Getting a prepaid SIM card in Costa Rica is very easy and not that expensive. We recommend getting a Costa Rica SIM card so you can have a local phone number and data which is very useful in case of emergencies.
In this article you will learn all about getting prepaid SIM cards in Costa Rica.
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Where Can I Get a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica?
You can buy a prepaid SIM card at any phone store, supermarket or computer store in Costa Rica.
At the San Jose International Airport, there is a Claro (name of the phone company) stand left of baggage claim 5 where you can purchase a SIM card.
It is open from 6 AM to 9 PM and sometimes to 11 PM on weekends. They’ll help you insert the SIM card and set up your phone to use it.
Claro offers a couple plans. 15 days for $60 USD and $30 USD for 7 days. They have a vending machine that you can just buy the card from and then you can ask the agent for assistance to insert it into your phone.
In the Country
You can go to any of the phone companies’ offices in Costa Rica. Additionally, you can get a prepaid SIM card at most cell phone or computer stores in Costa Rica.
Some supermarkets sell prepaid SIM cards that come with a prepaid plan (already have a set amount of credit on them).
Which SIM card to get in Costa Rica?
For tourists going to popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, we recommend to get a Kolbi SIM card. Kolbi is the government cell phone network company and has the widest coverage in Costa Rica. You can buy prepaid SIM cards at any of their branches.
There are Kolbi offices throughout the country and close to the airports. Search for the closest one to you in Google Maps or Waze. Just look for the office with a big green frog on it that says Kolbi.
Do keep in mind that most offices close from 5-7 PM. If you fly into Guanacaste Airport, there is a Kolbi office in Liberia 15 minutes away by car where you can get a SIM card.
Car Rentals and SIM Cards
Our partnership with Adobe Rent a Car includes a free Costa Rican SIM card with 1000 CRC preloaded that you can put in your unlocked phone for the duration of your car rental booking.
This way, you can have a Costa Rica number in case of emergencies and you can recharge it if you need to. 1000 CRC gives you about 30 minutes of local minutes.
Requirement to get a SIM card in Costa Rica
To buy your own prepaid SIM card in Costa Rica, you must have your original passport or photo ID (passport works best) and cash.
You have to fill out a short form and present your photo ID to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Costa Rica which costs around 2000 colones or (~$3.50 USD).
It is also best to pay in Costa Rican colones, not USD or credit card. When you purchase your SIM card, you can then load as much credit on there as you want.
Additionally, your smartphone must be quad band, it must use a physical SIM card and it has to be unlocked.
The type of phone doesn’t matter. It can be an iPhone or Android, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry, whichever, as long as it fits those three requirements.
Make sure you call your home provider to see if your phone it unlocked and can accept international SIM cards before you leave.
Once you purchase a SIM card in Costa Rica, you can’t return it if you find out your phone is still locked.
Prepaid SIM cards typically expire after 90 days of no use.
Costa Rica Cell Phone Companies
The 3 major phone companies in Costa Rica are: Kolbi, Liberty and Claro. With these companies you can buy the SIM card for 1-2000 colones (around $2-4 USD) and they will give you the same amount for phone credit on the SIM card itself.
Some prepaid SIM cards already have a plan and credit loaded. You will see signs like this at the supermarket for them:
This is an option if you’re not sure how much credit you want to put. However, most people like to do the pay as you go and then recharge when needed.
Our Recommendations for Costa Rica Prepaid SIM Cards
Kolbi is best for nationwide use, especially if you plan to stay in the city and main destinations. However, Claro also has good coverage nationwide, but more for rural areas.
For example, Kolbi does not have as good coverage down in the Osa Peninsula. Instead, Claro worked well there.
When we visited Pavones, Kolbi had 0 service but Claro had 3g. In Guanacaste, Liberty tends to have a teeny bit more coverage than Kolbi.
Using T-Mobile in Costa Rica
Samantha used to use her US phone with T-Mobile in Costa Rica. T-Mobile offers plans with free international data and calling/text included.
No set up required so you don’t need to switch your SIM card or take it out. Just keep your T-Mobile SIM card in your phone.
On their Go5g plan, they don’t charge roaming fees and offer high speed data abroad in over 200 countries, including Costa Rica. Depending on which Go5g plan you have, it’ll be either 5gb of high speed data or 256 kbps on the basic plan.
If you plan to use your T-Mobile plan in Costa Rica, when you land in Costa Rica, take your phone off airplane mode and turn on data, T-Mobile will send you a text message.
It’ll say something like “Welcome to Costa Rica!” and then detail what exactly is included in your plan (how fast your internet is, costs of calls, etc.) They will also include a link in case you want their International Pass for $5 USD a day.
TMobile Plans
The T-Mobile Go5g Next, Go5g Plus and Magenta MAX and Plus gives up to 5GB of high speed data, unlimited texts and calls at $.25/min. The T-Mobile Go5G, Magenta & ONE plans only gives 256Kbps.
I used to have the Go5g Next plan that has up to 5gb of high speed data. The high data works decently in the cities, but in more rural areas, it’s sometimes OK, sometimes only 3g and slow.
