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Will my phone work in Costa Rica?
Discover how to use your cell phone in Costa Rica and find the best options for staying connected, depending on whether your phone is locked or unlocked.
Yes, your phone will work in Costa Rica, but you have to make sure it works with local networks, you have an international plan, or a roaming option during your trip.
This guide explores how to use your cell phone in Costa Rica, including the various options for staying connected, the requirements for each, and alternatives like the Holafly travel eSIM to simplify the process.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?
Yes, but you need to check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local frequency bands.
For US phones, double-check if it’s carrier-locked, as these won’t work in Costa Rica.
If your phone is unlocked, you can opt for more plans to stay connected in Costa Rica. If not, you’ll have to rely on international roaming.
How to use your cell phone in Costa Rica
If you have an unlocked cell phone, options like an eSIM and a local SIM card are a reliable way to stay connected. A pocket WiFi also does the job, and roaming is the final option in case your phone is carrier-locked.
Let’s explore how each one works.
eSIM
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, the Holafly eSIM for Costa Rica is the easiest option to stay connected.
You get unlimited data, up to 500 MB of daily hotspot, 24/7 customer support, 5G data speeds, and an easy activation process.
Pricing starts at $7.90 daily, but the longer you stay, the cheaper it becomes, costing as little as $3.21 daily for a 90-day trip.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Roaming in Costa Rica
For carrier-locked phones, you have to rely on roaming in Costa Rica during your trip, which can easily cost over $100 for a 10-day trip.
Some plans you can use in Costa Rica are:
- Travel passes: For a daily fee, you receive access to unlimited data, texts, and minutes; however, the daily cost can exceed $10.
- Pay-as-you-go: You pay for what you use, making it the most expensive option to stay connected in Costa Rica.
- Monthly plans: Unlock your local allowance without paying extra; however, it has a higher price compared to other local plans.
Physical SIM card for Costa Rica
If you have an unlocked SIM-only phone, using a SIM card for Costa Rica is a cheaper alternative to roaming.
You can get these at official Claro, Kolbi, or Liberty stores, at third-party vendors in the San José International Airport, or at local supermarkets. To get one, you’ll need:
- Valid passport and a copy.
- Local address or proof of stay.
- Valid payment method, local or international.
Plans range from limited to unlimited data, and work for up to 30 days for the most expensive options.
Pocket WiFi for Costa Rica
A pocket WiFi for Costa Rica is a great option to get internet access on different devices, such as tablets or laptops.
However, rental pricing is easily comparable to roaming, as a one-week data plan can cost over $100 with a limited allowance. Plus, you have to add delivery fees and add-ons you include, such as a portable charger.
But if you need to share data with others, or you’re working remotely in San José, Liberia, or close to any beautiful beach, Holafly Plans is a more suitable solution.
For $64.90 monthly, you get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, coverage in over 170 destinations, 5G data speeds, and you only need an eSIM-compatible phone, making it a great alternative to a pocket WiFi.
Will your phone work in Costa Rica? The verdict
Yes, your phone will definitely work in Costa Rica, but choosing the proper option is key to saving money and getting a reliable internet connection.
If you have a carrier-locked phone, using roaming or renting a pocket WiFi device is the go-to option. However, roaming charges and rental pricing are pretty high.
A local SIM card is a good option for SIM-only phones; however, the entire purchase process can be somewhat tedious.
That makes the eSIM for Costa Rica, or Holafly Plans, the most convenient option: high-speed data, easy activation process, cheaper than international roaming, and no complicated purchase process.
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An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Visiting other destinations after a trip to Costa Rica? Learn how to use your cell phone there:
FAQs
Your phone will work in Costa Rica, but you need to check if it is a carrier-locked or unlocked phone to choose the best option for staying connected during your trip.
Liberty and Claro offer the best cell phone service in Costa Rica, as these are the biggest mobile operators in the country.
Yes, Costa Rica has 5G internet. This is mostly available in major cities, such as San José, while in rural areas, phone service is typically 4G.
If you’re using a Costa Rica SIM, you get texts with your prepaid plans. If you’re using a mobile-data-only plan, you can use Rich Communication Services to text without limitations.
Yes, and it’s actually the most used communication app for Costa Rican people and tourists.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
