How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Costa Rica?

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? As you wrap up the final details and pack your bags, don’t forget to sort out how you’ll stay connected and get around.

Switching your UK SIM for a Costa Rica SIM card can make your trip even smoother and help you avoid extra charges. It also gives you easy access to maps and translation apps without relying on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Costa Rica and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Costa Rica from the UK?

Getting a Costa Rica SIM card can be a smart way to cut costs during your trip, since most UK monthly plans do not cover international calls or data. By switching to a local SIM, you’ll enjoy cheaper rates and avoid the additional fees your provider charges for using your phone abroad.

On top of this, a local SIM card allows you to stay connected with loved ones and share your experiences without needing Wi-Fi. It also gives you access to essential travel apps, such as maps and translation tools.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Costa Rica SIM card, you can always opt for international roaming. Networks like VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Costa Rica. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica prepaid SIM plans start at 600 CRC for deals you can use only during the night and 1,000 CRC for regular plans. Claro has a 3-day 1,000 CRC deal with 300 MB of data and additional social media internet.

If you're considering eSIMs, Holafly has an unlimited data plan for £7 a day or £30 for a whole week.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Costa Rica?

You can get a Costa Rica SIM card at the airport, official provider stores and in convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or AM/PM. You can also order a SIM online before departure or get an eSIM.¹

You’ll need to register the SIM card in your name, which requires providing your passport. You may also be asked to have your photo taken, so it’s important to purchase a SIM from a trusted carrier. The registration process is quick, and you’ll be able to use your phone shortly afterward.

Various payment methods will likely be accepted, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff whether you can pay by credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Costa Rica in the UK?

You can buy a Costa Rica SIM card online before leaving the UK, but your options may be more limited. This means you could miss out on better deals that are available once you arrive in Costa Rica.

One option is SimCorner’s 12 GB monthly plan. This SIM costs £19 and it also includes 3,000 inter-sim minutes.²

Can you buy a Costa Rica SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can purchase a Costa Rica SIM card at international airports, like Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, where you'll find them in the arrivals hall.

However, keep in mind that airport stores tend to be pricier than those in the city, and their operating hours are often shorter. For the best value, it’s usually better to buy a SIM card at a store in the city.¹

Best prepaid SIM cards for Costa Rica

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your vacation in Costa Rica.

Kolbi

Kolbi has a tourist SIM plan which costs 12,000 CRC. It includes 5GB of internet and 100 minutes.³

For a smoother experience and more data, you can get one of Kolbi’s unlimited data SIM plans. The day plan costs 1,500 CRC, while the Night package comes at 600 CRC. Both the day ad the night plan are renewed daily.⁴

Claro

Claro doesn’t offer a dedicated tourist SIM plan, but you can find various prepaid options that might fit your needs. For example, their 3-day 1,000 CRC deal might be good for short stays. It includes 300 MB of data, an added 500 MB for Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and unlimited WhatsApp use. You only get 10 minutes of calls, but that’s enough for quick conversations.⁵

If you need more data, their 2,000 CRC plan has 2 GB included. It also features unlimited WhatsApp, but it has 30 minutes in the plan. You can get all of this for 3,000 CRC.⁵

Liberty

Liberty prepaid SIM cards start at 600 CRC and cost up to 2,000 CRC. The best deal at the moment is the 1,250 CRC 7-day plan with 1.2 GB of internet. It also offers unlimited social media use and 20 minutes of national calls.⁶

They also have an unlimited data plan, but only if you use it during the night. It costs 600 CRC and it’s valid for a day,⁶

Best e-SIM cards for Costa Rica

An eSIM is the fastest and most convenient way to avoid high roaming charges when travelling. You can buy it before leaving the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive in Costa Rica.

Be sure to check whether your phone even supports eSIMs before you go. If it does, here are some of the top eSIM options for Costa Rica.

Nomad

Nomad has six Costa Rica eSIM options, starting with a weekly plan at £6 for 1 GB of data. If you’d like to upgrade to a longer or larger plan, get one of their 30-day plans or their 45-day deal.⁷

Their 5 GB monthly plan costs £23, while the 10 GB package costs £28.50, making it a much better deal. The 45-day plan is priced at £44.50 and it has 20 GB of data.⁷

Holafly

Holafly provides eSIM plans with unlimited data, and the prices decrease as you select a longer duration for your plan.

For example, their Costa Rica eSIM is priced at £7 per day, but if you opt for a weekly plan, the cost is reduced to £30. A 15-day eSIM plan is priced at £41, bringing the daily rate down to £2.73, which is much more affordable compared to the initial £7 daily rate.⁸

These plans are data-only, allowing you to keep your UK phone number. You can also share up to 500 MB of daily data via a hotspot, so everyone you're travelling with can stay connected.⁸

Airalo

Airalo provides Costa Rica eSIMs under the Hot Telecom plan, offering six different options. The weekly plan is priced at £8 and includes 1 GB of data, while the 15-day plan costs £12.50 and offers 2 GB of internet.⁹

For those looking for longer durations, the monthly plans include £17 for 3 GB, £25 for 5 GB, £29.50 for 10 GB, and £37.50 for the 20 GB plan.⁹

Spend like a local in Costa Rica with Wise

While you’re selecting a SIM card for your trip to Costa Rica, you may also want to explore options for managing your travel expenses.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Costa Rica and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 05-Feb-2025