Costa Rica has solid mobile coverage in San Jose and main tourist areas. The remote Osa Peninsula, deep rainforest areas, and some Caribbean coast regions require offline planning.
Costa Rica
República de Costa Rica
8.3
★★★★★★★★
Coverage score
// Why get an eSIM
Saily vs. roaming on your home SIM
| SailyRECOMMENDED | Roaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 2 min, pre-trip | Automatic |
| Cost | Flat, upfront | Per-day, uncapped |
| Speed | Full local speed | Often throttled |
| Local number | No (data-only) | Keeps your number |
Prepaid eSIM data plan · affiliate link
⚡ POWER TIP
Kolbi (the national carrier, ICE) has the broadest coverage in Costa Rica including in remote areas. If heading to the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park, or remote Caribbean coast areas, Kolbi gives the best chance of staying connected. In San Jose and all main tourist areas, both networks are solid.
✅ VPN FULLY LEGAL
No restrictions on VPN use in Costa Rica. The internet is open and unrestricted. All standard apps and streaming services work normally throughout the country.
⏱ Facts verified July 2026 • Always confirm before travel
// Network operators
Kolbi (ICE)
Costa Rica's national carrier with the broadest coverage including remote areas. Good 4G in San Jose, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo. eSIM supported. The recommended choice for travel into national parks and remote areas.
Movistar Costa Rica
Strong competitor with excellent coverage in San Jose and main tourist corridors. Good 4G in the Central Valley and Pacific coast resorts. eSIM supported. A solid alternative for travellers sticking to main tourist destinations.
// What to expect
San Jose, tourist areas, and Pacific coast
San Jose, La Fortuna (Arenal), Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Jaco, Monteverde, and Liberia all have reliable 4G coverage. The main Pacific coast tourist corridor from Liberia to Manuel Antonio is well covered.
Remote rainforest and Caribbean coast
The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park, remote Caribbean coast near Tortuguero, and parts of La Amistad International Park have limited or no coverage. Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or plane and has very limited connectivity.
💡 Wildlife and national park preparation
Costa Rica's national parks are the main attraction — but many have limited or no mobile signal inside them. Download offline maps, save your lodge or hotel contact details, and confirm your guide's number before entering any national park. For Corcovado, you must go with a licensed guide — they are your communication link in emergencies.
// Practical tips
Emergency number: 911
Costa Rica uses 911 for all emergencies. Works without a plan. English-speaking operators available. Red Cross ambulance: 128. Coast guard: 1800-800-8000. For marine emergencies on both coasts keep the coast guard number saved.
Domestic shuttles and small aircraft
Shared shuttles connect all main tourist destinations. Small aircraft (Nature Air, Sansa) provide fast connections to remote areas like the Osa Peninsula. Your eSIM data handles shuttle booking through Interbus or GoTocostarica. Download tickets offline before travelling to areas with limited signal.
WhatsApp runs Costa Rica
WhatsApp is how everything works in Costa Rica — tour booking, shuttle reservations, hotel check-in, restaurant tables. Keep your eSIM data active from arrival and share your WhatsApp number with every operator you deal with.
// Travel security
Protect your connection in Costa Rica
Costa Rican hotel, café, and resort WiFi carries standard public network risks. Use your eSIM data for banking and sensitive logins. A VPN is good practice and completely unrestricted.
Alternative ID for sign-ups
Costa Rican booking platforms and tourist operators collect personal data. A disposable email and identity keeps your real information private after your trip.
Surfshark Alternative ID
Generate a disposable identity for every app you sign up to abroad. Your real details stay private.