North AmericaSan JoseCosta Rica eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected from Arenal to Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica has three main mobile operators, with Kolbi (the government-backed network) offering the widest coverage, including remote areas like the Osa Peninsula and the Nicoya Peninsula. A Roamix Costa Rica eSIM connects to the strongest local network on arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport without a SIM counter queue. Budget 5 to 8 GB for two weeks, and always download offline maps and trail guides before entering Corcovado, Monteverde or Tortuguero, where signal disappears entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Kolbi (ICE) has the widest rural coverage in Costa Rica, including national parks, remote beaches and the Osa Peninsula.
- A Roamix eSIM activates automatically on arrival at SJO and avoids the need for a physical SIM counter.
- Costa Rica's pura vida culture means many services and tours book via WhatsApp, making data connectivity essential from arrival.
- The colon is the currency, but USD is widely accepted at tourist prices. Card payment is common in tourist areas.
- Download offline maps before entering Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Tortuguero, all of which have no mobile coverage.
Quick Facts
Costa Rica Connectivity
Get a Roamix Costa Rica eSIM and land connected at SJO or LIR.
How to Stay Connected in Costa Rica
Wifi is standard in San Jose hotels, tourist lodges in La Fortuna and beach hostels in Tamarindo. In remote jungle lodges and Corcovado research stations, wifi may be satellite-based and extremely slow. Roamix mobile data is more reliable for navigation and WhatsApp on the move.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
Most travellers
Instant activation on Kolbi or Claro, no SIM registration and no roaming bill. Best for the move between destinations.
Local physical SIM
Long stays or travellers needing a local number
Kolbi and Claro kiosks at SJO and LIR airports. Requires passport. Kolbi gives the best coverage for remote areas.
Pocket wifi
Groups travelling together
Available for rental at SJO airport. Another device to charge and return.
Carrier roaming
Very short trips with no setup time
Costa Rica is a moderately expensive roaming destination. A Roamix eSIM plan typically costs far less for two weeks.
For most visitors to Costa Rica, a Roamix eSIM is the most practical option, connecting you instantly to Kolbi or Claro coverage from the moment you land at SJO or LIR.
Get connected the moment you land in Costa Rica.
Get your Costa Rica eSIMMobile Networks in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's three main operators, Kolbi (the state-run ICE mobile brand), Liberty (formerly Movistar) and Claro, provide 4G coverage across most of the country. Kolbi has the deepest rural footprint from decades of government infrastructure investment. A Roamix Costa Rica eSIM connects to the strongest available network on arrival at SJO or LIR without any SIM registration or kiosk.
Government-backed operator with the widest national coverage including the Osa Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo, Montezuma and remote Caribbean coast communities. Best choice for adventurous travel off the beaten path.
Strong urban coverage in San Jose and the Central Valley, with growing 4G in popular tourist destinations. Launched 5G in 2025 and is fastest in urban areas.
Good coverage in San Jose, Liberia, the Pacific coast tourist belt and main highways. 5G launching in cities. Strong at Juan Santamaria Airport and surrounding Central Valley.
Typical Speeds
4G in San Jose and Liberia delivers 20 to 60 Mbps. Tourist towns like La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio run 10 to 30 Mbps. Remote parks and the Osa Peninsula may have 2G or no signal.
5G Status
5G launched in San Jose and Liberia in mid-2025 via Liberty and Claro. Kolbi's 5G rollout is ongoing. 4G LTE is the standard experience in all tourist areas.
For city and main tourist route travel, any operator is fine. For the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, Monteverde and remote Nicoya beaches, Kolbi has the best reach. Many Costa Rican tour operators and nature guides use WhatsApp exclusively for bookings and communication.
Costa Rica's forested mountains and remote peninsulas create significant dead zones. Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero canals, deep within Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Nicoya Peninsula's more remote beaches and the approaches to Arenal's crater can all have limited or no mobile coverage. Always prepare offline maps before these destinations.
Costa Rican networks use LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 7 and 28. All recent unlocked phones are compatible.
Data Usage Guide
Data needs in Costa Rica are moderate. Cities and main tourist routes are well connected. National parks and remote coasts require offline preparation before entering dead zones.
Download offline map packages for every national park and remote area you plan to visit while in San Jose or La Fortuna, where 4G is reliable.
Data by Activity
Light Use
4 to 5 GB
One week Pacific coast beaches and Arenal
Navigation, WhatsApp tour bookings, social uploads and weather checking in well-covered tourist areas.
