Internet and Wi-Fi in Costa Rica
What to expect from mobile coverage, public Wi-Fi and data options in Costa Rica — and the simplest way to get online as a visitor.
Mobile coverage in Costa Rica
Fine in towns. Parks, volcano roads and some beach ends drop. A Costa Rica plan is not Nicaragua or Panama.
Local networks
Our Costa Rica eSIM connects to these local mobile networks, the same ones domestic SIM cards use:
- Claro
Can you rely on public Wi-Fi?
Hotels, cafes and airports in Costa Rica usually offer Wi-Fi, but it rarely helps when you need a connection most: navigating between places, checking transport in real time, or calling a ride from the street. Public networks are also unencrypted more often than not. Treat Wi-Fi as a bonus, not a plan.
The easiest way to get online
A prepaid eSIM for Costa Rica installs on your phone before you leave home and connects to a local network automatically when you land — no store visits, no paperwork, no roaming fees. Plans start at $3.26.
See Costa Rica eSIM plansFrequently asked questions
Which mobile networks operate in Costa Rica?
The main networks our eSIM connects to in Costa Rica include Claro. Switching between them is automatic — your phone picks the strongest available signal.
Is public Wi-Fi safe to use in Costa Rica?
Use it with care: open networks in Costa Rica are often unencrypted, so avoid logging into banking or entering card details on public Wi-Fi. A mobile data connection is both safer and available everywhere you go.
What is the cheapest way for tourists to get internet in Costa Rica?
A prepaid eSIM is usually the cheapest practical option — Costa Rica plans start at $3.26, with no roaming fees, no rental hardware and no store visit required.
