Costa Rica is “pura vida” — rainforests and volcanoes, two coastlines of surf and wildlife, and a green, welcoming spirit. A travel eSIM connects you before you land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR): buy online, scan a QR code from your email, done. New to eSIMs? Start with what an eSIM is and how it works.
Why an eSIM beats roaming in Costa Rica
Roaming from home can mean punishing daily fees or per-megabyte billing. A local-network eSIM is one fixed price for a data bundle, paid up front — nothing to settle later. See eSIM vs roaming: what international data really costs.
Mobile networks & coverage in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is served by Kölbi (ICE), Movistar and Claro. Turnaa plans connect through partners and lock onto the strongest available signal automatically; the operator is shown in each plan’s details drawer. Coverage is good in towns and along main routes, easing in dense rainforest.
Best Costa Rica eSIM plans right now
Prices are live and shown up front — pick your data size (our how-much-data guide helps).
| Data | Data type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 GB/day | Unlimited | 1 day | $4.41 |
| 1 GB | Standard | 7 days | $7.99 |
| 1 GB/day | Unlimited | 1 day | $9.53 |
| 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 1 day | $15.29 |
| 3 GB | Standard | 15 days | $19.19 |
How to install and activate
- Buy your plan — the QR code arrives by email within seconds.
- On Wi-Fi, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan it. Guides for iPhone and Android, plus device compatibility.
- On landing, select the eSIM for data and enable data roaming for that line. Your home number stays live — keep your number and WhatsApp.
Where to go — and staying connected across Costa Rica
- Arenal — a classic volcano, hot springs and hanging bridges.
- Monteverde — misty cloud forest and zip-lines.
- Manuel Antonio & the coasts — beaches, surf and sloths.
Visiting more than one country? Browse every destination and regional plan at the Turnaa store.
What to eat in Costa Rica
Costa Rican food is fresh and simple. Try gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast, a casado plate, fresh ceviche and tropical fruit, with excellent coffee.
Local customs, rules & sensitivities
- “Pura vida” is the national mantra — relaxed and positive.
- Tipping — a 10% service charge is usually included.
- Respect the wildlife — never feed or touch the animals.
Costa Rica data tips from the road
- Download offline maps for rainforest and volcano drives.
- A 4×4 helps on rough roads; a data plan keeps navigation alive.
FAQ
How much data do I need for a Costa Rica trip?
Maps, messaging and social sit around 3–5 GB a week; more for streaming. See our data guide.
Does it work in the rainforest?
Towns and lodges often have signal; deep in the jungle expect gaps, so download maps first.
Do I keep my regular phone number?
Yes — the eSIM is a data-only line; your home SIM stays active for calls and texts, bank codes included.
What if it doesn’t work when I land?
Usually two settings: select the eSIM for data and enable data roaming (see troubleshooting). Support replies fast, and unactivated plans are refundable within 24 hours.
