Buying Claro Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs is your key to staying connected while exploring this beautiful country.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Claro Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs. We’ll cover Claro’s network coverage and speed in Costa Rica, the different types of SIM card options for tourists, top picks and prices, and where to buy them. Additionally, we’ll guide you on purchasing eSIMs and how to top up your Claro SIM.
In this article
Claro is a telecom company that’s part of América Móvil, one of the biggest integrated telecom companies out there! Here are some key highlights about it:
Source: nperf.com
Claro provides solid coverage in Costa Rica, particularly in urban centers, but lags behind some competitors in rural areas. According to the latest Opensignal’s report:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
While Claro offers the best 4G coverage, its overall coverage experience could be improved, especially in rural and remote areas of Costa Rica.
Source: opensignal.com
Claro generally offers the fastest mobile internet speeds in Costa Rica compared to its competitors.
Claro offers two main types of SIM card options for tourists in Costa Rica:
| Feature | Physical Prepaid SIM | eSIM |
| Activation | Requires physical insertion | Digital activation |
| Device Compatibility | Works with most unlocked phones | Only with eSIM-compatible devices |
| Purchase Location | Stores, kiosks, airports | Online |
| Setup Time | 5-10 minutes | Quick, usually under 5 minutes |
| Data Allowance | Flexible, can be customized | Flexible, can be customized |
| Validity Period | Varies, can be extended | Varies, can be extended |
| Multiple Device Use | Requires SIM swapping | Can be used on multiple devices |
► Recommendation: eSIM is the best choice for tourists. It removes the need for a physical SIM card, making activation quick and easy without a store visit. You can set up eSIM before arriving in Costa Rica, saving time when you land. It lets you switch plans or providers easily and can be used on multiple devices.
To explore more details about Claro Costa Rica SIM card plans, you can go to Claro’s official website. If not, you can see the table below, which includes all the plans.
| Name | Data | Price (CRC) | Price (USD) | Validity | Buys |
| Unlimited nights | Unlimited | 400 | 76 | 8 hours | Dial *555# or send night to 444 |
| Unlimited Clear | Unlimited minutes | 500 | 95 | 1 day | Dial *555# or send unlimited calls to 111 |
| More I Speak America 1 | 10 minutes | 550 | 104.5 | 2 days | Dial *555# or text america1 to 111 |
| I browse more than 300 MB | 300 MB | 600 | 114 | 1 day | Dial *555# or send 300mb to 444 |
| I speak more Costa Rica 25 | 25 minutes | 700 | 133 | 2 days | Dial *555# or send cr25 to 111 |
| More Package 3 | 300 MB | 1000 | 190 | 3 days | Dial *555# or send planmas3 to 111 |
| I Speak More America 2 | 10 minutes | 1000 | 190 | 7 days | Dial *555# or text america2 to 111 |
| I browse more than 400 MB | 400 MB | 1000 | 190 | 3 days | Dial *555# or send 400mb to 444 |
| I speak more Costa Rica 60 | 60 minutes | 1500 | 285 | 2 days | Dial *555# or send cr60 to 111 |
| I Speak More America 3 | 30 minutes | 1500 | 285 | 4 days | Dial *555# or text america3 to 111 |
| More 7 package | 1 GB | 2000 | 380 | 7 days | Dial *555# or send planmas7 to 111 |
| More I browse 1 GB | 1 GB | 2000 | 380 | 7 days | Dial *555# or send 1gb to 444 |
| Package M@S 10 | 2 GB | 3000 | 570 | 10 days | Dial *555# or send plan10 to 111 |
| Package M@S 15 | 3 GB | 4500 | 855 | 15 days | Dial *555# or send plan15 to 111 |
| I browse more 3 GB | 3 GB | 4500 | 855 | 15 days | Dial *555# or send 3gb to 444 |
| Package M@S 15+ | 4 GB | 6000 | 1140 | 15 days | Dial *555# or send plan15p to 111 |
| Package M@S 30 | 5 GB | 10000 | 1900 | 30 days | Dial *555# or send plan30 to 111 |
You can buy a Claro SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Costa Rica, in city centers, or even online before departure. Here’s a detailed guide.
There are major international airports in Costa Rica, such as Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). There’s a kiosk to the left of baggage claim 5 where you can grab a SIM card. It’s open from 6 AM to 9 PM and sometimes until 11 PM on weekends.
Process:
Benefits:
Drawbacks:
If you’d rather wait until you’re in the city, you can grab a Claro SIM card in popular tourist spots like San José, Liberia, and Tamarindo. You’ll find SIM cards at Claro stores, convenience stores, and train stations.
Process:
Benefits:
Drawbacks:
Buying a Claro SIM card online before your trip is the most proactive and convenient method.
Process:
Benefits:
Drawbacks:
Deciding where to grab your Claro Costa Rica SIM card really comes down to what works best for you in terms of convenience, price, and effort. Whether you pick it up at the airport, in town, or online, staying connected in Costa Rica has never been easier!
To avoid the hassle of registering and showing your passport, get your Costa Rica eSIM online before you travel.
Gigago is a trusted eSIM provider with a strong global presence. With over 1,000,000 eSIMs sold, we offer reliable service in 190+ countries. Whether you’re traveling for work or fun, Gigago’s fast 4G and 5G mobile data plans keep you easily connected.
Why Choose Gigago?
For Costa Rica, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB/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 are and how long your trip is in Costa Rica, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
Note: Make sure your phone is unlocked. Plus, check eSIM-compatible devices.
There are several easy ways to top up your Claro Costa Rica SIM card:
Claro SIM cards are typically inexpensive, costing around $2-$5. The exact price may vary depending on where you buy it.
Yes, you generally need to show a passport or other form of ID to buy and register a SIM card in Costa Rica.
Claro often offers roaming services in other countries, but fees may apply. Check with Claro for specific roaming options and rates.
Usually, you insert the SIM card into your phone and follow the activation instructions provided. You may need to make a call or send a text to activate it.
In short, getting Claro Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs is a smart choice to stay connected with reliable service and lots of data options. This provider offers great coverage, making it a good pick for travelers. For added convenience, think about using an eSIM. It’s easy to set up and helps prevent losing your physical SIM card. Take a look at Gigago Costa Rica eSIM for a hassle-free experience!
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.
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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.
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.
