Best eSIM providers and plans in Costa Rica 2024

eSIMs are the new revolutionary technology on the market. Basically, you don’t need to buy a physical SIM card anymore. All you can do is go online, find a reliable provider, and download your preferred eSIM plan.

In fact, eSIMs save you the hassle of waiting hours to activate the SIM card, reduce roaming costs, and are incredibly flexible. As a result, you will have access to the Internet at any time, regardless of which part of Costa Rica you visit.

If eSIMs sound like the perfect solution for your Costa Rica trip, stick with us. We're here to provide a comprehensive review of the top 5 eSIM Costa Rica providers, detailing their benefits, factors to consider, and a step-by-step guide on setting up your chosen eSIM. So, let’s dive in and make an informed decision!

Top 5 eSIM providers for Costa Rica – our shortlist

1. Saily - the best eSIM Costa Rica provider
2. Airalo - Costa Rica eSIM with a lot of flexibility
3. Nomad - eSIM for Costa Rica with different validity periods
4. Jetpac - most affordable Costa Rica eSIM
5. aloSIM - international eSIM card for Costa Rica

What to consider when choosing eSIM for travel in Costa Rica?

Nowadays, there are hundreds of eSIMs that you can choose for improving your Costa Rica travel. However, you need to consider a few crucial factors in order to make the right choice. So, let’s dive deeper into our complete list:

• Coverage. The first thing you should always check is the eSIM’s provider coverage. Make sure that it has Costa Rica plans so that you can install it and use it without any issues.
• Data plans. Another very important factor is data plans. You need to see whether you’ll have unlimited data, top-up options, or just a sufficient amount of data allowance for your Costa Rica trip. Therefore, you’ll ensure you won’t run out of data.
• Cost. As there are numerous eSIM providers in Costa Rica, it’s best to compare their prices and then choose the one that best suits your needs. The cost always plays a crucial role, so make sure you receive great value for your money.
• Compatibility. eSIMs don’t work on all phones. Therefore, you need to check if your mobile device supports this new technology. Luckily, most of the latest models are compatible with eSIMs, so you shouldn’t have a problem.
• Activation process. eSIMs need to simplify your installation and activation process, not make it more complicated. In other words, you will have your Costa Rica eSIM up and running in less than a few minutes.
• Validity period. The validity period of your eSIM is crucial so that it can align with your travel duration. Therefore, always consider this before purchasing the best plan for your needs and preferences.

The best eSIMs for Costa Rica travel – our detailed list

Now that we’ve come to the main part, we are preparing to explore the 5 best eSIMs for Costa Rica. We tested and reviewed a few of the best providers and considered various factors which helped us create this list. So, let’s begin!

1. Saily – the overall best eSIM Costa Rica provider in 2024

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$7.99/week
Countries and regions:	150+ countries, including Costa Rica

Visit Saily

The first eSIM provider on our list is Saily. For a very affordable price, you’ll receive immediate Internet access in Costa Rica and cut your roaming costs. But what else does this provider offer?

Coverage. Saily is one of the providers that offers broad coverage. More precisely, you’ll be able to choose 150+ local eSIM plans, including the most suitable one for Costa Rica. Even though there are no regional and global ones, the local plans are just enough.

Data plans. Your trip to Costa Rica has just become better! With four different plans for the country, you can get 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB of data valid for 7 or 30 days, depending on the plan you choose.

Activation process. Saily allows you to buy your plan now and activate it later. This means that you just need to open the official website, choose your plan, and download it. Then, when you arrive at your destination, you can start using it. Overall, this process is effortless.

Price. Saily is among the most affordable eSIM providers on our list. In other words, its starting plan of 1GB of data for 7 days costs $7.99/week. And if you don’t use it at all, you are eligible for a full refund.

2. Airalo – prepaid Costa Rica eSIM with many features

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$9/week
Countries and regions:	200+ countries and regions, including Costa Rica

Visit Airalo

Airalo climbs to second place on our detailed eSIM provider list. With coverage in 200+ countries and amazing offers, you’ll have the best Costa Rica travel ever.

