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Costa Rica · CR

Costa Rica eSIM plans and coverage

from $6.80 per GB

Use a Costa Rica eSIM for maps, messaging and navigation while moving between San José, Arenal and the coasts. Check coverage by route and confirm your package start rule before travel.

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20 GB · 30 days for $136.00. Catalog checked 2026-09-10; confirm the total before paying.

  • No plastic SIM
  • Price before payment
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What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM you add to your phone over the internet. No plastic card and no visit to a shop.

Use Letisim for maps, taxis and messages while keeping your usual number.

Check my phone

Calls and texts on your home SIM follow your operator’s rates.

Your SIMCalls and texts
LetisimInternet for your trip

eSIM plans for Costa Rica

Compare data, duration and when validity begins. A top-up label means more data can be added to that package.

Prices checked 2026-09-10. The live catalog is authoritative at checkout.

Open all current plans

All published plans for Costa Rica

Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GBClaro4GReloadable7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$7.68$7.68Choose plan
1 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$14.37$14.37Choose plan
3 GBClaro4GReloadable15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$21.68$7.23Choose plan
3 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$22.00$7.34Choose plan
5 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$48.00$9.60Choose plan
10 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$74.00$7.40Choose plan
20 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$136.00$6.80Choose plan
50 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$370.46$7.41Choose plan
100 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$679.20$6.80Choose plan
UnlimitedClaro4G1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$26.16—Choose plan
UnlimitedClaro4G3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$78.48—Choose plan
UnlimitedClaro4G7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$183.12—Choose plan
UnlimitedClaro4G14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$366.24—Choose plan
UnlimitedClaro4G30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$784.80—Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Alternative uses of the same allowance
DataPhotos · 5 MB1-minute clips · 63 MBHD video · 3 GB/hrStandard video · 0.7 GB/hrVideo calls · 720p
1 GB≈ 200 photos≈ 15 clips≈ 20 min≈ 1 hr 25 min≈ 55 min
3 GB≈ 600 photos≈ 47 clips≈ 1 hr≈ 4 hr 17 min≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB≈ 1,000 photos≈ 79 clips≈ 1 hr 40 min≈ 7 hr 8 min≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB≈ 2,000 photos≈ 158 clips≈ 3 hr 20 min≈ 14 hr 17 min≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB≈ 4,000 photos≈ 317 clips≈ 6 hr 40 min≈ 28 hr 34 min≈ 18 hr 31 min
Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

  1. 5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
  2. 63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
  3. Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
  4. The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to connect an eSIM in Costa Rica

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

  1. 01

    Open your eSIM installation

    Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

    The app or email on this phone

    In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.

    Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

    A QR code on another screen

    Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

    Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

    The button or camera did not open setup?

    You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next

    Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM

    Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download

    Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up

    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
  2. 02

    Confirm installation on your phone

    The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.

    Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download

    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code.Enlarge screen ↗
    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
  3. 03

    Give the new line a clear name

    For example, “Letisim Costa Rica”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name

    Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.

    Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.

    Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.

    OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.

    OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.

    Line name: Letisim Costa Rica
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

  1. 04

    Choose the eSIM for mobile data

    Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim

    Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.

    Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.

    Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

    OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.

    OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.

    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls.Enlarge screen ↗
    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
  2. 05

    Check roaming in your package guide

    If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming

    Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming

    Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.

    Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.

    Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.

    OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.

    OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.

    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
  3. 06

    Check your connection

    Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.

    Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected

    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data.Enlarge screen ↗
    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗
No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in Costa Rica

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

SUTEL’s operator information and mobile-network pages support three national mobile networks for travelers to compare: Claro, kölbi and Liberty. Check the exact package details and the operator coverage page for the places on your route.

Dated network measurements
OperatorCoverage Experience / 10Download · MbpsStudy date
Claro6.143.12025-06[3]
kölbi8.125.52025-06[3]
Liberty7.623.52025-06[3]

Coverage Experience is a score, not a percentage of territory. These dated averages are not promised speeds for your connection.