Standard
5 to 8 GB
Two weeks including Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero
Offline map downloads for Corcovado and Tortuguero, pre-park downloads in Puerto Jimenez, guide communication and flights booking.
Heavy Use
15 to 20 GB
Remote work base in San Jose or La Fortuna
Video calls, cloud uploads, daily tethering alongside active tourism planning.
Apps & Internet Freedom
Costa Rica has a fully open internet. All common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search in Costa Rica. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
Fully available and the primary communication platform across Costa Rica.
FaceTime
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search
No restrictions. Essential for navigating national park trails and driving routes.
Social media
Instagram, Facebook and X all work normally.
How to Set Up a Costa Rica eSIM
Install your Roamix Costa Rica eSIM over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you land at Juan Santamaria or Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport.
Works on eSIM-capable unlocked phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Costa Rica eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Costa Rica and the eSIM connects automatically to Kolbi, Liberty or Claro.
APN Note
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode.
Troubleshooting
If no data after landing, check data roaming is enabled for the Roamix line, select the network manually in settings and restart.
Get connected the moment you land in Costa Rica.
Get your Costa Rica eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM has connected to Kolbi or Claro before leaving the arrivals hall at SJO or LIR.
Download the driving route or transfer details to your first destination offline, especially if heading to the Arenal or Guanacaste regions.
Save your accommodation's WhatsApp number for check-in coordination, as many Costa Rican properties communicate exclusively via WhatsApp.
Withdraw some CRC or USD from the airport ATM for smaller purchases at markets and for national park entry fees.
Check your rental car insurance and road conditions for any planned mountain or unpaved routes using Roamix data before leaving the terminal.
How locals communicate
WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform across all of Costa Rica, used by tour operators, restaurants, hotels, tour guides and taxi drivers. Most Costa Rican services will communicate via WhatsApp rather than email or phone calls.
Keep your home SIM active for two-factor authentication. Use Roamix data for WhatsApp communication with Costa Rican operators, guides and hotels from the moment you land.
Airports in Costa Rica
Juan Santamaria International Airport
San Jose (Alajuela)
Free wifi throughout the terminal, though speeds can be slow during peak international arrivals.
Confirm your Roamix eSIM is connected before leaving arrivals. A Claro kiosk is available at baggage claim 5 if you need a physical SIM, but your pre-installed Roamix eSIM means you already have data to book your shuttle or rideshare to the city or Arenal.
Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport
Liberia
Basic wifi in the terminal. Liberia is the gateway to Guanacaste's beaches and national parks.
Liberia has Kolbi, Claro and Liberty coverage. Use Roamix data to book your rental car navigation, confirm your beach resort location and download offline maps for Nicoya Peninsula routes from the airport.
La Managua Airport
La Managua (Nosara area)
A small paved-strip airport serving the Nicoya Peninsula. No wifi.
Nosara and surrounding Nicoya beaches have limited Kolbi signal. Download surfing conditions apps and accommodation directions over Roamix data at LIR or SJO before flying on.
Quepos La Managua Airport
Quepos
Small regional airport serving Manuel Antonio. No wifi.
Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Download park trail maps and reserve entry online over Roamix data before leaving San Jose, as Manuel Antonio entry is strictly capped by timed permits.
Visa & Entry for Costa Rica
Citizens of most Western countries including the USA, UK, EU, Canada and Australia enter Costa Rica visa-free for 90 days. No advance visa application is required.
eVisa / ETA
No advance visa or e-visa is required for citizens of most Western countries. Entry for 90 days is granted on arrival. Some nationalities must apply for a visa in advance; check with the Costa Rican Embassy.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Costa Rica.
Onward ticket
Costa Rican immigration consistently requires proof of onward travel. Have your return or onward ticket accessible on your phone. Airlines may also check this at check-in.
Keep your onward ticket, travel insurance and hotel booking accessible offline. Use Roamix data at SJO to pull up documents and contact your accommodation.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Costa Rican Embassy or official immigration sources before travel.
Get connected the moment you land in Costa Rica.
Get your Costa Rica eSIMMoney & Payments in Costa Rica
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC) but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas at posted tourist rates, which are slightly less favourable than the official exchange rate. It is generally better to use colones for local purchases.
Cash vs Card
Cards are accepted at most tourist restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Cash in CRC or small USD bills is useful for rural markets, national park entrance fees and tips for guides and drivers.
