SIM Card Guides

How to buy a Costa Rica SIM card in 2025

What do you need to buy a Costa Rica SIM card and where can you get one? See our guide for locations, requirements, prices, and digital alternatives.

Being surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes doesn’t mean you can’t get mobile data. A Costa Rica SIM card is one way to get online at local rates and avoid roaming charges. So, how can you get one?

This blog explains how to get a SIM card from Costa Rica’s main providers, covering where to find them and what to expect in terms of prices, activation process, and requirements.

Whether you prefer a physical SIM card for Costa Rica or an unlimited data travel eSIM, we’ve got you covered.

In this article

Where to buy a Costa Rica SIM card?

Generally, you have two options: organizing a prepaid SIM card for Costa Rica before your flight or picking up a local SIM card upon arrival.

Before you travel: Order a physical SIM card for Costa Rica from third-party retailers like Amazon and SimCorner, which ship prepaid SIM cards for Costa Rica straight to your home address.
After you land: Grab a Costa Rica SIM card at the baggage claim area at San Jose International Airport with multiple Claro SIM cards and Kolbi kiosks. Liberia Airport has kiosks for Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro. You can also find local SIM cards in San José city (official outlets inside malls, downtown, supermarkets, and convenience stores).

Another option is to purchase a travel eSIM before your trip. If your phone supports eSIM (most do), you can skip the frustrations that come with a physical SIM card entirely. Here are some benefits of choosing an eSIM over a physical SIM:

No waiting in line or searching for cell phone stores
Easy installation via QR code or in-app activation
Instant access to mobile data and up to unlimited data plans (use unlimited WhatsApp and social media)
No deposits or extra payments, like with a pocket WiFi for Costa Rica

It’s a perfect digital option for travelers seeking peace of mind, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

How to buy a SIM card in Costa Rica

Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you’ll find three popular network providers. Claro, Kolbi, and Liberty all offer solid coverage and prepaid SIM card plans. Here’s a quick overview of each provider’s offerings:

Claro SIM card for Costa Rica

Claro is part of América Móvil, one of the biggest integrated telecom companies, offering solid coverage in Costa Rica. Claro’s Costa Rica SIM cards are a popular option for locals and tourists. Plans range from 300 MB for 400 CRC (~$0.70 USD) to unlimited data and minutes for 10,000 CRC (~$19). Validity periods also vary from eight hours to 30 days.

Where to buy Claro Costa Rica SIM cards:

Juan Santamaría International Airport (kiosk at baggage claim 5)
Convenience stores in San José, Liberia, Tamarindo
Train stations
Official Claro stores

Kolbi SIM card for Costa Rica

Kolbi is a reputable telecoms company in Costa Rica and offers extensive coverage in urban areas. They offer a few prepaid SIM card packages for tourists, including 3 GB to 10 GB data allowances for 7— to 30-day validity periods. Prices range from 5000 CRC (~$10) to 12,500 CRC (~$25).

Where to buy Kolbi Costa Rica SIM cards:

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose
Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia
Official Kolbi retail stores throughout Costa Rica

Liberty SIM card for Costa Rica

Liberty Costa Rica is one of the country’s top mobile operators, offering suitable coverage in popular tourist areas. They provide a range of prepaid SIM plans for tourists with data allowances of 1 GB to 4 GB and unlimited social media usage. Voice minutes are also included in specific plans. Prices vary from ~$1 to ~$3 for one to seven days of validity.

Where to buy Liberty Costa Rica SIM cards:

Juan Santamaría International Airport (in the arrivals hall)
Official Liberty stores in Costa Rica City Center
Convenience stores
Train stations

Requirements to get a prepaid Costa Rica SIM card

To successfully purchase a prepaid SIM card in Costa Rica, you’ll need:

A valid passport and a copy
Local address (proof of stay)
Valid payment method (local currency in cash and a working debit/credit card).

Most cell phone stores, supermarkets, and provider kiosks will help with activation instructions on the spot. Still, if you buy online, you’ll need to be ready with these documents during the purchasing process. You might also receive help with the physical SIM card installation. However, activation support can take 15 minutes to an hour, longer if you’re stuck in a line (like in airports).

If you’d rather skip the lines, language barriers, and the entire activation process of a physical SIM card, consider buying an eSIM. Holafly’s eSIM plans offer an easy, stress-free way to connect before you land.

Holafly’s eSIM for Costa Rica: Unlimited data, one solution

If you want to get data in Costa Rica without dealing with SIM card kiosks and local registration processes, Holafly’s unlimited data travel eSIM for Costa Rica is the best solution.

This digital SIM card is ideal for travelers, offering unlimited data plans so you never have to worry about reaching your data limit, especially handy for data-heavy apps.

The eSIM activation process is simple: open the email with the QR code, scan it, and follow the instructions on your phone. You’ll be online in no time. Check out our guide on how to install your eSIM for help.

Unlike traditional prepaid Costa Rica SIM card providers, Holafly offers:

The freedom to choose your plan based on your trip’s duration
Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
24/7 customer support, strong coverage via Claro networks
500 MB of daily hotspot sharing
It’s easy to learn how to top up Holafly eSIM in seconds.

The best part is, the more days you add, the cheaper the daily price gets. Choose a plan between one and 90 days, with prices starting from $7.90 for one day for unlimited data.

On the other hand, what if Costa Rica has you captivated, and you’re looking to stay? Or it’s just one leg on a global tour of unforgettable travel moments. Holafly Plans is a monthly eSIM subscription that keeps you online in Costa Rica and 170+ global destinations.

You can sign up for your rolling Holafly Plans eSIM and cancel anytime, with the unlimited data plan starting at $64.90 per month.

FAQs about Costa Rica SIM cards

How much is a SIM card in Costa Rica?

A basic prepaid SIM card in Costa Rica typically costs between 1,000 CRC and 3,000 CRC (~$2–5), depending on the provider and package.

How can I top up a Costa Rica SIM card?

You can top up a local Costa Rica SIM card at official stores, kiosks, most convenience stores, supermarkets, cell phone stores, and sometimes even online through the provider’s website or app. If you’re using a digital SIM, it’s easy to learn how to top up Holafly eSIM.

Which is the best Costa Rica SIM card with unlimited data?

The best Costa Rica SIM card depends on your needs and where you’re travelling. While all three top operators offer suitable data allowances, Claro offers unlimited data plans for tourists.

However, if you want true convenience and peace of mind, Holafly’s eSIM for Costa Rica is the easiest option, offering unlimited data for all your browsing needs.

Travelling beyond Costa Rica? Check out our other SIM card guides, including:

Plans that may interest you

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

Read full bio