eSIM for Costa Rica — the complete guide
Get an eSIM before you travel to Costa Rica and you'll have data the moment you land — no buying a local SIM, no expensive roaming. Mobile data in Costa Rica — 4G/5G eSIM.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card: you buy a plan online, get a QR code, and set it up in seconds. You'll be connected as soon as you arrive — no queuing for a SIM at the airport.
How much data do you need in Costa Rica?
Light
1–3 GB
Maps, messaging, email, occasional browsing
Medium
5–10 GB
Social media, browsing and navigation every day
Heavy
20 GB+ / Unlimited
Video, calls, hotspot, longer stays
What you get
4G/5G data
Fast mobile data across Costa Rica
Instant delivery
Get your QR code by email right after payment
Keep your number
Your main number stays active for calls
Coverage & networks in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica an eSIM runs on local operators' 4G/5G networks, just like a regular SIM. In major cities coverage is typically excellent; in remote areas speeds may drop. The plan automatically connects to the best available network.
How it works
Choose a plan
Pick a Costa Rica data package on aviaesim.com
Scan the QR
After payment you get a QR code — scan it
Get connected
Data works the moment you land
eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM
| eSIM | Roaming | Local SIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 💚 Low | 🔴 High | 🟡 Medium |
| Delivery | ⚡ Instant | ✅ Automatic | 🟡 Buy on arrival |
| Setup | 📷 Scan QR | ✅ Nothing | 🔧 Swap card |
| Keep your number | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🔴 No |
| Ready before you land | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🔴 No |
Why an eSIM
No roaming bills
Pay local rates, not roaming
Save time
No queuing for a SIM at the airport
Reliable network
Runs on local operator networks
Ready before you go
Set it up at home before you fly
Tips for staying connected in Costa Rica
- Install the eSIM before you leave, while you still have Wi-Fi.
- Turn on “Data roaming” for the eSIM line in settings (it's still a local plan, not costly roaming).
- Set the eSIM as your data line and keep your home number as the call line.
- Download offline maps to save data.
- Running low? You can top the plan up at any time.