Coverage. Airalo is the eSIM provider with the broadest coverage on our list. You can find an eSIM plan for more than 200 countries, as well as a few for Costa Rica. But if you need more than this, there are regional and global plans that allow you to visit more countries with the same eSIM.

Data plans. If you decide to use Airalo, you’ll be able to pick from its four plans. You can use either 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 5GB of data for 7, 15, or 30 days.

Activation process. The activation process is extremely fast and easy. You just download your preferred plan and activate it once you arrive at your destination in Costa Rica. In other words, you’ll have Internet access in less than 5 minutes.

Price. In terms of the price, Airalo is slightly more expensive than Saily. Its starting plan stands at $9/week for 1GB of data.

3. Nomad – Costa Rica eSIM with a few plans for everyone’s needs

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$9/week
Countries and regions:	170+ countries and regions, including Costa Rica

Visit Nomad

If you want to enjoy fast Internet speeds and have a wide variety of choices, then Nomad might be the perfect eSIM for you. Let’s see how it will enhance your Costa Rica trip.

Coverage. Nomad is currently available in 170+ countries and regions. In fact, you can either go for a local plan for Costa Rica or buy the global plan and use the eSIM for various countries in the world.

Data plans. Like the previous two providers, Nomad offers four Costa Rica eSIM plans. Their data allowance is 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB for 7 or 30 days. Only the 1GB data plan lasts for a week, while the other three have a longer validity.

Activation process. You won’t face any issues or hassles with Nomad. You can activate it in no time, as all you have to do is download your chosen plan on your phone, and that’s it. Internet usage has never been easier.

Price. Another similarity to the previous providers is the price. The cheapest Nomad plan costs $9/week for the 1GB of data eSIM plan.

4. Jetpac – eSIM for Costa Rica with the most affordable prices

Supports 5G networks:	No
Starting price:	$1 for 4 days
Countries and regions:	100+ countries and regions, including Costa Rica

Visit Jetpac

Jetpac is one of the best eSIM providers that you can go for. Aside from being the most affordable, it comes with the most data plans available for Costa Rica. Let’s briefly explore it together.

Coverage. Jetpac has coverage for over 100 countries in the world. Even though this may not seem like enough, you can always pick the global plan and use it in more than one country. However, you’re safe for your Costa Rica travel with this provider.

Data plans. Jetpac offers eight different eSIM deals, meaning you can choose from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, or 40GB of data. Most of its plans last 30 days, except for the 1GB and 3GB plans, which last 4 and 7 days, respectively.

Activation process. Regarding the activation, you won’t have any issues. Jetpac allows you to get Internet access in Costa Rica in a few minutes, as you only need to pick your plan, buy it, and download it on your device.

Price. Last but not least, Jetpac’s starting plan costs only $1 for 4 days. Even though this offer is for new users only, its regular price is $4 for 4 days, making it the most budget-friendly provider on our list.

5. aloSIM – Costa Rica eSIM with an international phone number

Supports 5G networks:	No
Starting price:	$1 for 4 days
Countries and regions:	100+ countries and regions, including Costa Rica

Visit aloSIM

aloSIM is the last eSIM we need to explore further. Although the last is no worse than our previous providers, let’s see what you get.

Coverage. aloSIM works in 175+ countries worldwide and offers both local and regional plans. This means that in addition to the local eSIM for Costa Rica, you can choose the Caribbean one and enjoy visiting more countries at the same time.

Data plans. Speaking of plans, aloSIM offers five local Costa Rica eSIMs. In other words, you can use 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB of data in the duration of 7, 15, and 30 days. However, the length depends on the plan you purchase.

Activation process. Like with the other providers, aloSIM simplifies things for you as much as possible. Therefore, you just need to make the right choice and download the eSIM on your mobile device.

Price. Ultimately, aloSIM’s 1GB data plan costs $9/week. However, you will even get text and phone services for this price.

