Kölbi, run by the state telecom ICE, is Costa Rica’s largest network with the most subscribers and stores. If you are considering Kölbi for your Costa Rica trip, this article will show you basic information about Kölbi SIM Cards, including coverage and speed, best plans for tourists, prices, where to buy and an alternative solution for better convenience.
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Yes, especially if you plan to travel outside major cities. Kölbi (ICE) is Costa Rica’s largest telecom provider, with around 3 million subscribers, over 130 official stores, and more than 1,000 sales points nationwide – far more than Claro or Liberty. While it might not be the fastest, its size makes it easy to buy a SIM card or top up data almost anywhere in the country.
According to Opensignal’s April 2026 report, Kölbi wins both Coverage Experience and 5G Coverage Experience. Its signal reaches further into remote areas like Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, even if speeds are not always the fastest.
Here is how competitors compare:
In practice, traveler feedback on Reddit regarding Kölbi’s remote coverage is mixed. Many road-trippers recommend Kölbi over Liberty because it maintains a signal off main highways and in isolated spots. However, some online guides still call Kölbi’s 4G/5G rural connection “unreliable.”
Overall, Kölbi reaches more places, but connection quality can vary once you arrive.
→ Read more:
Claro SIM cards for tourists to Costa Rica
Liberty SIM cards for tourists to Costa Rica
Kölbi offers simple prepaid packs with data, calling minutes, and texts. Here are the main options for tourists:
If you run out of data, you can easily top up small data-only packages at almost any local supermarket or convenience store.
Notes: Prices in Costa Rican Colones (CRC) are fixed; the USD range fluctuates based on exchange rates. Smaller data top-ups and a weekly social media pack (covering WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) are also available for around 1,500 CRC.
You can buy a Kölbi SIM card at Costa Rica airports, official city stores, local supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide, but airport availability is unreliable.
Airport availability depends heavily on where you land, so having a backup plan is essential.
You must bring your physical passport for setup. You do not need Costa Rican residency to register a tourist SIM card.
Buying a Kölbi SIM card in San José and other cities in Costa Rica is the most reliable method, but rather complicated. Kölbi operates over 130 branded stores and 1,000+ authorized sales points across Costa Rica. You can easily buy and set up a SIM card at flagship stores (such as Multiplaza Escazú in San José), local electronics shops, supermarkets, and corner stores nationwide.
To buy and activate a SIM card in Costa Rica, you need a physical passport, an unlocked phone, cash in Colones or USD, and a few minutes for network activation.
To activate, you simply insert the SIM card, dial a short setup code provided by the clerk, and restart your device. It usually connects to the network within minutes.
Notes for travelers:
Gigago’s Costa Rica eSIM is an excellent alternative if you want to skip store lines, avoid passport registration, and have instant internet data as soon as your plane lands.
The eSIM connects directly to the Liberty Costa Rica network (formerly known as Movistar before Liberty Latin America acquired Telefónica’s local operations in August 2021).
Plan options start at $2.90 USD for 1GB (7-day validity), with various fixed-data and unlimited-data packages available for longer trips. You only need to purchase it online and receive a QR code via email immediately, then scan it to install – no physical SIM card swaps, identity registration, or store visits needed.
This eSIM is ideal for travelers who prioritize maximum convenience and want a guaranteed, stress-free mobile connection the moment they arrive in Costa Rica.
Yes, though independent testing currently ranks Claro ahead of Kölbi on raw speed; Kölbi’s advantage is in how widely its signal reaches rather than how fast it is.
No. A passport is required for registration, but residency is not.
No. The Kölbi kiosk at San José Airport is frequently unstaffed. It is safer to buy a SIM in the city or set up an eSIM before arriving.
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.