ATMs
Banco Nacional, BCR and BNCR ATMs accept foreign cards and dispense both CRC and USD. Fees are moderate. ATMs are available at SJO airport and in tourist towns. Check for ATM availability before heading to remote areas.
Payment Apps
SINPE Movil is the local interbank transfer system for Tico-to-Tico payments. Apple Pay is accepted at larger chain restaurants and supermarkets.
Daily Budget
Budget travellers in hostels and eating local food spend around 20,000 to 35,000 CRC per day. Mid-range is 50,000 to 100,000 CRC. Eco-lodges and nature tours are premium-priced.
Data cost: Costa Rica is a moderately expensive destination, and carrier roaming adds unnecessary cost. A Roamix eSIM plan covers a two-week trip for a fraction of the roaming cost.
Getting Around Costa Rica
Costa Rica is best explored by rental car for flexibility, shuttle bus for direct tourist routes and domestic light aircraft for remote destinations like Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero. Data is essential for navigation, tour booking and road condition checks.
Rental car
The most flexible way to explore Costa Rica. Use Google Maps via Roamix data for navigation, and always cache offline maps before driving on unpaved mountain or Nicoya Peninsula routes. Check road conditions and river crossing depths with your rental agency before departure.
Shared shuttle (Gray Line and interbus)
Tourist shuttles connect SJO and LIR airports to all major destinations including Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. Book online via Roamix data and store confirmations offline.
Local bus
COOTUPESA and other local bus companies serve most routes from San Jose's Coca Cola terminal. Cheap but slow. Use Google Maps with Roamix data to navigate San Jose's complex bus system.
Domestic light aircraft
Sansa and Nature Air-style operators fly to Tortuguero, Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez and Nosara in 30 to 45 minutes versus many hours by road. Book via Roamix data and save flight details offline.
Regions & Travel
Costa Rica packs extraordinary biodiversity into a small country, where active volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforest canopy walks, Caribbean beaches and Pacific surf all sit within a few hours of each other. A Roamix eSIM keeps weather alerts, tour bookings and wildlife guide apps working as you move between ecosystems.
Best time to visit: December to April is the dry season and best for Pacific coast beaches, Guanacaste and most national parks. The green season (May to November) offers fewer crowds, lower prices and lush landscapes. The Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo has its best weather in September and October.
Central Valley and San Jose
Costa Rica's capital and most densely populated region, with the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum, the volcanic Poas and Irazu craters within day-trip distance, and the coffee farm towns of Sarchi and Grecia in the surrounding hills.
Signal: Excellent 4G and 5G across San Jose and the Central Valley including Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. Kolbi and Liberty both provide strong coverage. Poas and Irazu volcano viewpoints have reasonable 4G.
Arenal and Northern Lowlands
The perfectly conical Arenal Volcano dominates this rainforest region, where hanging bridges, zip lines, white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui River, thermal hot springs and the vast Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge create Costa Rica's most activity-packed zone.
Signal: Good Kolbi 4G in La Fortuna town and around the Arenal area. Hot springs and hanging bridge parks have reasonable coverage. The Caño Negro reserve and remote northern lowland routes drop to 3G.
Monteverde and the Cloud Forest
The cloud forest reserves of Monteverde and Santa Elena, accessible by a notoriously bumpy unpaved road, offering the most complete canopy walk experience in Central America, quetzal bird watching and world-famous Monteverde coffee and cheese.
Signal: Kolbi 4G in Santa Elena town and at the main reserve entrance. Inside the cloud forest canopy walks and trails, coverage drops to 2G or no signal. Download trail maps offline before entering.
Pacific Coast and Guanacaste
Costa Rica's sunniest coast, from the surf beaches of Tamarindo and Santa Teresa through the Nicoya Peninsula to the Manuel Antonio and Dominical beaches further south, with Rincon de la Vieja volcano and Palo Verde wetlands inland.
Signal: Kolbi and Claro 4G in Tamarindo, Liberia, Manuel Antonio and Jaco. Remote Nicoya Peninsula beaches like Montezuma and Cabo Blanco have limited Kolbi signal only. Download driving routes offline for unpaved Nicoya Peninsula roads.
Caribbean Coast and Osa Peninsula
The wild sides of Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita on the Caribbean offer reggae beaches, the Kekoldi Bribri indigenous territory and excellent snorkelling. The remote Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado, considered the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic.