Benefits of using eSIM in Costa Rica

There are numerous benefits of using eSIMs in Costa Rica. One of them is immediate Internet access. But as there are many more, let’s get right into them:

• Immediate Internet access. With eSIMs, getting Internet access is a piece of cake. All you have to do is install the eSIM on your phone and connect to a local network carrier. That’s it.
• Simple activation. You can forget about the hassle of visiting different mobile stores until you find a SIM card. With eSIMs, everything is online and away from you in just a few clicks.
• Flexibility. One of the best things is that you have complete flexibility with eSIMs. You can get whichever deal you like whenever you want and also top it up if you run out of data.
• Security. eSIMs allow you to skip the risky part of using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. You just use mobile data to prevent the risk of getting your data compromised or stolen.
• Cost savings. Thanks to eSIMs, you’ll be able to leave all the expensive local SIM cards in the past. For just $9/week, you can enjoy faster, safer, and less expensive Internet connections.

How to set up Costa Rica eSIM

You can set up your Costa Rica eSIM in less than a few minutes. Below, we will explain how you can do this on both Samsung and iPhone devices. So, let’s not waste more time and check out our step-by-step guides!

Setting up Costa Rica eSIM on Samsung:

1. Go for a trustworthy eSIM in Costa Rica. We highly suggest using Saily
2. Select the data plan that fits you the most.
3. Install the eSIM app on your mobile phone.
4. Ensure you have a stable Internet connection.
5. Open the SIM settings on your mobile device.
6. Add the eSIM.
7. Scan the QR code.
8. Complete the installation prompts.
9. Verify the eSIM activation (if needed).
10. That’s it! You will have Internet access as soon as you arrive in Costa Rica.

Setting up Costa Rica eSIM on iPhone:

1. Select a reliable eSIM for Costa Rica. Our top choice is Saily.
2. Buy and download your preferred eSIM plan.
3. Open your iPhone’s Settings.
4. Add the Costa Rica eSIM.
5. Scan the QR code (if this is your installation method).
6. Follow the installation steps.
7. Activate the Costa Rica eSIM.
8. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your Costa Rica travel!

Where to get eSIM in Costa Rica?

Nowadays, getting an eSIM in Costa Rica is very easy. Especially because we’re talking about digital SIM cards, you can do this online. In other words, you can arrive in Costa Rica, open your browser, and search for the most reliable eSIM providers. Then, just purchase and download your plan, and that’s it.

Luckily, you don’t even have to spend time while you’re on your trip. You can also buy a Costa Rica eSIM from your home country and just activate it once you get there.

If you forget to do this, you can also get an eSIM at a specialized mobile operator store. Just ask for an eSIM, and they’ll provide you with your options. However, we recommend doing this online, as you can choose Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, or aloSIM and save a significant amount of time and money.

Things to know about using an eSIM card for Costa Rica

Okay, now that you’re well aware of almost everything you need to know about eSIMs, let’s go through some additional things you need to know about using an eSIM card for Costa Rica:

• Phone services are not always included. Some eSIMs offer phone and text services. However, most of them are data-only. Therefore, you need to be ready that you won’t be able to make phone calls unless you use a VoIP services.
• Activation timing. Most eSIMs allow you to download them from your home and activate them when you arrive at your destination, in this case, Costa Rica. However, not all of them do this, meaning you need to be very careful about this and not install the eSIM before going on your trip.
• Expiration period. Usually, there is a time limit for activating your Costa Rica eSIM. This period is typically between 1 and 3 months from the date of your purchase. As soon as this period passes, the eSIM might expire, so make sure to activate it on time.

Does my phone support eSIM?

One of the most crucial things you need to consider is whether your phone supports eSIMs. If you’re not sure about this, it’s best to check its specifications in the manual or online. Usually, the latest mobile models are compatible with eSIMs.

If it does, you need to ensure that it’s unlocked so you can connect it to any other carrier out there. However, checking whether your phone is unlocked can sometimes be tricky, so you can always go to your nearby mobile store and let the experts handle this or just go to your phone’s settings, and that’s it.

Final thoughts on eSIMs for Costa Rica

Is your next travel destination Costa Rica? Then, we have the right solution for you - Costa Rica eSIM! This innovative technology will allow you to gain immediate Internet access, cut your roaming costs, and enjoy your trip even more.

All you have to consider before going for the best provider is its coverage, data plans, price, and ease of installation process. Speaking of this, you can go for Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, and aloSIM, as they tick all of the boxes.

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