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across Costa Rica

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica
  1. San José and the Central Valley
  2. Arenal and La Fortuna
  3. Cahuita and the Caribbean coast
  4. Guanacaste beaches and the Papagayo corridor

San José and the Central Valley

San José is a practical place to test a newly installed eSIM before a longer onward trip. Confirm that mobile data works, open your saved route and download any offline maps you still need before heading to other regions. [7] [11]

Arenal and La Fortuna

Trips here often combine the town, hot springs and park access roads. Save directions before the final approach to trails or lodges so you are not depending on live navigation for every turn. [8] [11]

Cahuita and the Caribbean coast

Check coverage for the exact coastal stretch you plan to use, not only the nearest town. Road sections, village centers and protected areas can feel different in day-to-day use, so keep directions available offline before entering the park area. [9] [11]

Guanacaste beaches and the Papagayo corridor

This resort region is best checked leg by leg: airport roads, beach towns and quieter coastal stretches may not feel the same. If you are driving, keep an offline map ready and use live traffic as an extra layer, not your only navigation source. [10] [11] [12]

Costa Rica · eSIM

What to expect from mobile internet in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has three national mobile networks that matter to travelers: Claro, kölbi and Liberty. Public operator coverage pages are the practical first check before you buy, because beach towns, mountain roads and park access routes do not behave the same way as central San José. If you already know your hotel, route or transfer road, compare that specific area instead of relying only on a countrywide average.

National measurements from Opensignal are useful for broad comparison of average download speed and Coverage Experience, but they do not predict performance at one lodge, inside one building or on every valley road. A better routine is to confirm the included network on the package screen, check when validity starts, install the eSIM in advance only if that rule suits your package, and keep an offline map ready for longer drives.

Useful apps and travel tools

Google Maps ↗

Useful for route planning, place search and offline maps before longer drives or park visits. [11]

Waze ↗

Navigation app with live traffic and route updates that is especially practical for drivers. [12]

Before you buy

Check coverage by route, not only by country

Use the public coverage pages from Claro, kölbi and Liberty for the exact places that matter to you: hotel area, transfer road, beach town or park approach. That is more useful than assuming one national result will match every stop on the trip. [4] [5] [6]

Use national measurements as a broad comparison

Opensignal’s country report helps compare the three national networks by average download speed and Coverage Experience. Treat those numbers as a broad guide, then verify the operator page for the exact area where you will actually use your eSIM. [3]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in Costa Rica

Which mobile networks should I compare for Costa Rica?

The national mobile networks for travelers to compare are Claro, kölbi and Liberty. Start with the operator coverage page for your hotel area, transfer route or day trip, then use national measurements as a secondary comparison tool. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

How do I know which network and services my eSIM package includes?

Check the package screen before purchase. It is the authoritative place to confirm the included network for that package, and it is also the right place to verify any service details you need before travel. [13]

Should I install the eSIM before I arrive in Costa Rica?

Check the chosen package first. Package validity can start on first connection or on purchase, so the right timing depends on the specific package screen. If your package starts on first connection, early installation can be convenient; if it starts on purchase, time it more carefully. [13]

Is San José a good place to test a new eSIM?

Yes. San José is a practical place to confirm that mobile data works, open your route and download offline maps before continuing to other regions. That is especially useful if you will be on the road soon after arrival. [7] [11]

Do I need offline maps for Arenal and La Fortuna?

They are a useful backup. Visitors often split time between town, park access roads and lodges, so saving directions in advance helps if you do not want to depend on live navigation for the final stretch. [8] [11]

Should I expect the same coverage on the Caribbean coast and in Guanacaste?

No. Coastal roads, town centers and protected areas can differ in everyday use, so check coverage for the exact stretch you plan to visit. Keep directions available offline before longer drives or park visits. [9] [10] [4] [5] [6] [11]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08
  1. Operadores Autorizados | SUTEL · SUTEL
  2. Redes Móviles (celulares) | SUTEL · SUTEL
  3. Costa Rica, June 2025, Mobile Network Experience Report · Opensignal
  4. Claro - Mapas · Claro Costa Rica
  5. Cobertura móvil | kölbi · kölbi
  6. Cobertura móvil LTE | Liberty Costa Rica · Liberty Costa Rica
  7. San José - Visit Costa Rica · Visit Costa Rica
  8. Arenal Volcano National Park - Visit Costa Rica · Visit Costa Rica
  9. Cahuita National Park - Visit Costa Rica · Visit Costa Rica
  10. Guanacaste - Visit Costa Rica · Visit Costa Rica
  11. Google Maps App - App Store · Google
  12. Waze Navigation & Live Traffic - App Store · Waze Inc.
  13. Letisim public catalog · Letisim