Signal: Kolbi 4G in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. Puerto Jimenez has basic Kolbi signal for Osa Peninsula access. Inside Corcovado National Park there is no mobile coverage. Download all guides and emergency contacts in Puerto Jimenez before entering the park.
Hidden Gems
Corcovado National Park
National ParkOsa Peninsula
Called the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic, Corcovado protects 2.5 percent of the world's biodiversity in a lowland tropical rainforest accessible only on guided hikes, with scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars and four species of sea turtle.
Signal: No mobile coverage inside Corcovado. Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay have basic Kolbi signal. Download all maps, park regulations and guide contact details before entering.
Corcovado requires a licensed guide and advance park reservation through SINAC. Book your guide and park permits over Roamix data in San Jose or Puerto Jimenez months ahead of peak season.
Tortuguero National Park
National ParkCaribbean Coast
An Amazon-like network of jungle canals accessible only by boat, where green sea turtles nest in the world's most important nesting beach and river wildlife including river otters, caimans, manatees and dozens of bird species are observed from slow canal boats.
Signal: No mobile coverage in Tortuguero. The park is accessible only by boat or light aircraft. Download all navigation and lodge contact details before departure from Limon.
Tortuguero lodges handle all transportation. Book your lodge and turtle nesting season (July to October) tour over Roamix data well in advance, as capacity is strictly limited.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
National ParkCentral Highlands
One of the world's premier cloud forest ecosystems, where the rare resplendent quetzal is spotted in season (February to April), hummingbirds visit feeders in extraordinary variety and canopy walk bridges in the sky provide unforgettable above-treetop experiences.
Signal: Kolbi 4G in Santa Elena town. Inside the cloud forest, coverage drops to 2G or no signal on interior trails. Download the trail map offline before entering.
Reserve entry is timed and limited. Book your entry time and the SkyWalk hanging bridge circuit over Roamix data from San Jose the evening before departure to Monteverde.
Arenal Volcano
volcanoNorthern Lowlands
Costa Rica's most iconic landmark, a near-perfect cone volcano that was extremely active until 2010 and now dominates the landscape above La Fortuna with hot springs, hanging bridges, zip lines and white-water rafting as its activity backdrop.
Signal: Good Kolbi 4G in La Fortuna. The Arenal 1968 lava trail and hanging bridge parks have reasonable signal. The lake and dam area near Arenal have Kolbi coverage.
Hot spring reservations at Tabacon, Baldi and other resorts fill up quickly, especially from December to March. Book over Roamix data from San Jose before the shuttle to La Fortuna.
Manuel Antonio National Park
National ParkPacific Coast
Costa Rica's most visited national park, with white sand beaches, forested trails, white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths and stunning ocean views, all in a compact park accessible from the beach town of Quepos.
Signal: Good Liberty and Claro 4G in Quepos and Manuel Antonio town. Inside the national park trails, signal is intermittent. Manuel Antonio beach has better coverage.
Manuel Antonio has strictly limited daily visitor numbers and timed entry is required. Book your entry permit online over Roamix data in San Jose before departure, as it sells out days in advance during peak season.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
coastal townCaribbean Coast
Costa Rica's most distinctly Caribbean destination, with Afro-Caribbean culture, reggaeton playing from soda counters, Salsa Brava surf break and the jaguar corridor of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Signal: Kolbi 4G in Puerto Viejo town. Remote beaches north of Puerto Viejo including Manzanillo and Punta Uva have intermittent signal. Cahuita town has basic Kolbi signal.
Puerto Viejo surf conditions and Gandoca turtle tours vary by season and tide. Check surf reports and book guide tours for the Bribri indigenous cultural visits over Roamix data in the town.
Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste
National ParkNorthern Lowlands
The Rio Celeste waterfall, where two colourless rivers meet and turn a brilliant turquoise blue through a chemical reaction, is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Costa Rica, reached by a 6 km jungle trail inside Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Signal: No Kolbi signal inside the Tenorio National Park. The turnoff town of Bijagua has basic signal. Download the park trail map offline before the drive from La Fortuna.
Rio Celeste entry requires an online park permit that is capped at 150 visitors per day. Book your permit over Roamix data in La Fortuna the day before to guarantee entry.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
National ParkGuanacaste
Guanacaste's most active volcanic park, with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs, the Las Pailas geothermal loop and a 25-metre waterfall on trails through dry tropical forest where white-faced monkeys, coatis and agoutis are regularly seen.