It worked well enough for simple emails, Whatsapp texts and Google Maps/Waze but anything more like downloading/uploading or streaming on Youtube, opening heavy websites (surfing the web) or watching videos on Instagram, it was pretty slow.
If you need high speed Internet throughout your whole trip, I recommend to get their International Pass or rent a wifi hot spot.
ur partnership with Adobe Rent a Car gives an extra benefit for wifi hot spots, get more details here about our Costa Rica car rental discount and benefits.
How to Recharge Your prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica
You can recharge your prepaid SIM card at the supermarket, convenience store, cell phone stores or the phone company’s office.
Business will have a sign with the phone company’s logo to indicate they can recharge SIM cards.
To add more credit, you must pay in cash in local currency (Costa Rican colones). Just tell the cashier Me puedo recargar mi X (Kolbi/Libery/Claro/etc.) and tell them how much or give them the cash.
Or just hold out your phone and say the name of the company.
You will also need to give them your phone number. Your phone number will be on your original receipt. There’s a good chance you’ll throw it away so I recommend taking a photo of your phone number.
How Much Credit Should I Put On My SIM Card in Costa Rica?
This depends on what you plan to use it for and how long you’re in Costa Rica. For one week in Costa Rica, we recommend to put 5000 colones on your prepaid SIM card (~$10 USD) at first and then you can recharge it later if need be.
This is usually a good amount to start with for those just using it for email and occasionally surfing the web.
Remember that uploading and watching videos will suck up your data on your SIM card fast so do that on Wi-Fi only.
If you plan to be uploading and using Instagram and Youtube a lot, I recommend to add more than 5000 colones to begin with because those apps suck up a lot of data.
With Kolbi, if your SIM card has not been used, recharged or have any activity, the card will expire after 90 days.
How to Check Your Balance (Kolbi)
For Kolbi customers, type *888# and then select option 1 to check your balance. You can also send a text to 888 with the word SALDO.
eSIM
Many of the latest phones have eSIM which you can use in Costa Rica. eSIMs are actually very practical and convenient as you do not have to have a physical SIM card anymore.
The app will present you options of various international packages that you can choose from. Once you choose the package you want and purchase it, they’ll show you the steps on how to activate the eSIM which is fairly simple.
Then you can upgrade your package, purchase another one or modify it right within the app. There is no need to purchase any physical SIM card for eSIMs.
Our iPhone 14s uses eSIMS. We have used two different eSIM providers when we travel abroad. Both of them have plans in Costa Rica: Airalo and Holafly.
Get 10% off your Airalo eSIM package with our promo code “mytanfeet” and use our promo code MYTANFEET to get 5% off Holafly. Holafly has plans with calls, text and data. Airalo is mostly data only.
Get ready for Costa Rica with these other posts!
Guide to finding accommodation in Costa Rica
Immigration and customs in SJO and LIR Airport
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Stef says
Awesome. Thanks for the quick answer Sammi!
Sammi says
You’re welcome!
Stef says
When I go to Costa Rica, Internet is the important thing for me when it comes to buying a sim card as I want to talk to my boyfriend via Skype. I want to travel to Guanacaste as well, that is why I am not sure which sim card to buy. Should I get Kolbi with a better coverage but slower internet or movistar with worse coverage and faster internet? What do you think?
Sammi says
I would get Kolbi – I used to have Movistar and it didn’t work in a lot of places in Guanacaste. The speed difference is really not anything different, I’ve used both and in theory, Movistar is a bit faster but you can barely tell. I would rather get Kolbi since it has more coverage than to get Movistar and not even get a chance to use the internet since there’s no coverage
vanessa says
If i utilize kolbi sim card and unlock phone will i still be able to utilize wifi calling apps? I only intend to use sim card for local calls in costa rica but free wifi calling to msking calls to the usa.
Sammi says
Yes, once you have a sim card it acts like any other pre-paid card. As soon as you activate the data on your phone it will start deducting credit according to how much data you use. So you can use all the apps like normal including any calling apps like Whatsapp but just keep an eye on your credit because Kolbi data is more expensive and it can run out quick depending how much data you use.
Vanessa says
You mentioned kolbi data is expensive, is there another company you recommend to purchase SIM card through? And just if clarify if I only make calls using WiFi apps will it still deduct data from SIM card or carrier? ,I was under the impression it doesn’t do so, but please forgive me I’m really ignorant on this area.
Sammi says
It’s expensive in comparison to the other ones but if you’re only here for a short period of time and not making phone calls, it won’t make a huge difference. For example I use my phone data a good couple hours a day, make some short phone calls here and there and costs me about 5-8 dollars for about a week (it varies but I’m estimating this is about average). Yes, if you make calls using WIFI apps it will deduct credit from your sim card if you are using the data (carrier is the same thing because you are buying a prepaid sim card from a carrier). If you are using WIFI, obviously it will not deduct because you’re on WIFI.
sophia says
I see how much you are recommending Kolbi. However, I see that you said Movistar has much faster internet, which is what I really need to check my accounts while in Costa Rica, but I also want to use WAZE, and whatsapp while I am there and be able to make a few phone calls to confirm reservations for tours and ask questions. I have an iPhone 4s unlocked. What do you recommend? Are they available stores in Airport in San Jose?
