HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for Costa Rica from CA$9.77 a day across 185+ countries. Your e SIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land, ready to go. Set it up in under two minutes with a QR code before you fly. Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active on your primary SIM while your e-sim handles data.
- carrier networks
212+- 5G support
4G- to activate
under 2 minutes
Last updated
Browse cheapest eSIM Costa Rica plans for Canadians
Great-value eSIM for Costa Rica, starting from CA$9.77. Local 4G LTE and 5G data on top carrier networks in Costa Rica. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Canadians visiting Costa Rica get a Costa Rica sim plan from HelloRoam starting at CA$9.77 on Claro 4G networks. Activate by QR at home before your flight and land ready to go. No physical card, no contract, and no roaming fees from Bell or Rogers. Coverage spans Arenal, Monteverde, the Pacific coast, and the Caribbean side.
Costa Rica eSIM with fast 4G coverage
HelloRoam offers eSIM plans for Costa Rica starting from CA$9.77. Connect on 5G and 4G LTE networks including Claro. Canadians visiting San José, Manuel Antonio, or Arenal can activate before their flight.
- Plans start at CA$9.77 with 4G speeds
- Coverage from Claro
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Costa Rica coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G
- Plans From
- CA$9.77
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Costa Rica
Follow these steps to set up your eSIM on iPhone or Android. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no store visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with HelloRoam
Set up an eSIM on your Android with HelloRoam
- 1
Choose your plan and check out
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout in the HelloRoam app or on the website.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install your eSIM right away.
- 3
Ready to use on arrival
Your eSIM installs in minutes and activates the moment you land at your destination.
4Manage from the app
View usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs from the HelloRoam app.
Plans changed? No worries, we've got you covered.
Plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, you can request a refund on your eSIM within 180 days of purchase. No hassle.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Costa Rica eSIM vs Bell, Rogers and Telus roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Costa Rica, HelloRoam is the most affordable eSIM option for Canadian travellers. It beats Rogers Roam Like Home (CAD 12/day), Bell Roam Better (CAD 12/day), and Telus Easy Roam fees. Skip the airport SIM shop and get a better international data plan from CA$9.77 with a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Local provider | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Live chat support | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| No activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| No roaming fees from Bell, Rogers, or Telus | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Costa Rica carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Canadian Travellers Choose an e SIM for Costa Rica
24/7 live chat support
Need help at 2 AM in Tokyo or midnight in Cancun? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us and a real person responds in under 2 minutes. No bots, no hold queue. Whether you're troubleshooting mobile data access or topping up your prepaid data package mid-trip, our team has you covered around the clock.
Best Travel eSIM for Costa Rica
Get fast 4G/5G data from the moment you land in Costa Rica. No Bell, Rogers, or Telus roaming fees. Set up your eSIM before you leave home in under 2 minutes. A prepaid data package activates on arrival so your wireless connectivity starts the second you step off the plane.
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number
Keep your Bell, Rogers, or Telus number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs as a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone, so you never miss a call from home while travelling. Your cellular coverage for internet abroad runs on a separate line, so both SIMs work at the same time.
212+ carrier networks worldwide, connected in Costa Rica
HelloRoam connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your cell phone switches to the strongest available 4G/5G or 5G signal automatically. That broad network reach means consistent mobile data access whether you're in a busy city centre or a smaller town.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam alerts you at 80% data usage so you never hit a surprise cap mid-trip. Top up instantly from the app without reinstalling your eSIM or visiting a store. Keeping your internet abroad budget in check is simple when you can add more mobile data in seconds.
Local 4G/5G speeds
Your Costa Rica eSIM connects to trusted local 4G/5G networks. HelloRoam picks the strongest available signal for navigation, streaming, and video calls. Reliable cellular coverage at local network speeds makes a real difference when you're navigating a new city or video calling family back home.
Regional and global eSIM plans
Travelling to multiple countries? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and 185+ destinations in one purchase. Fixed and unlimited data options available. One account, no SIM swaps. A single international data plan with cross-border wireless connectivity saves you the hassle of buying a new prepaid data package at every border.