Signal: No signal inside the national park. Liberia city has good Claro and Kolbi 4G. Download the trails and geothermal field maps before the 25 km drive from Liberia.
Book the Las Pailas sector entry permit online over Roamix data at Liberia before the drive, as visitor numbers are limited and it fills up during dry season.
Nicoya Peninsula
peninsulaPacific Coast
Costa Rica's Blue Zone, where locals live unusually long lives, anchored by the yoga and wellness centre of Santa Teresa, the waterfalls of Montezuma and the tide pools of Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve.
Signal: Kolbi is the only operator with meaningful coverage on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Montezuma and Cabuya have basic Kolbi signal. The ferry crossing from Puntarenas has coverage near both terminals.
The Puntarenas to Paquera ferry serves the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Check ferry times and book Santa Teresa accommodation over Roamix data before crossing, as the remote road conditions and limited accommodation require advance planning.
Sarapiqui River and Rainforest
nature reserveNorthern Lowlands
A lesser-visited rainforest river corridor combining excellent birdwatching, crocodile river rafting, white-water rafting on Class III rapids and the La Tirimbina Rainforest Centre with hanging bridges and a famous chocolate farm experience.
Signal: Kolbi 3G in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui town. River boat tour areas have intermittent signal. Download bird species guides and emergency contacts before the river float.
Sarapiqui river float and white-water rafting operators book via WhatsApp. Use Roamix data in San Jose to confirm your river trip and transfer before heading north.
Events & Best Seasons
Envision Festival
FestivalUvita, Pacific Coast · February or March, four days
A transformational arts and music festival set on a Pacific rainforest beach near Uvita, blending yoga, permaculture, fire performance, electronic music and live art in a sustainable jungle environment, drawing international attendees seeking immersive nature experiences.
Network note
Uvita has limited Kolbi coverage and the festival area near the beach can have intermittent signal. Download the festival app and schedule over Roamix data before arriving.
Roamix tip
Ticket tiers sell out months ahead. Book your pass and Uvita accommodation over Roamix data as soon as tickets are released.
Carnival de Limon
CulturalLimon, Caribbean Coast · October, second week
Costa Rica's biggest carnival, held in the Caribbean port city of Limon during Columbus Day week, with Afro-Caribbean music, calypso and reggae concerts, costumed parades and traditional Caribbean food filling the streets.
Network note
Kolbi 4G in Limon city. Parade routes attract large crowds.
Roamix tip
Book Limon accommodation early and use Roamix data to navigate the parade route and food stall areas on the city's carnival map.
Festival Internacional de Cine de Costa Rica
FestivalSan Jose · April
Costa Rica's main international film festival, screening Latin American and world cinema across San Jose venues with director talks, retrospectives and outdoor screenings in the historic Barrio Amon district.
Network note
Good 4G and 5G throughout San Jose festival venues.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to buy screening tickets and check the programme before they sell out.
Semana Universitaria (Week of the University)
CulturalSan Jose · September
A cultural celebration centred on the University of Costa Rica, with free outdoor concerts, parades, cultural exhibitions and student performances filling the Rodrigo Facio campus and surrounding San Pedro neighbourhood.
Network note
Good Kolbi and Liberty 4G throughout the San Pedro campus area.
Roamix tip
Navigate the university campus events and find the best outdoor concerts using Google Maps via Roamix data.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Tortuguero
wildlifeTortuguero National Park · July to October
The peak nesting season for green sea turtles on Tortuguero's 35 km beach, where hundreds of turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs under the supervision of park rangers, providing one of the most moving wildlife encounters in Central America.
Network note
No signal at Tortuguero. All arrangements must be made in advance from connectivity zones.
Roamix tip
Tortuguero lodges are the only accommodation and they manage guided turtle tours. Book your lodge and turtle beach access well in advance over Roamix data, as peak July and August weeks fill a year ahead.
Tope Nacional (National Horse Parade)
CulturalSan Jose · December 26
The largest horse parade in Central America, held annually on December 26 in San Jose with thousands of horses and riders in formal Sabanero cowboy dress parading down Paseo Colon in a celebration of Costa Rican equestrian culture.
Network note
Good coverage along the Paseo Colon parade route. Large crowds slow data near the main viewing areas.
Roamix tip
Arrive early along Paseo Colon to secure a viewpoint. Use Roamix data to navigate the city on a day when many roads around the parade route are closed.
