Best eSIM for Costa Rica in 2026: Tourist Guide & Comparison

Planning your trip to Costa Rica and looking for the best tourist eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Costa Rica including a comparison of the best Costa Rica eSIMs in 2026.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below before ordering an eSIM for Costa Rica. Find up to date prices and info including all eSIM specifications.

The Traveltomtom Team recently spent 2 weeks road tripping around Costa Rica, testing mobile internet in real travel situations while exploring places like Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, the Osa Peninsula and Puerto Viejo.

Find out where and when to order an eSIM, FAQ about using eSIMs, more info about the best network coverage in Costa Rica, the fastest 4G/5G data speed and more.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Costa Rica.

Last update: July 2026.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on independent research and personal experience.

My recommendation

Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Costa Rica read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

1. Sim Local eSIM for Costa Rica - 18 GB for ~$27 USD

• $26.75 USD
• 18 GB data-only
• valid in 70+ countries
• No calls/sms
• valid for 30 days
• Network not specified
• $1.5 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order a Sim Local eSIM for Costa Rica.

Sim Local sells the Three UK eSIM valid in more than 70 countries, including Costa Rica. This international eSIM is therefore the best sim card for tourists traveling to Costa Rica in 2026.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the coupon code 'TRAVELTOMTOM' at check out.

2. Airalo eSIM for Costa Rica - 10 GB for $38.50

• 10 GB data
• 100 minutes
• 100 sms
• valid in Costa Rica
• valid for 30 days
• Operates on the 4G/LTE network of Liberty
• $3.85 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Costa Rica.

🎁 Exclusive Airalo discount for Traveltomtom readers: get 20% off with coupon code TT20. Valid until mid July 2026 and only for first-time Airalo users.

Airalo is the only eSIM provider that offers eSIMs for Costa Rica including calling and texting. Airalo also has data-only eSIMs available. In total Airalo has almost 30 different eSIM plans for traveling to Costa Rica and is therefore highly recommended.

Is Costa Rica one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an international eSIM for traveling the world.

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Best value 10 GB data plan for Costa Rica in 2026

A quick Costa Rica eSIM comparison for the 10 GB data plan:

• Sim Local: 18 GB = $26.75 USD (network not specified)
• SimOptions: 10 GB = $23.90 USD (network not specified)
• Nomad: 10 GB = $29 USD (Liberty network)
• Jetpac: 10 GB = $33 USD (Claro network)
• Airalo: 10 GB = $35 USD (Liberty network)
• Holafly: 10 days unlimited data = $39.90 USD (Liberty network)

Comparison of the best eSIMs for Costa Rica

On arrival in Costa Rica you can also buy an eSIM as per 2026 in an official phone store from one of the mobile internet providers: Liberty, Kolbi or Claro. The Traveltomtom Team experienced that not all stores have eSIMs for tourists, so it is a 50/50.

If you want to arrive prepared and have data on your phone as soon as the plane lands it is much more convenient to order an eSIM for Costa Rica on the internet.

There are multiple eSIM Providers on the internet that sell eSIMs for Costa Rica. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Costa Rica from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

The competition is fierce so before you buy an eSIM for Costa Rica first read all my tips below.

Sim Local

Sim Local offers the best value eSIM for Costa Rica in 2026.

• 18 GB data for $26.75 USD, valid for 30 days 

This eSIM from Three UK is valid in more than 70 countries, including Costa Rica

This is a data-only eSIM, so it does not include calls or SMS, but at just $1.5 USD per GB it is one of the best eSIM deals for tourists traveling to Costa Rica.

Click here to order a Sim Local eSIM for Costa Rica.

Traveltomtom readers get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the coupon code TRAVELTOMTOM at checkout.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reputed eSIM provider, in fact the first eSIM provider and market leader. Airalo is very much recommended by Traveltomtom and ordering your eSIM for Costa Rica via Airalo is done fast and easy.

Why using Airalo?

Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Never an issue and often some of the best eSIM deals. On our latest trip to Costa Rica we tested Airalo on the Liberty network and were very pleased with the outcome.

From the rainforests of Tortuguero and the hot springs around La Fortuna to the surf beaches of Guanacaste, the wildlife around Manuel Antonio and Osa, and the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere in Puerto Viejo, we tested what it is really like to travel around Costa Rica while depending on an Airalo eSIM.

