Internet, Wifi, Phone Coverage in Costa Rica

General Connectivity Overview

What to Expect

Urban vs. Rural: In the Central Valley, which includes San José and Alajuela, and in popular tourist towns like La Fortuna, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio, you can expect reliable, high-speed internet and a strong cell signal comparable to what you might find at home.

Remote & Eco-Lodges: As you venture into more remote areas, mountainous regions, or the Osa Peninsula, connectivity changes. Internet is often satellite-based, which can be slower and intermittent. Cell service may become patchy or disappear entirely. We encourage you to embrace this as a welcome opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s extraordinary nature.

Power Outages: Brief power outages can happen, particularly during the rainy season from May to November. These interruptions will naturally affect WiFi availability, so a little patience is always a good travel companion.

Using Your Home Cell Phone Plan

International Roaming

This service allows you to use your phone in Costa Rica with your existing number and data plan, just as you would at home.

• Pros: It offers unparalleled convenience, as there is no need to change SIM cards. You retain your personal phone number for receiving calls and text messages seamlessly.
• Cons: Roaming can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, many home providers will “throttle” or significantly slow down your data speeds once you reach a certain limit abroad.

Action Required: It is essential to contact your home carrier (such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Vodafone) before you travel. Inquire about their specific international plans, day-pass rates, and data caps for Costa Rica. Be sure to activate any required international package before your departure to avoid the shock of exorbitant pay-per-use charges upon your return.

Getting a Local Costa Rican SIM Card

Why This is a Great Option

Purchasing a prepaid (prepago) local SIM card is the most cost-effective method for accessing data and making local calls. It frequently provides superior coverage and faster data speeds compared to international roaming plans.

What You’ll Need

• An Unlocked Phone: Your mobile phone must be “unlocked” to accept a SIM card from a different carrier. To verify this, you can contact your home provider or test it by inserting a SIM card from a friend on a different network. If it works, your phone is unlocked.
• Your Passport: You are required to present your physical passport to purchase and register a SIM card. A photocopy or a digital image of your passport is typically not sufficient.

Main Mobile Providers

• Kölbi (ICE): As the state-owned provider, Kölbi is widely regarded as having the most extensive and reliable coverage, particularly in rural and remote destinations.
• Claro: A strong competitor, Claro offers excellent coverage, especially within cities and populated tourist areas.
• Liberty (formerly Movistar): Another popular choice, Liberty provides competitive pricing and solid service in most major regions.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

• At the Airport (SJO or LIR): The most convenient option is to visit a provider kiosk upon arrival. You will find stands for Kölbi and Claro in the baggage claim area of both international airports.
• Official Provider Stores: In any major town, you can visit a branded store for Kölbi, Claro, or Liberty. Staff can assist you in choosing the best plan and setting up your phone.
• Supermarkets & Shops: Many larger supermarkets, such as Auto Mercado, and small local convenience stores, known as pulperías, sell SIM cards and credit for topping up your plan.

Using a Travel eSIM

How it Works

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you download and install directly onto your phone, eliminating the need for a physical card. This modern solution offers a streamlined way to get connected.

Before purchasing an eSIM, it is crucial to confirm your device is compatible. You can typically check this in your phone’s settings under “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” or by searching your phone model’s specifications online.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: eSIMs are exceptionally convenient, as they can be purchased and installed from home before you even depart. This technology also allows you to keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts from home while using the eSIM for data. Pricing is often very competitive.
• Cons: Many eSIM plans are data-only, meaning they do not provide a local Costa Rican phone number for making traditional calls. Compatibility is also limited to newer smartphone models.

Popular eSIM Providers

Several reputable companies offer eSIM plans for Costa Rica. We suggest comparing options from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad. When choosing, consider the amount of data offered, the validity period of the plan, and whether it includes a local phone number if that is a priority for you.

WiFi Availability in Costa Rica

Hotels, Rentals, and Lodges

• Hotels & Resorts: Complimentary WiFi is a standard amenity in lobbies and guest rooms. Speeds are generally sufficient for web browsing, email, and streaming services.
• Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO): While most rental properties list WiFi as an amenity, the quality and speed can vary widely. If you depend on a stable connection for remote work, we highly recommend confirming the internet speed and reliability with your host prior to booking.
• Eco-Lodges & Remote Stays: In these unique accommodations, WiFi is often limited to a central common area, such as the reception or restaurant. The connection may be slower and is sometimes turned off overnight to conserve energy.

Public WiFi

• Cafes & Restaurants: Nearly all cafes and restaurants in tourist areas provide free WiFi for their patrons. Simply ask your server for the password, or “la clave.”
• Public Parks: Some central town squares and parks offer free public WiFi networks. However, these connections can be slow and are less secure. We advise exercising caution when using any public, unsecured network and recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for an added layer of security.

Essential Apps & Practical Tips

Must-Have Apps

• WhatsApp: This is the primary communication platform in Costa Rica for personal and professional use. It is essential for contacting tour guides, drivers, hotels, and local businesses via text, voice messages, and calls.
• Waze: For navigation, Waze is favored over Google Maps by locals. It provides superior real-time updates on traffic, road conditions, hazards, and police presence—invaluable information for anyone driving in the country.
• Offline Maps: Before leaving an area with good WiFi, use an app like Google Maps or Maps.me to download maps of your upcoming destinations. This ensures you can navigate effectively even when you are without a cell signal.

Making Calls

• Country Code: The international dialing code for Costa Rica is +506.
• Local Numbers: All Costa Rican phone numbers consist of 8 digits. No internal area codes are required when dialing from within the country.
• Calling Home: The most affordable way to make international calls is over WiFi. Use applications such as WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype to connect with friends and family back home.