Quick Facts About Costa Rica
General Information
- • Capital: San José
- • Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- • Language: Spanish
- • Population: 5.2 million
- • Time Zone: CST (UTC-6)
Travel Information
- • Best Time: December-April (dry season)
- • Power Plug: Type A/B (120V)
- • Emergency: 911
- • Calling Code: +506
- • Visa: Not required for most
Benefits of eSIM for Costa Rica Travel
🏖️ Beach Coverage
Perfect connectivity at Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Caribbean beaches.
🌳 National Park Ready
Stay connected near park entrances and eco-lodges.
🌋 Volcano Access
Coverage around Arenal, Poás, and other volcanic areas.
🏄 Surf Spot Ready
Connect at famous surf breaks on both coasts.
🦜 Wildlife Tours
Share amazing wildlife encounters instantly.
☕ Coffee Farm Coverage
Stay connected during coffee plantation tours.
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How to Install Your Costa Rica eSIM
Simple Installation Steps
- Purchase: Buy your Costa Rica eSIM plan online
- Receive QR Code: Get installation instructions via email
- Install: Scan QR code in phone settings before travel
- Activate: Turn on eSIM when you land in Costa Rica
Pura Vida Tip: Install your eSIM before departure while on WiFi. Activate upon arrival to maximize your plan duration for exploring beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests.
Network Coverage Across Costa Rica
Major Areas (Excellent 4G)
- • San José - Central Valley
- • Tamarindo - Guanacaste beaches
- • Manuel Antonio - Pacific coast
- • La Fortuna - Arenal region
- • Puerto Viejo - Caribbean side
Tourist Destinations (Good Coverage)
- • Monteverde - Cloud forest
- • Nosara - Yoga retreats
- • Santa Teresa - Surf paradise
- • Tortuguero - Turtle haven
- • Drake Bay - Osa Peninsula
Data Plan Recommendations by Travel Type
Eco-Tourist
Perfect for national park visits, wildlife tours, and eco-lodge stays
Best for:
- •Wildlife photo sharing
- •Trail maps and guides
- •Eco-tour bookings
- •Weather updates
Beach & Surf
Ideal for Pacific and Caribbean beach hopping and surf adventures
Best for:
- •Surf forecast apps
- •Beach navigation
- •Social media updates
- •Accommodation search
Adventure Seeker
Essential for zip-lining, rafting, volcano tours, and extreme sports
Best for:
- •Activity bookings
- •Emergency contact
- •GPS tracking
- •Photo/video uploads
Digital Nomad
Reliable connectivity for remote work from beach towns and mountains
Best for:
- •Video conferencing
- •Cloud backups
- •Co-working info
- •Streaming services
Data Usage Tips for Costa Rica
Save Data:
- • Use hotel/restaurant WiFi
- • Download offline maps
- • Cache Spotify playlists
- • Compress photos before sharing
Typical Usage:
- • Navigation: ~10MB per hour
- • Instagram: ~100MB per hour
- • WhatsApp calls: ~30MB per hour
- • Streaming: ~1GB per hour
Not sure which plan is right for your Pura Vida adventure? Our customer support team is here to help!
Compare All Costa Rica PlansEssential Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Connectivity
- • WhatsApp is essential for local communication
- • Download offline maps for remote areas
- • Uber works in San José area
- • WiFi common in hotels and restaurants
- • Remote beaches may have limited signal
Money & Practical
- • USD widely accepted
- • ATMs available in tourist areas
- • Tipping: 10% often included
- • Learn basic Spanish phrases
- • Rain gear essential year-round
Must-Visit Attractions
Natural Wonders
- 🌋 Arenal Volcano: Active volcano and hot springs
- 🌳 Manuel Antonio: Beaches meet rainforest
- ☁️ Monteverde: Cloud forest reserve
- 🐢 Tortuguero: Sea turtle nesting
Adventure Activities
- 🚡 Zip-lining: Through rainforest canopy
- 🏄 Surfing: World-class breaks
- 🚣 White Water Rafting: Pacuare River
- 🦥 Wildlife Watching: Sloths and monkeys
Network Providers in Costa Rica
Kolbi (ICE)
State-owned network
- • Best nationwide coverage
- • Strong rural network
- • 4G in most areas
- • Remote area leader
Movistar
International operator
- • Good urban coverage
- • Fast data speeds
- • Tourist area focus
- • Competitive pricing
Claro
Regional player
- • Urban concentration
- • Good beach coverage
- • 4G priority areas
- • Value options
Troubleshooting Guide
eSIM Not Connecting?
- 1. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off
- 2. Ensure data roaming is ON for your eSIM line
- 3. Select network manually: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
- 4. Try selecting Kolbi (ICE) for best coverage
Slow Data Speeds?
- • Beach towns can be congested in high season
- • Remote areas may have 3G only
- • Try switching between networks
- • Best speeds in San José and major towns
No Coverage?
- • Deep rainforest areas lack coverage
- • Some remote beaches have no signal
- • Osa Peninsula has limited coverage
- • Download offline content in advance
Emergency Contacts in Costa Rica
Emergency Numbers
- 📞 All Emergencies: 911
- 🚒 Fire Department: 118
- 🚑 Red Cross: 128
- 👮 Tourist Police: 2586-7478
- 🚓 Traffic Police: 2222-9330
Useful Contacts
- ✈️ SJO Airport: 2437-2400
- ✈️ Liberia Airport: 2668-1010
- 🏥 CIMA Hospital: 2208-1000
- 💊 Poison Control: 2223-1028
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- ✅ Say "Pura Vida" - it means everything good
- ✅ Be eco-conscious and respectful
- ✅ Try gallo pinto for breakfast
- ✅ Learn basic Spanish greetings
- ✅ Respect wildlife - don't feed animals
Don'ts
- ❌ Don't touch or feed wildlife
- ❌ Avoid leaving valuables in cars
- ❌ Don't swim in rivers (crocodiles)
- ❌ Never buy wildlife products
- ❌ Don't expect things to be rushed
Cultural Note: Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education and healthcare. "Ticos" (Costa Ricans) are friendly, peaceful, and proud of their biodiversity. The country is a leader in eco-tourism and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM coverage good at beaches?
Yes, most popular beaches have good 4G coverage. Remote beaches like those in Osa Peninsula may have limited or no signal.
Which network is best for eco-lodges?
Kolbi (ICE) typically has the best coverage in remote areas where many eco-lodges are located. Your eSIM will connect to the strongest signal available.
Can I use navigation apps with eSIM?
Yes, Google Maps and Waze work perfectly. Download offline maps for areas with poor coverage like Monteverde or Corcovado.
Does eSIM work in national parks?
Coverage is usually available near park entrances and facilities. Deep jungle areas typically have no signal. Plan accordingly.
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