Airalo has more than 25 different eSIM plans for Costa Rica, here are some of the popular plans:

• 5 GB data for 7 days = ~$25 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = ~$34 USD
• 20 GB data + 200 minutes + 200 sms for 30 days = ~$44USD
• 10 days unlimited data = $43 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Costa Rica eSIM via Airalo.

🎁 Exclusive Airalo discount for Traveltomtom readers: get 20% off with coupon code TT20. Valid until mid July 2026 and only for first-time Airalo users.

These data-only eSIMs are from Hot Telecom+ and operate on the Liberty 4G/LTE network. Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and the Hartonet eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number.

An Airalo eSIM has to be activated within 90 days after purchase and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network, basically on arrival in Costa Rica. For more info check out the Airalo website.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an eSIM.

Why using SimOptions?

In 2026 SimOptions has the best value 10 GB data plan for Costa Rica on offer for ~$24 USD.

SimOptions has proven over the years to be very reliable. Excellent costumer service, great eSIM deals, eSIMs for pretty much every country in the world and an innovative product. Traveltomtom never faced an issue with SimOptions eSIMs.

Here are some of the popular SimOptions eSIM plans for Costa Rica:

• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $23.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $43.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIMs for Costa Rica via SimOptions.

Con: SimOptions does not specify which mobile data network they use in Costa Rica.

The SimOptions eSIMs for Costa Rica do not come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.

The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts in general only on arrival in any of the supported countries. But some eSIMs from SimOptions have different policies, so always be aware of this when installing your SimOptions eSIM.

For more info check the SimOptions website or read our detailed and honest SimOptions eSIM review.

Jetpac

Jetpac quickly made name in the eSIM world by not only offering very affordable eSIM solutions, but also by adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac.

The Traveltomtom team has tried Jetpac now in a couple different countries without any issues, only positive reviews. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.

Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for Costa Rica in 2026:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $4 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $58 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Costa Rica.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

The Jetpac Costa Rica eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Claro, the weakest network in Costa Rica.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Costa Rica, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Costa Rica. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And Jetpac also provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel to Costa Rica and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.

These are all complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data. Unlimited is only unlimited if there is NO so called FUP (Fair Use Policy). Holafly is an eSIM provider that only sells eSIMs with unlimited data, but uses an FUP. Unfortunately they do not specify what is their FUP.

Especially when traveling in Costa Rica on a long and tiring bus ride, you don't want anyone to tell you that you have used too much data on your 'unlimited' data eSIM.

But that is just my personal advice.

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $7.90 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $28.90 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $39.90 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48.90 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $93.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Costa Rica are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Liberty.

Because of the FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Costa Rica.

Also prices for eSIMs are more on the expensive side and so a Holafly eSIM for Costa Rica is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Costa Rica?

Apart from the local eSIMs from Kolbi, Liberty and Claro there is no other eSIM provider can beat the $4 USD eSIM for Costa Rica from Jetpac. You get 1 GB data for 4 days.

SimOptions is a good second best with an eSIM plan for Costa Rica for just $5.90 USD for 1 GB data for 7 days.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling to Costa Rica

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica in 2026 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Costa Rica without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Costa Rica with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you don't have to buy a prepaid sim card at San Jose Airport in Costa Rica.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Costa Rica so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD.

Not kidding… it still is very common in 2026.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used throughout the last two years.

Find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, USA, Canada, Europe, Spain, Bali, French Polynesia and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling!

Overseas Data Roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Costa Rica there is 4G/LTE available.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!".

Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Costa Rica. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from a friend.

Where to buy an eSIM for Costa Rica?

Online

There are a ton of websites that offer eSIMs for Costa Rica. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the most reliable eSIM providers for Costa Rica eSIMs in 2026.

When buying an eSIM for Costa Rica through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Costa Rica

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Costa Rica: Kolbi, Liberty and Claro. As of 2026 all the mobile internet providers in Costa Rica also sell eSIMs for tourists. In phone stores in Costa Rica you can now opt for a tourist eSIM as well as a physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

For more info about how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Costa Rica click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Costa Rica, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

When to order/activate an eSIM for Costa Rica?

You can order an eSIM for Costa Rica pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Costa Rica or before. You will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM.

Therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM before departure to Costa Rica. As soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How to activate your Costa Rica eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Costa Rica you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Costa Rica eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR code contains all the information about your Costa Rica eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Costa Rica

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Costa Rica eSIMs, but are things to know before buying an eSIM in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Costa Rica. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

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If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Costa Rica or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Costa Rica and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIMs?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is to dial *#06# on your phone. A screen will pop up and will show you a bunch of barcodes. If you see a barcode with 'EID', then you know your device is eSIM compatible.

If you are not sure then simply ask Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Costa Rica.

In that case check out Traveltomtom's complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Costa Rica.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Costa Rica recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by the Traveltomtom Team. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Costa Rica.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

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But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Costa Rica eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Costa Rica.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica. An eSIM can be used at the same time as your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Costa Rica eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Costa Rica eSIM?

Yes, Airalo is the only eSIM provider that offers eSIMs for Costa Rica with data and calling minutes. All the other eSIM providers only offer data-only eSIMs for Costa Rica.

Does a Costa Rica eSIM come with a phone number?

Yes, the Airalo data/calls/sms eSIMs for Costa Rica come with a phone number and they supports incoming and outgoing calls/sms.

No other eSIM provider offers eSIMs for Costa Rica with a phone number.

Can I use 5G on a Costa Rica eSIM?

First of all don't get too excited about having 5G when traveling to Costa Rica in 2026. The 5G network in Costa Rica is still very limited and pretty much only exists in the city center of San Juan.

Although some eSIM providers mention that their eSIMs are 5G ready, in reality there is pretty much no 5G available when traveling around Costa Rica as of 2026.

Are there eSIMs for Costa Rica with unlimited data?

Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Costa Rica include unlimited data.

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes just 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to an useable data speed like 384 Kbps, which is similar to an E signal.

Sometimes eSIMs have an FUP of 30 GB data per month. It depends on the eSIM specifications.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it is so slow, it barely works!

So yes, there are eSIMs for Costa Rica with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Jetpac, SimOptions, Roamless, Sim Local, Airalo and Nomad do NOT offer eSIMs for Costa Rica with unlimited data. No hidden fees, no Fair Use Policy. Clear terms & conditions!

Holafly is different and Holafly only offers eSIMs with unlimited data plans per day. However, Holafly but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP) and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first eSIM recommendation.

On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Costa Rica with unlimited data. But if you think you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite eSIM.

However, if the FUP is 2 GB per day then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data!? Right?

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Costa Rica, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Costa Rica are a cheaper way to stay connected compared to the eSIMs you order online from Airalo, Holafly, Sim Local, Roamless, Jetpac or SimOptions.

If you buy a prepaid sim card in a phone store in Costa Rica you will get more data for less money than the available eSIMs. On top of that these local prepaid sim cards come with the option of calling and texting.

Find more info about how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Costa Rica in my complete guide.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

SimOptions is the only provider that sells international prepaid sim cards for Costa Rica and there is not much choice. An international physical prepaid sim card from Three UK gives you 10 GB data in Costa Rica for $24.90 USD, actually a great sim card deal.

If after visiting Costa Rica you are traveling onwards to other continents or countries in the Pacific then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

• eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs that you buy in Costa Rica in a mobile internet provider store

As of 2026 eSIMs are now available in phone stores in Costa Rica. In fact most of the Kolbi, Liberty and Claro phone stores in Central San Juan will allow tourists to choose between a physical prepaid sim card and an eSIM.

On arrival at San Jose International Airport Juan Santamaria it can be a hassle to buy a local prepaid sim card for tourists as the sim card shops are not open 24 hours. There is not much choice either and there are only physical prepaid sim cards available, no eSIMs at San Juan Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Costa Rica, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Costa Rica. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Costa Rica. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

Price

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare Costa Rica eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Costa Rica, our conclusion is that local prepaid sim cards are more affordable and you get more Gigabytes for cheaper prices.

You can already get 2 GB data + free social media apps for less than $5 USD per week. As a comparison for $7.5 USD you only get 1 GB data with a Sim Local eSIM for Costa Rica.

That said, after a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card from a phone store. With an eSIM that you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Costa Rica in the comparison above. Faster, easier and less stress.

Data Speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card you buy in Costa Rica on arrival.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Costa Rica were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Costa Rica right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of 2026 I have visited more than 165 countries, still about 30 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Costa Rica!

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