Thanks,
Sophia
We arrive July 11 (Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Dominical, San Jose) areas of travel
Sammi says
Hi Sophia,
I’ve used both and both Internet is decent, there isn’t a whole lot of difference when it comes to speed. I liked Movistar when I first moved here because the data was a bit cheaper but Movistar didn’t work in a lot of areas in Playas del Coco where we lived so I switched to Kolbi. We recommend Kolbi because it’s the oldest and biggest so they have towers all over the country whereas the other ones do not. So if you want to be able to check your accounts without having to worry about not having service in some areas, Kolbi is better and honestly, the speed isn’t a huge difference. I’ve used WAZE and all my billion apps on both services and it wasn’t really any difference. There is a Kolbi kiosk at San Jose.
Sophia says
Thank you!! My last question, do they still have stands in the airport?
-Sophia
Sammi says
Yes, there is a Kolbi kiosk at San Jose.
Richard says
purchasing data for sim card. Will it allow me to use my phone using WAZE as a GPS in Costa Rica. Does WAZE have ability to put in GPS coordinates to find a location?
yeison says
You will be able to type the name of the place you go, lots of people use WAZE here and yes with a prepaid simcard you will be able to use it no problem
Dot Hazlin says
I will be travelling to Guanecaste (Tamarindo), staying for 3 months. If I bring an unlocked cell phone, what is the best suggestion for me to get a SIM card with an unlimited data plan? I want to use the SIM card & data to run internet, and I have a data usage as it is a business. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Dot
yeison says
Hi!
If you bring an unlocked phone I think hte best option is to get a unlimited data plan, I use the 3 MB plan and it works alright most of the times. In order to get the plan you need to go to any Kolbi office and talk to a sales agents make sure to bring your passport.
Now if I would’ve be you I will not “Trust” my work internet connection to my cell phone data, sometimes the system is not strong enough, I will also consider to get a portable hot spot we have one and it works great. you can find them also at a Kolbo store.
yeison says
Hi tatiana!
I recommend you to get a Kolbi Sim card you can find them every where, in regards to data here you cannot buy packages (for example 2 GB 3B etc), you will have to preload your sim card with money and as soon as you activate your data will start deducting how much you use from your balance. it will all depends of much you use.
Then the best app here is WAZE it works perfectly and you will not need to rent a GPS if you have that app in your phone. If you renting a car we have special and exclusive benefits for Mytanfeet readers you can take a look here: Costa Rica car rental discount
Timo says
Hi you two. The prepaid plans on kölbi’s site do seem to include data packages now. I hope I’m not mistaken 🙂
Looks like it’s about $16.5/€15 for 2 GB for 30 days.
Sammi says
Awesome! Thanks for the update.
Tatiana says
HI , I will be traveling to RC for 7 days arrival in San Jose , would like to use my unlock iphone 5 as a GPS , going to Monteverde , Arenal and Quesos . How much data should I buy or what kind of sim card should I buy , I was thinking Kolbi since it has the most coverage. The thing is I don’t know how much it takes data for GPS using google maps or any other mapping ?
Any help please?
Thanks
Paul Fitzgerald says
Does anyone know if there is a Kolbi Kiosk at LIR (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport). I’m headed there next week and need a SIM. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Paul,
If my memory serves me correct, there is a sim card booth on the left hand side after you go through customs before you exit. But I am not 100% positive as my memory sometimes does not work all the time haha but I have an initial thought there is one. Whether they have Kolbi I’m not sure. Sorry I can’t give a definite answer but I am leaning towards there is a booth after customs.
Reid says
Liberia does not have a Kolbi Kiosk as of January-April
Sammi says
Thanks for the update!
Cliff Harvey says
Thanks to all for this informative and timely forum. If I show up at the Kolbi booth at the San jose international airport, can I also buy a cheap phone there, to use in Costa Rica? If so, how much would I expect to pay ? All I need is a basic cell phone, like a flip phone, not a smart phone ( But if they had a really cheap android, I’d take it).
The only phones I have now are Verizon USA with no SIM card to swap out.
Thanks.
yeison says
Hi Cliff,
You can also find very cheap phones I have seen basic phones as low as $30 or $40, if the Kolbi store does not have cheap options there are hundreds cell phones stores around the country where you can find those cheap phones and get a Kolbe Sim Card.
Happy travels 🙂
Janet says
If I get a cheap phone, should I try to look for a standard, micro or nano sized SIM slot? Do they usually sell standard and micro sized SIM cards at the Kolbi kiosk? It seems many people with smartphones needed to get the cards trimmed down to nano sizes.
Sammi says
Hi Janet, you can get all size cards. Yeison has a nano in his iPhone and they provide them. If they don’t, they can usually cut it for you