Dia de la Independencia
national holidayNationwide, especially San Jose · September 15
Costa Rica's Independence Day celebration, marked by school lantern parades the evening before, national anthem singing at precisely 6 PM and flag ceremonies across the country.
Network note
Good coverage nationwide. Road closures in San Jose for parades.
Roamix tip
Navigate road closures and parade routes in San Jose using Google Maps via Roamix data. The lantern parade on September 14 evening is particularly photogenic.
Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light)
FestivalSan Jose · December, second Saturday
San Jose's main Christmas parade, with illuminated floats, marching bands, dance groups and hundreds of thousands of spectators lining Paseo Colon for Costa Rica's most spectacular urban light display.
Network note
Heavy data congestion along Paseo Colon during the parade. Download maps and route information before heading out.
Roamix tip
Arrive early and position along the route using Roamix data. Pre-plan your exit route as streets are closed and rideshare demand surges after the event.
Quepos Festival de Mariscos
food and drinkQuepos · June
A celebrated seafood festival in the Pacific port of Quepos, showcasing fresh Costa Rican seafood prepared by local restaurants and street vendors over a weekend of live music, cooking demonstrations and artisan markets.
Network note
Good Liberty coverage in Quepos.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check the festival dates and confirm accommodation in Quepos before combining with a Manuel Antonio visit.
Fiesta de los Diablitos
CulturalRey Curre, Buenos Aires de Puntarenas · December 30 to January 2
One of Costa Rica's most ancient indigenous celebrations, where the Boruca people of Rey Curre dress in elaborate hand-carved balsa wood masks and perform the traditional Juego de los Diablitos dance-battle over three days, representing the historical resistance of indigenous peoples to Spanish colonisation.
Network note
No mobile coverage in Rey Curre village. All arrangements must be made in San Jose or San Isidro.
Roamix tip
Book transport and accommodation in San Isidro de El General over Roamix data before the drive to Rey Curre, which has no coverage or tourist infrastructure.
Spring
May is the start of the green season on the Pacific side with transitional weather. The transition from dry to wet brings fresh landscapes and fewer tourists. Good for budget travel and uncrowded national parks.
Summer
December to April is the dry season (verano) in Costa Rica, which is the northern hemisphere winter. The Pacific coast is at its best with calm seas, sunny days and minimal rain. This is peak tourist season and the most expensive period. Book well in advance.
Fall
September and October are the wettest months in the Pacific and Central Valley but the best time to visit the Caribbean coast, which receives its least rainfall. Sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero peaks in September. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
Winter
June to August is the rainy season (invierno) but in practice afternoon rains are predictable, mornings are often sunny and the landscape is gloriously green. Whale watching at Marino Ballena peaks in August. Good time for Arenal and cloud forest visits.
Remote Work from Costa Rica
San Jose has a growing coworking scene, particularly in the Barrio Escalante neighbourhood. La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio attract digital nomads with reasonable wifi at better hotels. Costa Rica's digital nomad visa, launched in 2022, allows remote workers to stay for up to two years.
Urban 4G and 5G in San Jose handles video calls and uploads. A Roamix plan with 10 to 15 GB suits a working week alongside daily park and beach visits.
Use Roamix as a secure hotspot for sensitive work in cafes. The Barrio Escalante neighbourhood in San Jose has several excellent coworking-friendly cafes and dedicated coworking spaces.
Get connected the moment you land in Costa Rica.
Get your Costa Rica eSIMLocal Tips for Costa Rica
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and tour agencies. In indigenous communities and rural areas, Spanish is essential. Google Translate works well via Roamix data.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is legally added to all restaurant bills in Costa Rica. Additional tipping is appreciated but not required. Tour guides typically receive 5 to 10 USD per person per day.
Food & Dining
Costa Rican cuisine is simple and satisfying. The daily casado plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and protein is the local staple. Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is breakfast everywhere. Fresh Caribbean-style rice and beans with coconut milk in Puerto Viejo, fresh ceviche on the Pacific coast and fresh-ground Costa Rican coffee are unmissable.
Transport
Always use officially licensed taxis (red with yellow triangle) or rideshare apps in San Jose. Negotiating rental car insurance and road conditions before departure is essential. WhatsApp your guide or lodge for directions before driving on unpaved roads.
Emergency Numbers
general
911
police
911
ambulance
911
fire
911
Essential Apps
The primary contact method for all Costa Rican tour operators, guides, restaurants and accommodation. Essential for booking and communicating throughout the country.
iNaturalist
Identify birds, frogs, insects and plants encountered in Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity with AI-powered photo identification. Works via Roamix data.
