HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for San José (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
eSIM San José (Costa Rica) data plans for Canadians
Great-value eSIM for San José (Costa Rica), starting from CA$9.77. Local 4G LTE and 5G data on top carrier networks in San José (Costa Rica). Works on all eSIM compatible phones. San Jose is the gateway for Canadians exploring Costa Rica's rainforests, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches. An eSIM Costa Rica from HelloRoam starts at CA$9.77 on Claro 4G networks covering the city, Escazu, Heredia, and Juan Santamaria Airport. Activate by QR at home before your flight from Canada. No physical card, no contract.
San José (Costa Rica) eSIM with fast 4G coverage
San Jose is Costa Rica's capital and the main entry point for Canadians heading to the country's rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches. HelloRoam San Jose eSIM plans run on Kolbi, Movistar Costa Rica, and Claro. Buy before flying and arrive at Juan Santamaria Airport already connected. Plans start at CA$9.77.
- Plans start at CA$9.77 with 4G speeds
- Coverage from Claro
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- San José (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 San José (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 San José (Costa Rica) eSIM vs Bell, Rogers and Telus roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for San José (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 San José (Costa Rica) carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Canadian Travellers Choose an e SIM for San José (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 San José (Costa Rica)
Get fast 4G/5G data from the moment you land in San José (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 San José (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 San José (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 San José (Costa Rica)
Share your San José (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 San José (Costa Rica)
HelloRoam, the best eSIM San José (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 San José (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 San José (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 San José (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 San José (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
San Jose Costa Rica eSIM Connectivity Guide for Canadians
Kolbi (ICE), Movistar Costa Rica, and Claro all operate 4G LTE across San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, and Juan Santamaria International Airport. National parks, cloud forests, and remote beach areas can have limited coverage.
- HelloRoam connects to Claro 4G in San José (Costa Rica)
- 4G LTE on Kolbi (ICE), Movistar Costa Rica, Claro Costa Rica across San Jose Costa Rica and Juan Santamaria International Airport
- Plans from CA$9.77 with QR activation before your flight from Canada
eSIM Travel Tips for San José (Costa Rica)
Activate your eSIM before leaving Canada
Install your HelloRoam eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. When you land at SJO, data connects immediately.
Download offline maps before flying
Save an offline Google Maps area for San Jose Costa Rica before your flight.
Check travel.gc.ca for entry requirements
Visit the Canadian government travel advisory site for the latest entry requirements for Costa Rica.
Set up your travel apps at home
Download airline apps, accommodation apps, and local transit apps before flying.
Save your QR code offline
Save your HelloRoam eSIM QR code to your Photos app before flying.
Best Time for Canadians to Visit San Jose Costa Rica
December to April is Costa Rica's dry season and the best time to visit with clear weather and lower humidity. July and August have a brief dry period on the Pacific coast. May to November is the main rainy season but biodiversity is at its peak.
Top Attractions in San José (Costa Rica)
National Flag Of Costa Rica San Jos
San Jose is Costa Rica's capital, surrounded by volcanic mountains and coffee plantations. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Visit the Central Market for local food and fresh tropical fruit.
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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
San José (Costa Rica) eSIM Questions Answered
How much does an e SIM San José (Costa Rica) cost?
An e SIM San José (Costa Rica) from HelloRoam starts at CA$9.77 on Claro 4G networks covering the city and Juan Santamaria Airport. HelloRoam delivers the QR before departure. No contract on any plan.
Does an e SIM Costa Rica plan cover Manuel Antonio and Arenal?
An e SIM Costa Rica plan from HelloRoam covers Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, and the wider Costa Rican network on Claro networks from CA$9.77. HelloRoam activates by QR before your flight. Fully prepaid with a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
What is the best eSIM for San José (Costa Rica) for Canadians?
HelloRoam is the best eSIM for San José (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 San José (Costa Rica) eSIM cost compared to Bell or Rogers roaming?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for San José (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 San José (Costa Rica)?
HelloRoam eSIM in San José (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 San José (Costa Rica) eSIM if I am on Bell, Rogers, or Telus?
iPhone XS and all newer models work with HelloRoam eSIM in San José (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.
Which networks does the HelloRoam San Jose Costa Rica eSIM use?
HelloRoam San Jose Costa Rica plans run on Kolbi (ICE), Movistar Costa Rica, Claro Costa Rica. 4G LTE coverage spans San Jose Costa Rica and Juan Santamaria International Airport. Kolbi (ICE) and Movistar Costa Rica are among the strongest 5G providers in the area, covering tourist attractions, airports, and city centers. HelloRoam automatically selects the best available signal so you stay connected without manual network switching.
Does the eSIM work at Juan Santamaria International Airport?
Yes. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) has full 4G LTE coverage. Enable Data Roaming after landing and your HelloRoam eSIM connects immediately. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to Kolbi (ICE) / Movistar Costa Rica. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
How much does Canadian carrier roaming cost in San Jose Costa Rica?
Bell, Rogers, and Telus all charge C$16 to C$22 per day in Costa Rica. An eSIM plan covers the full stay for far less. 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 San Jose Costa Rica. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
Does the eSIM cover all of Costa Rica?
Yes. A HelloRoam Costa Rica eSIM works across the whole country on Kolbi (ICE) and partner networks. 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 San Jose Costa Rica. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
How do I activate my San Jose Costa Rica eSIM?
Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email in Settings then Mobile Data at home. After landing at SJO, enable Data Roaming. Your data starts automatically. 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 San Jose Costa Rica, enable mobile data and the plan activates immediately on Kolbi (ICE) / Movistar Costa Rica.
How much data do I need for a week in San Jose Costa Rica?
Maps, messaging, social media, and streaming use about 2 to 5 GB per week. Video calls and heavier streaming push to 6 to 10 GB. 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 the San Jose Costa Rica eSIM include calls?
HelloRoam plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls. Emergency calls work on any local network. HelloRoam eSIM plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber for calls over your data connection. Keep your home SIM active for voice calls if needed. Emergency calls work on any network even without an active data plan.
Does HelloRoam San Jose Costa Rica eSIM support tethering?
Yes. Personal hotspot is included. Share your connection with a laptop from a café or hotel room. 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 San Jose Costa Rica. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
