Are you prepared to travel to Costa Rica soon? Learn how to use your cell phone in Costa Rica the most effective way for travelers.
When traveling, people need to stay connected, so using a cell phone in Costa Rica is essential. With just a few simple steps, you can set up and connect right away. Let us help you how to do it.
In this article
There are some highlights to look out for in terms of phone compatibility, network frequencies, and network operators when visiting Costa Rica:
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, unlocked phones from other carriers may work if compatible with the bands supported here. However, some phones may require reconfiguration or software updates to operate in Costa Rica. You can rent a cell phone or buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or local stores to solve this problem.
Frequencies used in Costa Rica:
Here are the top network operators in Costa Rica:
Yes, almost modern phones can work in Costa Rica. However, it is essential to check whether your smartphone is unlocked. Having your phone unlocked avoids limiting your device’s use to specific networks. Visitors can check this through current mobile carriers in Costa Rica.
Next, visitors also need to note the operating frequency of their phones. Each phone operates using signals within its frequency range. But don’t worry, in Costa Rica most cell phones today can connect.
Tip: If you want to use your mobile phone with your carrier's SIM card, you may be charged roaming fees. Remember to check with your service carrier before you travel to Costa Rica to avoid any additional fees.
Yes, using an international plan in Costa Rica is highly recommended. Although Free WiFi seems economical and convenient, using it also has limitations such as not all restaurants or public areas provide WiFi, causing you to lose connection, and your personal information can be stolen by hackers when using Free WiFi.
International packages will bring more great benefits to travelers:
So, an international plan in Costa Rica is a solution to help travelers avoid high roaming fees.
When you visit Costa Rica, there are many ways to conveniently connect your cell phone. Here are some of the most common ways:
eSIM is a convenient and economical choice for you when traveling. They are perfect for a compatible phone with:
International SIM cards provide fast connectivity in Costa Rica. They are:
Pocket WiFi is a suitable choice for cases where multiple devices need to be connected. Great for:
Most like possible.
If you have a local service provider, it’s important to note that your phone will work in Costa Rica due to compatibility with most networks. However, roaming fees can be extremely high. Roaming refers to using your phone on a foreign network, and the costs related to it can quickly add up, making it the most expensive option for staying connected in Costa Rica.
Advice box: Check with your carrier before traveling to see their specific roaming rates for Costa Rica. This will help you decide and avoid additional costs.
eSIM is the main alternative to get Internet for you while traveling in Costa Rica. If you are looking for a Costa Rica eSIM provider with a variety of packages and reasonable prices, refer to Gigago. This is a reliable eSIM provider on the market. You will have nice deals below:
For Costa Rica, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Costa Rica eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.90 – $34.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Costa Rica, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
There are some extra tips to use cell phones in Costa Rica below:
1. How can I avoid roaming charges?
You can purchase a local SIM card or use an eSIM instead. You can also connect to Free WiFi whenever possible.
2. Where can I buy a local SIM card in Costa Rica?
You can purchase a SIM card at the airport, local mobile phone stores such as Kölbi, Liberty, or authorized retailers.
3. Can I use my cell phone to make international calls from Costa Rica?
Yes, but international call fees can be expensive. You can consider using a calling app like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
Are you prepared to explore Costa Rica without worrying about how to use your cell phone here? Gigago eSIM will make that happen. Avoid expensive roaming charges and enjoy seamless Internet access with flexible data plans to suit your every trip.
This blog post is for travelers seeking the best options for purchasing a SIM card in San José. You’ll learn why it’s a smart move, which carriers offer the best deals, where to buy one, and even some insider tips to make the process smoother.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Claro Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Liberty Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs. Explore their coverage, speed, and the different SIM card options available for tourists.
This guide will show you how to get a SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport as soon as you land. We’ll cover where to buy, pricing details, and the registration process.
If you are planning here, we will guide you to buying a SIM card at Liberia airport and some detailed guide information for tourists to Costa Rica.
Stay connected and navigate Costa Rica with ease by renting a pocket WiFi device for your Costa Rica travel. Check out our detailed guide to Pocket WiFi to prepare for your Costa Rica tourist.
