can connect reliably nationwide. Dent also uses Kolbi while KnowRoaming uses multiple networks.
