How can Tourists Buy a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Where and What is the Price?

Learn how to purchase a SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), including where to buy, costs, and the registration process, plus discover a better alternative for staying connected in Costa Rica.

Are you planning to travel to Costa Rica? 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. Plus, we’ll reveal a more convenient option that might save you time at the airport. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to connect quickly and affordably in Costa Rica.

Highlights

• Buy a SIM card at the airport; compare prices and plans.
• Claro and Kolbi are the main providers at SJO and offer similar services.
• Get a prepaid SIM card; refill at stores or online.
• Beware of unofficial sellers at the airport.
• Check coverage and speed, especially for rural travel.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)?

There are 3 main ways to get a SIM card upon arrival at San José Airport in Costa Rica.

• Order online before your trip from a provider like Liberty, Claro, or Kolbi, and collect it at the airport. This makes getting connected easy – just stop by their booth in the arrival area.
• Buy a SIM card directly from one of the providers when you get off the plane. Shops are located before you pass customs, so it’s very convenient.
• If your phone is eSIM compatible, consider purchasing an eSIM online before your flight. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that can be installed right from the settings on your device without inserting a physical card.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Juan Santamaría International Airport? 

At Juan Santamaría International Airport, you’ll find SIM card counters in the arrival halls, around the baggage claim area, and even in the lobby of Terminal A.

Here’s what you need to know about buying a SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport:

1. Buy a Kolbi SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Kolbi has a counter at the airport, located across from the baggage claim carousels. Look for a blue counter with a sign that reads ‘Kolbi/ICE.’

• Opening hours: Open from 6 AM to 9 PM, sometimes extending to 11 PM on weekends.
• Price: ~1000 colones (~ $2).

2. Buy a Claro SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Claro has a stand at the airport to the left of baggage claim 5.

• Opening hours: Open from 6 AM to 9 PM, sometimes to 11 PM on weekends.
• Price:  ~1500 colones (~ $3).

3. Buy a Liberty SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Liberty does not have a dedicated counter at the airport.

III. Do SIM card shops at SJO Airport open after midnight?

No. SIM card shops at SJO Airport might not open after midnight. According to the available information, the Claro stand at the airport is open from 6 AM to 9 PM and sometimes until 11 PM on weekends.

It is important to note that the availability of SIM card shops at the airport may vary, and it is always recommended to check with the airport authorities or contact the specific phone company for the most up-to-date information.

IV. San José Juan Santamaría International Airport SIM card Price

At San José Juan Santamaría International Airport, you can buy a Kolbi prepaid SIM card for 1,000 Costa Rican colones (~$2) or a Claro SIM card for 1,500 colones (~$3) from vending machines located in the arrivals area.

Below is the detailed information:

1. Kolbi SIM Card Price

Data + Validity	Price
2GB + 35 mins + 30 SMS + 3GB WhatsApp for 30 days	5,000 CRC ($9.46)
4GB + 50 mins + 30 SMS + 3GB WhatsApp for 30 days	8,000 CRC ($15.14)

2. Claro SIM Card Prices

Data + Voice/SMS + Social Media	Validity	Price
1GB + 20 international mins + 50 SMS + free social apps	7 days	2,000 CRC ($3.79)
2GB + 30 international mins + 100 SMS + free social apps	10 days	3,000 CRC ($5.68)

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport

To buy a SIM card at Juan Santamaria airport, here is what you’ll need to bring to the table:

• A valid passport (yes, they’ll ask for it!)
• An unlocked phone (make sure it’s compatible with Costa Rican frequencies)
• A payment method (cash or card, but have some local currency handy just in case)
• Your phone’s IMEI number (it’s usually printed on the box or on the phone itself)
• And, in some cases, proof of address (but this might not always be required)

For tourists, this can be a complicated process. We get it – it’s a lot to ask!

So, what’s the solution? Consider buying an international SIM card online before your departure or opt for an eSIM. This way, you can skip the registration process and avoid sharing your info. Plus, you’ll have a working SIM card as soon as you land!

VI. eSIM at Juan Santamaría International Airport – Alternative to San José Airport SIM Cards

Before or after arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you can easily purchase an eSIM online, a convenient alternative to a physical SIM card.

You can buy an eSIM online from local mobile network operators such as Claro or Kobli, which provide eSIM services for tourists. However, I highly recommend buying from an eSIM retailer like Gigago, as it’s a simpler and more hassle-free process.

What’s impressive about Gigago is its outstanding features, including:

• Over 1,000,000 eSIMs sold worldwide
• Partnerships with 400+ mobile operators globally
• Available in 200+ countries and territories
• 24/7 customer support in multiple languages
• Easy online activation and management of your eSIM

For Costa Rica, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day 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 many Internet users you have and how long your trip to Costa Rica Gigago will take.

VII. FAQ about SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a SIM card at Juan Santamaría International Airport is a simple and convenient process for travelers. With several kiosks offering a range of options, you can quickly get connected for your stay in Costa Rica. Friendly staff are on hand to assist, ensuring you find the best plan for your needs. This makes staying in touch and navigating your trip much easier right from the moment you land.