Free hotspot and data sharing in Costa Rica
Share your Costa Rica eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your cell phone's built-in hotspot. No extra fees, no setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Turning your phone into a mobile Wi-Fi hub means everyone on your trip gets internet abroad from the same prepaid data package.
Best eSIM Prices for Costa Rica
HelloRoam, the best eSIM Costa Rica. Compare plans and save versus Rogers, Bell, and Telus roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | CA$10.57 |
| 3 days | CA$30.12 |
| 7 days | CA$65.09 |
| 15 days | CA$126.80 |
| 22 days | CA$172.03 |
| 30 days | CA$215.55 |
HelloRoam vs Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Other eSIM Providers for Costa Rica
Canadian travellers consistently highlight HelloRoam's 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, C$0 activation fees, and 24/7 live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers on the things that matter most for your trip.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| C$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Dual SIM: keep your Canadian number active | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium Costa Rica carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM? How eSIM Works in Costa Rica
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your cell phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to deal with. Scan a QR code to activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for Costa Rica travel with no airport SIM shop, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Canadians travelling from Pearson or Vancouver International can set everything up before their flight and arrive connected. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get started. setup guide
Mobile connectivity guide for Costa Rica
Costa Rica has 5G and 4G LTE coverage in San José, Liberia, and main tourist areas including Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna (Arenal), Monteverde, and the Guanacaste coast. Claro provides the primary network for HelloRoam eSIM users.
Costa Rica is a popular eco-tourism destination for Canadians, attracting families, adventure seekers, and wildlife lovers. With a HelloRoam eSIM, you arrive at Juan Santamaría Airport already connected.
- HelloRoam connects to Claro 4G in Costa Rica
- 5G and 4G LTE on Claro in San José, beach towns, and eco-lodges
- Activate before your flight from Canada
- Works in Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Guanacaste
eSIM Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular Canadian family destination
Costa Rica combines wildlife, volcanoes, and beaches in a compact country. Canadians love it for eco-adventure family trips. Activate your HelloRoam eSIM before you leave Canada. You land at Juan Santamaría Airport connected for car rental pickup and route maps.
National park and jungle coverage is limited
Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado, and remote jungle reserves have very limited or no mobile coverage. Download offline maps for every national park before you leave your hotel. Coverage in nearby towns like La Fortuna and Quepos is reasonable.
Monteverde cloud forest
Monteverde town has decent 4G coverage. The cloud forest reserves and hanging bridge areas have weaker signal at higher elevations. Download offline Monteverde maps before the misty morning hike.
Guanacaste beach coverage
Beach towns in Guanacaste including Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Nosara have improving 4G LTE coverage. Remote beaches accessible by dirt road can have weak signal.
Rental car navigation in Costa Rica
Many Costa Rican roads are unpaved. Google Maps is the standard for navigation but offline maps are essential for rural areas. Download offline maps for every route before renting and driving from the airport.
Mobile networks in Costa Rica: what Canadians need to know
Claro provides the 5G and 4G LTE network available to HelloRoam eSIM users in Costa Rica. Claro covers San José, main tourist corridors, and resort areas. National park interiors and remote peninsulas like the Osa Peninsula have very limited coverage. Your HelloRoam eSIM connects on Claro wherever coverage is available.
- Claro
- 4G
HelloRoam eSIM vs carrier roaming for Canadians in Costa Rica
Here is a clear comparison of data options for a Canadian eco-adventure trip to Costa Rica.
| Category | HelloRoam eSIM Recommended | Costa Rican prepaid SIM card | Canadian carrier roaming in Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From CA$11.74 total | CA$2.80–CA$13.98 total | CA$13.98–CA$20.97/day |
| Details | Plans start at CA$9.77. Activate in Canada and arrive in San José already connected. Works from Arenal volcano area to Manuel Antonio beach. | Available from Kolbi (ICE), Claro, and Movistar. Passport registration required. For a two-week eco-tour, a HelloRoam eSIM activated at home is simpler than registering in-country. | Canadian carriers charge $12 to $16 CAD per day in Costa Rica. A two-week pura vida trip can cost $168 to $224 CAD in carrier roaming charges. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best times for Canadians to visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica's dry season from December to April is by far the most popular time for Canadian visitors. The Pacific coast beaches are sunny and wildlife viewing is excellent in the dry season. January and February are peak Canadian snowbird months with the best weather. March break in March draws many Canadian families. The green season from May to November has daily rain but lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. September and October are the wettest months.
