Learn more about purchasing a SIM card at Liberia Airport (Daniel Oduber Quiros – LIR) for travelers. Instructions on information such as price and data availability of the package.
The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (also known as Liberia Airport or Guanacaste Airport) is the second most important airport in Costa Rica. Liberia Airport serves as a major entry point for tourists visiting the region’s stunning beaches, volcanoes, and national parks. 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.
In this article
Yes, most travelers arriving at the Liberia airport choose to buy a SIM card right at Liberia airport. However, buying a SIM at the airport will take your time. Here are the pros and cons that you can consider:
In general, buying a SIM card at Liberia Airport is very convenient for travelers who urgently need internet as soon as they get off the plane and don’t have to worry about queuing or price differences.
Advice: Airports are a convenient option for instant connectivity, but you should check the data packages of the providers first to choose the best deals.
When you arrive at LIR airport, you can easily choose ways to buy a SIM card at Liberia Airport. You can buy a SIM card at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in two ways including:
If you want to prepare for your trip before, you can order an international SIM card online for your trip to Costa Rica. These travel SIM cards will be delivered to your address and will automatically activate when they first connect to the network in Costa Rica. Or you can pick up your SIM card at the counter of the operator you choose. This helps you save waiting time when buying directly at the LIR Airport.
Note: Please consider the time of your trip, provider shipping services will take about 2-3 days. Therefore, plan your best time in case you don't have a connection when you land in Costa Rica.
At LIR airport, there are many kiosks from Costa Rican carriers such as Claro and Movistar. However, the choice compared to SJO airport will be more limited. Prepaid SIM plans are available but your availability of eSIM plans may be limited.
Claro Store
To buy a local SIM card at Liberia Airport, you just prepare your passport or visa, unlocked phone, and cash. Their staff are there to help you get connected and enjoy your Costa Rica experience. Overall, LIR Airport is a very viable option for connecting immediately upon landing in Costa Rica.
Good to know: $1 = 500 CRC, 10 CRC = $0.02
SIM cards at Liberia Airport cost around 2,000 CRC ($4), often more expensive than cards sold in the city center. SIM card prices vary depending on the carrier, plan features, and validity. Consider your trip length and budget to choose the most suitable local SIM card when traveling in Costa Rica.
Note: Prices have been adjusted since the time the author wrote this article. For the latest information, please check the information on the supplier's website.
When you want to buy a SIM card at Liberia Airport, you need to prepare the following:
Then, you can take the steps below to buy a SIM card at Liberia Airport as a tourist:
Advice: Don't hesitate to ask the kiosk staff for assistance if needed. They're there to help you get connected in Costa Rica.
Below is a summary of some tourist SIM packages sold at LIR Airport:
| Packages | Data | Validation | Price (CRC) | Price ($) |
| Claro | 2 GB | 15 days | 9000 | $18 |
| Kolbi | 1 GB | 7 days | 6000 | $12 |
| Movistar | 3 GB | 30 days | 12000 | $24 |
Overall, Movistar’s SIM package is the most convenient package for your trip. But Kolbi’s data package will also be suitable for your shorter-term travel at a more economical cost in Costa Rica. For more detailed information about SIM packages, visit the official websites of network providers such as Movistar, Kolbi, or Claro.
Nowadays, smart mobile phones are often compatible with eSIM, which allows you to choose them instead of traditional SIM cards because of their great advantages when traveling in Liberia. Here are some advantages of eSIM:
With the choice of using eSIM, you can buy it online from reputable suppliers on websites. Among them, Gigago is a reputable eSIM provider chosen by many tourists for their trip to Costa Rica.
Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Costa Rica, with prices ranging from $9.90 – $34.50 . Their minimum 1 GB/7 days starts at just $9.90 . With this range of affordable plans, Gigago can accommodate any type of user and trip length in Costa Rica. Whether you only need occasional internet access or plan to stream extensively, Gigago has a Costa Rica eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget. The flexibility of their pricing makes Gigago a great eSIM solution for travel to Costa Rica.
Liberia’s city center is only about 5 minutes from the airport. You can search for stores that can buy SIM cards or eSIM for both tourists and locals. Here are some options you can find a place to buy a SIM card outside Liberia Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica:
You can go to official stores or retail stores of mobile operators such as Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. These stores are often located in shopping centers or commercial areas in downtown Liberia.
Some convenience stores in Liberia sell SIM cards and prepaid plans. Look for dedicated sections or counters offering mobile services within these establishments.
Check the official websites of Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. They may provide information on store locators or online ordering options for SIM cards and eSIM or prepaid plans for tourists.
1. What do I need to buy a SIM card at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR)?
You need your passport or visa, cash or payment, and an unlocked phone when buying a SIM card at Liberia Airport.
2. Which mobile operators provide SIM cards or eSIMs at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR)?
The major mobile operators in Costa Rica are Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar, which provide SIM cards and eSIMs at LIR Airport for tourists.
3. Can I top up or recharge my SIM card or eSIM at the LIR Airport?
Yes, you can usually top up or recharge your SIM card or eSIM at LIR Airport. Recharge vouchers or electronic payment methods are typically available at operator kiosks here.
Travelers passing through Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) can easily buy a local SIM card at Liberia Airport to stay connected. And it will be even better if you use eSIM to increase convenience in your travel journey. Gigago will be a great supplier for you with affordable prices and a variety of packages suitable for your trip.
With Gigago’s quick activation and large data capacity, you can start using the Internet, calling, and texting services immediately. Don’t forget to visit the Gigago website before your flight for a seamless connectivity experience during your visit to Liberia.
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