1. Mobile Service Providers
Costa Rica has several major mobile network providers offering SIM and eSIM options:
- Kolbi (ICE) – Government-run network with the widest coverage in rural areas.
- Liberty – A good alternative with reliable service.
- Claro & Movistar – Offer competitive data packages and international roaming.
2. Getting a SIM or eSIM
- Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport, supermarkets, and telecom stores.
- Tourists can buy SIM cards with just a passport (no residency required).
- eSIMs are available from Kolbi, Claro, and third-party providers (such as Airalo and Holafly).
- Get Phone Mobile Data (temporarily). You can use the Airalo app (iOS and Android) to buy an eSIM for Costa Rica (if your device allows). Is very simple, download the app, choose Costa Rica, choose length (there’s only one type of sim), then pay (you might need to take a picture of your passport). Then follow installing instruction.
- Permanent Solution to Phone plans (data/calls/sms). Liberty for my CR number. The Mi Liberty App has allowed me to pay my CR bill via the app vs recharging at stores (from Erik)
- Keeping your US phone - https://tello.com/ (from Erik)
3. Internet & WiFi
- Most accommodations and cafés have free WiFi.
- Home internet is available through Liberty, Kolbi (ICE), and Claro.
- Fiber-optic connections are available in some areas, but rural locations may rely on wireless internet solutions.
4. Community Connectivity
- The HAC app allows residents to manage visitor access and generate gate codes remotely.