Reviewed by HelloRoam Editorial Team
Reviewed by HelloRoam Editorial Team
Top Destinations in Costa Rica
San José (Costa Rica)
HelloRoam makes it easy to stay online in San José with data plans that cover all of Costa Rica.
Claro 4G covers central San Jose. Activate your eSIM before landing at Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela.
Alajuela
Explore Alajuela without losing connection. HelloRoam offers fast data across Costa Rica.
Alajuela is where San Jose Airport sits. Claro 4G coverage is strong here from the moment you land.
Limon
Arrive in Limon ready to connect. HelloRoam covers all of Costa Rica with fast data.
Limon on the Caribbean coast has Claro 4G in the city. Coverage on jungle roads toward Cahuita is limited.
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Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Last updated
Costa Rica eSIM Questions Answered
How much does best SIM card for Costa Rica cost?
The cheapest eSIM for Costa Rica plan from HelloRoam starts at CA$9.77 on Claro 4G networks. HelloRoam delivers the QR to your inbox so you activate before boarding from Canada. No contract and no credit check required on any plan.
Does an e SIM Costa Rica plan cover Arenal, Monteverde, and Guanacaste?
A travel eSIM Costa Rica plan from HelloRoam starts at CA$9.77 on Claro 4G networks. HelloRoam delivers the QR to your inbox so you activate before boarding from Canada. No contract and no credit check required on any plan.
What is the best eSIM for Costa Rica for Canadians?
HelloRoam is the best eSIM for Costa Rica for Canadians departing from Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW. Plans start from CA$9.77 and connect to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. You get local 4G/5G speeds, a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs, and 24/7 live chat support in English and French. Rogers Roam Like Home and Bell Roam Better each charge CAD 12 or more per day. HelloRoam costs far less for most trips. For Canadian travellers who want reliable mobile data and real savings on wireless connectivity, it is the practical choice over any carrier roaming plan.
How much does a Costa Rica eSIM cost compared to Bell or Rogers roaming?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for Costa Rica start from CA$9.77 as a one-time prepaid purchase. Bell US Roam Better costs CAD 12 per day. Bell international roaming costs CAD 16 per day. Rogers Roam Like Home costs CAD 12 per day. Telus Easy Roam costs CAD 12 per day. A 10-day trip under Rogers or Bell adds CAD 120 or more to your monthly bill. HelloRoam fixed plans run 3GB to 20GB with no daily billing cycle and no overage fees. When you compare a prepaid data package from HelloRoam against a daily carrier roaming plan, the internet abroad savings on a two-week trip are significant.
Which networks does HelloRoam eSIM connect to in Costa Rica?
HelloRoam eSIM in Costa Rica connects to local 4G LTE and 5G carrier networks. Your phone selects the strongest available signal automatically on arrival. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and most rural areas. HelloRoam partners with 212+ carrier networks globally. Canadian travellers get consistent local speeds across all top destinations without paying Bell, Rogers, or Telus daily roaming rates. That cellular coverage spans urban centres and popular tourist areas, giving you solid mobile data for maps, messaging, and streaming throughout your trip.
How do I set up a HelloRoam eSIM before leaving a Canadian airport?
Setting up your HelloRoam eSIM before departure takes three steps. First, choose your plan at helloroam.com or in the app and complete checkout. Second, scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. Third, your e-sim installs in under 2 minutes. Buy and install at home or at Toronto Pearson YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Montreal YUL, Calgary YYC, or Ottawa YOW using the free airport Wi-Fi before your flight boards.
