Buying Claro Costa Rica SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

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.

I. Overview of Claro Costa Rica – What you need to know

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:

• Foundation: Started in Costa Rica on November 11, 2011, after the government opened the telecom market.
• Popularity: Operates in 16 Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
• Rank: #1
• Coverage: Strong in major cities like San José and Alajuela, but weaker in rural areas. Claro’s 4G availability is 89.7%, the highest of the three operators.
• Speed: Offers the fastest mobile download speed at 25.4 Mbps and upload speed at 9.3 Mbps (June 2024), both first in Costa Rica.
• Highlight: In 2011, Claro got a license from SUTEL to operate in Costa Rica and started services on November 5, 2011, with a wider launch on November 11.

II. Claro Coverage in Costa Rica

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:

• Coverage Experience: 5.7 out of 10 points (lowest among the three carriers) 
• Availability: 97.6% of time (tied for lowest with Liberty) 
• 4G Availability: 89.7% of time (highest among the three carriers)

Strengths:

• Excellent 4G coverage in major cities like San José, Alajuela, and Heredia
• Strong signal in popular tourist destinations such as Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo

Weaknesses:

• Less reliable coverage in remote areas of provinces like Guanacaste and Limón
• Potential signal issues in mountainous regions of the Central Valley

While Claro offers the best 4G coverage, its overall coverage experience could be improved, especially in rural and remote areas of Costa Rica.

III. Claro Speed in Costa Rica

Source: opensignal.com

Claro generally offers the fastest mobile internet speeds in Costa Rica compared to its competitors.

• Claro offers the fastest download speed at 25.4 Mbps, outperforming Kölbi at 20.3 Mbps and Liberty at 17.2 Mbps.
• Claro provides the best upload speed, 9.3 Mbps, followed closely by Liberty, 8.8 Mbps, and Kölbi, 5.7 Mbps.

IV. Types of Claro Costa Rica SIM Card Options for Tourists

Claro offers two main types of SIM card options for tourists in Costa Rica:

• Prepaid SIM Card
• eSIM

Comparison Table of Claro Costa Rica SIM Card Options for Tourists

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.

V. Top Claro Costa Rica SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

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

VI. Where can Tourists buy Claro Costa Rica SIM cards?

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.

1. Buy Claro SIM at Costa Rica Airport

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:

• Present your passport or personal identification.
• Prices are relatively higher, ranging from $10 to $20.

Benefits:

• Immediate connectivity upon arrival.
• Convenient and quick process.

Drawbacks:

• Higher prices.
• Limited options.
• Might be long queues.

2. Buy Claro Costa Rica SIM cards in the City Center

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:

• Use Google Maps to locate Claro stores or other vendors.
• Popular locations include Claro stores in San José (e.g., Plaza del Sol, Multiplaza Escazú), Liberia (e.g., Centro Comercial Plaza Liberia), and Tamarindo.
• Register your personal information to purchase the SIM card.
• Prices are generally lower than at the airport, ranging from $5 to $15.

Benefits:

• Cheaper prices.
• More options and plans available.

Drawbacks:

• More complicated buying process.
• Takes more time and effort.

3. Buy Online Before Departure

Buying a Claro SIM card online before your trip is the most proactive and convenient method.

Process:

• Visit websites that sell travel SIM cards or platforms like Amazon and eBay.
• No need to present personal information; just provide your name, phone number, and shipping address.
• The SIM card will be shipped to your home before your departure.

Benefits:

• Convenient and stress-free.
• Competitive and reasonable prices.
• Ready to use upon arrival.

Drawbacks:

• Slightly longer delivery time (plan ahead).

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!

VII. Where to Buy Claro Costa Rica eSIM for Tourists?

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?

• More eSIM plans for Costa Rica than competitors.
• 24/7 support in English, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and French.
• Partnerships with top carriers in Costa Rica for strong and fast signals.
• Multiple carrier backup if one signal is weak.
• Easy online purchase and activation, no registration or passport needed.
• Affordable, flexible plans tailored to your travel needs.

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.

VIII. How to top up Claro Costa Rica SIM Card?

There are several easy ways to top up your Claro Costa Rica SIM card:

• Online Top-Up: Visit websites like Recharge.com, where you can enter your phone number, select the amount, and pay using trusted methods like PayPal.
• Local Stores: Look for small grocery or liquor stores displaying the Claro sign; they can top up your SIM card.
• Claro Stores: Visit any Claro store to recharge directly.

IX. FAQs about Claro Costa Rica SIM Cards

X. Conclusion

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!