eSIM Costa Rica – Mobile Data for Your Trip
Stay connected across Costa Rica with a prepaid travel eSIM from $0.96. Buy online, receive your QR code by email, and scan to activate mobile data before you land in San José or anywhere in the country. No physical SIM card, no roaming fees, no contract.
- Plans from
- $0.96
- Plans available
- 22
- Smallest bundle
- 500MB
- Shortest validity
- 1 days
- Delivery
- QR code by email, within minutes
- Plan type
- Prepaid data only — no contract
Prepaid Data Plans for Costa Rica
esimbloom offers 10 data plans for Costa Rica, starting from $0.96 for 500MB valid for 1 day. Every plan is data-only: you get mobile internet to use maps, messengers, ride-hailing apps, and email, but no local phone number for voice calls or SMS. Plans run on 4G/LTE or 5G where the underlying network and your device support it.
Choose the data amount and validity that match your trip length. Purchase online, and your eSIM QR code arrives by email within minutes. One plan covers your entire stay across Costa Rica, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean lowlands and the central highlands.
How to Set Up Your Costa Rica eSIM
Your device must support eSIM technology and be carrier-unlocked. Most iPhones from XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models, and many other smartphones work with eSIM. Check your device compatibility before purchasing. Once you buy a plan, you will receive a QR code by email.
Scan the QR code in your phone's settings to install the eSIM profile, but wait to activate the plan until you need mobile data. Activation typically begins when you turn on data roaming or connect to a network in Costa Rica. Keep your home SIM installed if you want to receive calls and texts on your usual number while using the eSIM for data.
Using Mobile Data Across Costa Rica
Coverage is strong in San José, tourist hubs like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, and along the Interamericana highway. In coastal towns on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, expect reliable connectivity in populated areas, though speeds may drop in smaller beach villages. Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, and remote parts of the Caribbean coast can have limited or intermittent signal, particularly inside rainforest trails and national parks.
Most travellers use 1GB to 3GB per week for navigation, messaging, booking tours, and sharing photos. Streaming video or uploading high-resolution images will consume data faster. If your itinerary includes extended time in Corcovado, Tortuguero, or backcountry areas, download offline maps and guides beforehand. For city-based trips and shuttle routes between major destinations, mobile data will keep you connected without interruption.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a Costa Rican phone number with my eSIM?
No. esimbloom plans are data-only. You can use WhatsApp, Telegram, and other internet-based messengers, but you will not have a local number for standard voice calls or SMS.
When does my Costa Rica eSIM plan start?
Validity begins when the eSIM connects to a mobile network in Costa Rica, usually when you enable data roaming after landing. Install the QR code before departure but keep the plan inactive until you arrive.
Will my eSIM work in national parks and rural areas?
Coverage is good along main roads and in tourist towns, but inside dense rainforest reserves and remote coastal areas signal can be weak or absent. Download offline maps before heading into parks like Corcovado or Tortuguero.
Can I use my eSIM plan across multiple trips to Costa Rica?
Only if your trip falls within the plan's validity period. A 1-day plan expires 1 day after first use, regardless of whether you used all the data. For repeat visits, purchase a new plan for each trip.
Which devices work with esimbloom eSIMs in Costa Rica?
Most iPhones from XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models, and many other eSIM-compatible smartphones. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. Check the compatibility list on the esimbloom site before buying.