Does my iPhone work with a Costa Rica eSIM if I am on Bell, Rogers, or Telus?
iPhone XS and all newer models work with HelloRoam eSIM in Costa Rica as long as your device is carrier-unlocked. iPhones purchased directly from Apple are unlocked by default. Phones on a Bell, Rogers, or Telus payment plan may be locked until fully paid off. Check Settings under General, then About, then Carrier Lock to confirm. Once unlocked, scan the QR code in Settings under Cellular, then Add eSIM, and your Canadian number stays active on dual SIM while HelloRoam handles travel data.
Does HelloRoam eSIM work in Arenal and Monteverde?
La Fortuna and Arenal town have reasonable 4G coverage. Monteverde town has decent 4G. The cloud forest reserve and higher elevation jungle trails have weaker signal. Download offline maps before each excursion.
Does HelloRoam work in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, the Manuel Antonio town and beach area has decent 4G coverage. Inside the national park on jungle trails, coverage can be weak. Download offline maps for the park trails before entering.
How much does a HelloRoam eSIM for Costa Rica cost?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for Costa Rica start at CA$9.77. A two-week eco-adventure trip benefits from a larger plan covering navigation, eco-lodge apps, and daily communication. Plans start from CA$9.77 depending on data size and duration. Compared with roaming charges from home carriers, a HelloRoam plan costs significantly less for a typical trip to Costa Rica. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
Does HelloRoam work in Guanacaste beaches?
Yes, beach towns in Guanacaste like Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, and Nosara have improving 4G coverage. Remote beaches accessible only by rough dirt roads can have weaker signal.
Can I use hotspot with HelloRoam in Costa Rica?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM plans for Costa Rica include hotspot sharing. Share your connection with a travel partner or laptop from coverage areas. You can share your 5G connection with a travel companion, laptop, or tablet at no extra cost. Hotspot speeds are typically sufficient for email, navigation, and video calls. Enable it under Settings, Personal Hotspot on your device.
How much data do I need for two weeks in Costa Rica?
Two weeks in Costa Rica with maps for driving, navigation, and messaging uses 3 to 5 GB. Video calls back to Canada or streaming in eco-lodges adds more. Choose 6 to 8 GB for a comfortable buffer. For a week of typical travel (Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp messages, and social media) you need 3 to 5 GB. If you stream video or make video calls daily, choose a 8 to 10 GB plan. The HelloRoam app shows your remaining data balance in real time.
Does HelloRoam work near Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero village has limited 4G. Inside the park on canal tours, signal is very weak or absent. Download offline Tortuguero maps and your lodge details before entering the canal network.
How do I activate a HelloRoam eSIM for Costa Rica?
Buy your plan on helloroam.com, scan the QR code in your phone settings, and enable data when you land. Activate at home before your flight. The setup takes about five minutes. Buy your plan at helloroam.com, scan the QR code under Settings, then Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. Do this before you leave home using Wi-Fi. When you land in Costa Rica, enable mobile data and the plan activates immediately on Claro / Movistar Costa Rica.
What to Know Before You Buy
eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before purchasing.
Most travel eSIM plans provide data only. Your existing phone number stays active for calls and texts on your primary SIM.
Coverage quality varies by location within Costa Rica. Urban areas typically have strong 4G/5G coverage, while rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.
Install your eSIM before departure. Activation requires an internet connection, which may not be available at your destination airport.
Transparency Notice
- Service Provider Name (SPN)
- HelloRoam appears as the carrier name on your phone's status bar through the SPN, a standardized field in the eSIM profile. Unlike most travel eSIM resellers, HelloRoam provisions its own Service Provider Name.
- Public Network Name (PNN)
- The PNN is the network name field inside the eSIM profile, defined in 3GPP TS 31.102 (EF_PNN). Your phone can read it to display the name of the network you're connected to.
- Access Point Name (APN)
- HelloRoam eSIMs auto-configure their Access Point Name during installation. Your device connects to the strongest local network infrastructure without manual settings.
Prices are our retail rates across 185+ countries. Plan recommendations use real traveller feedback and network performance data. Every purchase includes a 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
Future Syncs Limited 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UK +44 203 916 6249 help@helloroam.com Reg. No. 15950168
