How do I install my Costa Rica eSIM on iPhone?

On Wi‑Fi before you travel: Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM, then scan the QR from your Plota email or dashboard. Label the line (e.g. “Costa Rica”), keep it ready, and when you arrive in Costa Rica turn the line on and enable Data Roaming for it.

How do I install my Costa Rica eSIM on Android?

On Wi‑Fi: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM, then scan your Plota QR (or paste the activation code). In Costa Rica, set Plota as the mobile data SIM and turn Data Roaming on for that line.

How do I turn on Data Roaming for my Costa Rica eSIM?

Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → select your Plota Costa Rica eSIM → turn Data Roaming On. Set Mobile Data to that eSIM line. Leave your home SIM’s roaming off if you want to avoid home-carrier roaming charges while still receiving calls/texts on your usual number.

What APN and networks does the Costa Rica eSIM use?

We email the APN and supported networks for your Costa Rica plan after purchase, and the same details appear on that eSIM in your Plota dashboard. Set mobile data to Plota, turn Data Roaming on for that line, and enter the APN only if your phone requests it or data does not start automatically.

When should I install my Costa Rica eSIM?

Install on Wi‑Fi before departure. The plan typically starts when you first connect to a local network in Costa Rica, not when you scan the QR. On arrival: enable the Plota line, set it for mobile data, and turn Data Roaming on.

What is the best eSIM for Costa Rica?

Yes. Plota offers multiple prepaid eSIM data plans for Costa Rica with instant QR code delivery. Choose your data amount and validity, pay online, and activate in minutes.

Does the Costa Rica eSIM support hotspot and tethering?

Most Plota plans for Costa Rica support mobile hotspot so you can share data with laptops and tablets. Check the plan details before checkout for tethering confirmation.

Can I use an eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time in Costa Rica?

Yes. eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM. Keep your home number on your physical SIM for calls and texts while using the Plota eSIM for affordable data in Costa Rica.

Is Plota cheaper than Holafly, Airalo, or Saily for Costa Rica?

Plota offers competitive prepaid rates for Costa Rica — often up to 50% less than Holafly, Airalo, and Saily on comparable data packages, with instant delivery and no hidden roaming fees.

Which phones work with eSIM in Costa Rica?

iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most recent flagship Android devices support eSIM. Verify your model supports eSIM before purchasing.

What happens if I run out of data in Costa Rica?

You can purchase a top-up or a new plan from Plota before your trip ends. Data allowances and validity vary by package — choose a plan that matches your stay in Costa Rica.

What if I have no internet after installing?

Check four things: (1) Mobile Data is set to the Plota eSIM, (2) Data Roaming is On for that line, (3) the APN matches your order email/dashboard if needed, (4) you are in coverage. Toggle airplane mode once. Still stuck? Email support@plota.app with your order email and phone model.

Costa Rica eSIM

Claro Costa Rica 5G

Full speed

Fixed GB · no throttle

1GB7 dayswas$4.11now

$3.74

3GB15 dayswas$11.63now

$10.57

Popular3GB30 dayswas$11.80now

$10.73

5GB30 dayswas$19.60now

$17.82

10GB30 dayswas$26.96now

$24.51

20GB30 dayswas$44.52now

$40.47

Costa Rica · 3.0GB

$11.63$10.57

From the road

What travellers say about Costa Rica

4.8 from 12,000+ travellers

EN
“Installed on airport Wi-Fi before passport control. Maps were up before I left the terminal in Costa Rica.”
EN
“Kept my home number for bank codes. The Costa Rica eSIM handled data — setup took about a minute.”
EN
“Stable on the local networks listed on the plan. Would use it again next time I fly into Costa Rica.”

Refund policy
Full refund within 30 days if unused — and if it does not work at your destination.
More about refunds
Activation window
Validity starts on first use. Install over Wi-Fi before you fly.
How installation works
Secure checkout
Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal — encrypted by Stripe.
Customer support
Reach us before or during your trip if you need help connecting.
Contact support

How eSIM works in Costa Rica

Install over Wi-Fi before departure. Switch the data line on when you land. Validity starts on first use.

01
Buy a plan
Pick a destination, data allowance and validity period for Costa Rica.
02
Install your eSIM
Scan the QR from the email — on Wi-Fi, before you fly. No physical SIM.
03
Land and connect
Data activates on first connection in Costa Rica. Keep your home number.

Size it to your trip

Pick the profile closest to your Costa Rica trip. The estimate assumes normal use — maps, messaging, photos, a short call home.

In total, a 3 GB data allowance covers roughly 1,005 shared photos, 50 hours of social media and browsing, 9 hours of video calls, 38 hours of music streaming, or about 600 hours of maps and navigation. Messaging apps barely use data.

Costa Rica eSIM prices at a glance

Every Plota plan for Costa Rica, sorted by price. All plans include 5G where available, hotspot sharing, and instant QR delivery.

Unlimited Pro Plan 1 GB/Day · 1 day

Unlimited Silver Plan 2 GB/Day · 1 day

Unlimited Gold Plan 3 GB/Day · 1 day

Plan

Data

Validity

Price

Unlimited Pro Plan 1 GB/Day

Unlimited Silver Plan 2 GB/Day

Unlimited Gold Plan 3 GB/Day

Costa Rica eSIM coverage & networks

Plota eSIM plans for Costa Rica use reliable Central American mobile networks for 4G LTE and 5G where available. Coverage is built for travelers moving between San José and the rest of Costa Rica. Enjoy stable connectivity for maps, messaging, and streaming without expensive roaming.

Claro

Costa Rica eSIM — questions, answered

An eSIM is a digital SIM in your phone. Buy a Costa Rica plan on Plota, scan the QR we email you, and a data line installs next to your home SIM. Use Plota for data in Costa Rica while your regular number stays for calls, texts, WhatsApp, and iMessage.

San José, Arenal, and Pacific coast surf towns define Costa Rica trips. A Costa Rica eSIM keeps Waze and booking apps online between national parks.

Costa Rica trips move fast — airport transfers, trains, and last-minute bookings all need data. A Plota eSIM skips kiosk queues and expensive carrier roaming so you can connect the moment you land.

Install on Wi‑Fi before you fly: pick a Costa Rica plan, pay, scan the QR from email, and leave the line off until you arrive. Dual-SIM phones keep WhatsApp and your home number on the physical SIM.

9 live Costa Rica packages from $3.74 let you match data to trip length. Compare GB and validity above, then checkout for an instant QR — no shipping, no plastic SIM.

Looking for a Holafly, Airalo, or Saily alternative in Costa Rica? Plota focuses on lower prepaid pricing with the same instant-QR workflow travelers expect.

Whether you're exploring San José or heading further afield, a Plota eSIM keeps you connected throughout Costa Rica on central american networks.

All 190+ countries →

Costa Rica is waiting.
Get connected first.

Plans from $4.11$3.74 · QR in seconds · 30-day refund if unused.

Pick my Costa Rica plan →

Costa Rica eSIM

Full speed

What travellers say about Costa Rica

Refund policy

Activation window

Secure checkout

Customer support

How eSIM works in Costa Rica

Buy a plan

Install your eSIM

Land and connect

Size it to your trip

Costa Rica eSIM prices at a glance

Costa Rica eSIM coverage & networks

Costa Rica eSIM — questions, answered

Costa Rica eSIM guide — plans, setup & tips

Going further than Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is waiting.Get connected first.

Costa Rica is waiting.
Get connected first.