Waze
Used by Costa Ricans for road navigation with real-time traffic and road condition alerts. Important for San Jose congestion and alerts about flooded roads during rainy season.
Safety & Health in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is generally safe for tourists and is one of the most visited countries in Central America. Petty theft is the main risk in San Jose and beach towns. Wildlife hazards including venomous snakes, scorpions and dangerous river crossings require awareness in national parks.
Keep your Roamix eSIM active for emergency services (911), WhatsApp contact with guides and lodges, and weather or river condition alerts. In Corcovado and remote areas, consider a satellite messenger for backcountry safety.
Health Note
Healthcare is good in San Jose and major towns. The CAJA public hospital system is accessible. Travellers should carry travel insurance. Malaria and dengue are present in low-lying areas; use insect repellent. Tap water is safe in most parts of Costa Rica.
Water Safety
Tap water is safe to drink in San Jose and most developed areas including major tourist towns. In remote rural areas and on the Osa Peninsula, use bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica eSIM, connectivity, and travel
What is the best eSIM for Costa Rica?
Roamix is a top choice for Costa Rica because it connects to Kolbi, which has the widest coverage including remote areas like the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and the Nicoya Peninsula. You activate before flying and land already online at SJO or LIR.
Do I need a SIM card for Costa Rica?
You do not need a physical SIM. A Roamix Costa Rica eSIM gives you local 4G on arrival without any card swapping, passport registration or airport queue, at a fraction of home-carrier roaming costs.
Which mobile network is best in Costa Rica?
Kolbi (ICE) has the widest rural coverage in the country, making it the best choice for national parks, the Osa Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula and Caribbean coast. Liberty and Claro are faster in urban areas and along main highways.
Will my eSIM work in Corcovado National Park?
No. There is no mobile coverage inside Corcovado National Park. Download all maps, your guide's contact details and park regulations in Puerto Jimenez before entering the park. A satellite messenger is recommended for backcountry treks.
Does Costa Rica have 5G?
5G launched in San Jose and major cities in mid-2025 via Liberty and Claro. Kolbi's 5G rollout is ongoing. 4G LTE is the standard in all tourist areas including La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
How do I set up an eSIM for Costa Rica?
Buy a Roamix Costa Rica plan online, install the eSIM via QR code over wifi before you fly, then enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects automatically to Kolbi, Liberty or Claro when you land at SJO or LIR.
Can I use WhatsApp in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Rica has an open internet and WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform. All apps work normally. WhatsApp is actually essential for Costa Rica travel as most tour operators, guides and hotels communicate exclusively through it.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Citizens of most Western countries enter Costa Rica visa-free for 90 days. No advance visa is required. Proof of onward travel is consistently required at immigration and airline check-in, so have your return ticket accessible.
How much data do I need for two weeks in Costa Rica?
Plan for 5 to 8 GB. Offline map downloads for Corcovado, Tortuguero and Monteverde use significant data. Download these over 4G in San Jose or La Fortuna before heading to areas with no coverage.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. The main risks are petty theft in San Jose and some beach towns, plus wildlife hazards in national parks. Keep Roamix data active for emergency contacts (911), guide communication and weather alerts.
Is airport wifi at SJO enough, or do I need a Costa Rica eSIM?
Airport wifi at SJO is free but stops at the terminal door. A Roamix Costa Rica eSIM keeps you connected through the airport, in your shuttle bus to La Fortuna or Monteverde, and all the way to your lodge.
What currency does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC) but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. Using colones is generally better value for local purchases. ATMs at SJO dispense both currencies. Use Roamix data to check the current exchange rate before withdrawing.
What voltage and plug type does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses 120V with Type A and B plugs, the same as the USA and Canada. European and UK travellers need a plug adaptor.
What is the best time to visit Tortuguero?
July to October for green sea turtle nesting season on Tortuguero beach, with August being the absolute peak for large numbers. The park is accessible year-round by boat or light aircraft from Limon. Book your lodge over Roamix data months in advance for peak turtle season.
Still have questions?
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Stay connected across Costa Rica with Roamix
Skip the roaming bills and SIM kiosk queues. Install a Roamix Costa Rica eSIM before you fly and land with data ready for navigation, tour bookings and WhatsApp guides from the moment you clear customs.