Prepaid SIM/eSIM Costa Rica: how to buy a 4G internet chip?
Roaming fees
Do you know what roaming is? It’s the fees your French operator will charge you if you use your plan abroad. In the case of a trip to Costa Rica, this can quickly add up, especially if you use the internet!
| Carrier | Rate |
|---|---|
| SFR | €13.20 / MB |
| Free Mobile | €7.50 / MB |
| Bouygues Telecom | €10.24 / MB |
| Orange | €13.31/MB |
Buy a SIM card before you leave
As you’ve guessed, going to Costa Rica with your French SIM card is not a wise idea. One solution is to buy a dedicated SIM card before you travel; you’ll receive a physical SIM at your home that you can use as soon as you arrive in Costa Rica.
With Holafly
The company Holafly offers this type of service.
Check out Holafly’s offers in Costa Rica and get a PROMO CODE.
Holafly offers two different options.
| Validity | Data | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 8 GB | 34 € |
| 30 days | 12 GB | 47 € |
Note that in addition to Costa Rica, the 4G chip will work in other countries in the region: Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay.
On Amazon
Amazon occasionally offers prepaid deals for Costa Rica, but that’s not the case right now.
Buy an eSIM valid in Costa Rica
If you have a compatible phone, it’s not necessarily worth carrying a physical card; eSIMs are 100% digital.
Holafly also offers an eSIM service (read our review on the subject).
See Holafly’s eSIM offers for Costa Rica. Feel free to use the promo code NOMADBENTO
However, the offer is less interesting than the physical card; it’s only valid for 15 days and costs €47 for 6 GB of internet.
Buying a 4G SIM at the airport
Another option: buy a SIM card upon arrival at the airport.
At San Jose international airport, you’ll find a Claro stand near baggage claim.
For 10,000 CRC, you’ll get 5 GB of internet and unlimited WhatsApp.
Buying a SIM card in town
There are 3 mobile operators in Costa Rica:
- I.C.E (national company offering prepaid cards kölbi)
- Claro
- Movistar
It’s easy to buy a SIM card; just keep your eyes open and spot a store, kiosk, or street vendor displaying one of these logos.
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