Recommended by Sights & Sounds

The Best eSIM for
Traveling Costa Rica

Skip the SIM card hunt at the airport. With Saily, you land with full data — no roaming charges, no tiny shops, no waiting.

Get Saily eSIM

No activation fees · Plans from $7.99 · Works instantly

Why Use an eSIM in Costa Rica?

Your options at the airport are expensive roaming or a local SIM that takes 45 minutes and dodgy signal.

🛬

Connected When You Land

Activate before you board. The moment you step off the plane in San José or Liberia, you're online.

💸

No Roaming Surprises

Flat-rate data plans mean you know exactly what you're spending. No $15/day carrier roaming fees.

📶

Real Coverage

Runs on Kolbi, Claro, and Liberty networks. 15–30 Mbps in cities, solid coverage across tourist areas.

Set Up in 3 Steps

Takes under 5 minutes. Do it from your couch before you pack.

1

Choose a Plan on Saily

Pick your data amount and trip length. 1 GB for a week or 10 GB for a month — whatever fits your trip.

2

Scan the QR Code

You'll get a QR code by email. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM on iPhone, or the equivalent on Android. Scan and install.

3

Turn It On When You Land

Switch your active line to Saily in settings. That's it. Google Maps, WhatsApp, everything works before you reach baggage claim.

Get Your Saily eSIM →

Plan Options

All plans are data-only with no activation fee. Hotspot sharing included.

Short Trip
1 GB
7 days
~$7.99
Most Popular
2 Weeks
3 GB
15 days
~$15–20
Full Month
5 GB
30 days
~$25–30
Heavy User
10 GB
30 days
~$40–45

Prices approximate — check Saily for current rates and unlimited options.

Device Compatibility

🍎
iPhone
XS or newer
📱
Samsung
Galaxy S20+
🤖
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 or newer
⚠️

Your device must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM from another provider. Most phones bought directly (not from a carrier) are already unlocked. Check with your carrier if unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Saily work throughout Costa Rica?
Yes. Saily connects through Kolbi (ICE), Claro, and Liberty — the three main networks in Costa Rica. Coverage is strong in urban areas and most tourist zones. Remote areas like deep Osa Peninsula may have limited signal, but that applies to all carriers.
Can I keep my regular number active while using Saily?
Yes. eSIMs are a second line on your phone. Your regular number stays active for calls and texts — Saily just handles your data. You won't miss any messages from home.
Can I use Saily as a hotspot?
Yes, hotspot sharing is included with Saily plans. Keep in mind it draws from your data allowance faster, so if you're tethering a laptop all day, opt for a 5 GB or 10 GB plan.
Does WhatsApp work on Saily?
Yes. WhatsApp runs over data, and Saily provides full data connectivity. This is especially useful in Costa Rica where locals, hotels, and tour operators all communicate primarily through WhatsApp.
What if I need help setting it up?
Saily has 24/7 live chat support, including Spanish-speaking agents. Setup is straightforward, but if you hit a snag, help is genuinely available around the clock.
Is Saily a good deal compared to buying a local SIM?
For most travelers, yes. A local Kolbi SIM costs around $2–5 for the card plus data top-ups, but requires finding a vendor, waiting in line, and sometimes showing ID. Saily costs a bit more but saves you that friction, especially on arrival day when you just want to get to your hotel. For long stays of 3+ months, a local SIM may be cheaper.
Do I need to activate it before I travel?
You install the eSIM profile before travel, but you can set it not to activate until you arrive in Costa Rica. This way your home data plan isn't consumed. Just switch your primary data line to Saily once you land.
Get Saily — Stay Connected in Costa Rica

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