Setup Guide

How to Install an eSIM for Costa Rica: 2026 Setup Guide

July 20269 min readBy Daniel Mercer, Lead eSIM Analyst

1 network tested
5 providers compared
Updated June 2026

Daniel Mercer

Lead eSIM Analyst

43 countries tested280 plans reviewed14 airports tested8 years in telecom

Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)

How we test

Published July 2026 · Updated June 2026

Compatibility

Phone requirements for Costa Rica eSIM

iPhone

Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.

Android

Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+.

Is your phone unlocked?

[object Object]

Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status

Providers

eSIM providers covering Costa Rica

Nomad (Recommended)

Nomad is the recommended provider for Costa Rica with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.

Overall

Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5

Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5

Nomad full review

Alternative providers

eSIM providers for Costa Rica
Provider	Per GB	Rating	Best For
Nomad#1 Pick	from $3.00/GB	4.1/5	Best Budget
Airalo	from $4.50/GB	4.5/5	Best Overall
Saily	from $3.99/GB	4.4/5	Best Privacy
HelloRoam	from around $3.50 per gigabyte	4.4/5	Coverage + Value
Holafly	from $2.99/day	4.3/5	Best Unlimited

Which provider to choose

Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account

Installation

Installation steps for Costa Rica eSIM

iOS installation (iPhone)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Use QR Code"
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Label the plan (e.g., "Costa Rica Travel")
Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular

iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.

Android installation (Samsung One UI)

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM
Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code"
Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
Name the profile (e.g., "Costa Rica Data")
Set as mobile data SIM
Do NOT enable data roaming yet
Verify the plan in SIM manager

Manual installation (if QR fails)

If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Select "Enter Details Manually"
Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
Enter the activation code
Complete the setup as with the QR method

Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.

Configuration

How to configure APN for Costa Rica

Automatic APN configuration

Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Kolbi's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names

A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.

Manual APN entry

If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:

APN configuration fields
Field	Value
APN Name	From provider email
APN	Provider-specific value
Authentication	None (most providers)
APN Protocol	IPv4/IPv6

Provider-specific APN values override Kolbi's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.

Verification

Connection checklist for Costa Rica

Signal and network verification

Check your status bar: the carrier name should show Kolbior a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.

"Kolbi" or roaming icon: Connected and working
"Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
"No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected

Speed test

Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds on Kolbi: approximately 25 Mbps download. Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.

Verifying data roaming is active

Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.

Dual-SIM verification

Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.

Airport Guide

Arriving at Juan Santamaria (SJO) with your eSIM

Before boarding

Install your Costa Rica eSIM at home the night before departure. Open Settings on your phone, add the eSIM profile via QR code over your home WiFi, and leave it toggled off. The plan clock does not start until Kolbi's network registers the profile after you land. Airport WiFi at Juan Santamaria (SJO) is unreliable for eSIM installation — boarding-gate networks often block the download entirely.

During the flight

Airplane mode stays on until you land. Use the flight time to verify your eSIM configuration: the Costa Rica profile should be your active data line, and data roaming for that line should be ready to toggle on after touchdown.

After landing

Disable airplane mode after landing. Toggle the Costa Rica eSIM on and enable data roaming for that line. Kolbi's 4G network picks up your profile in 60-120 seconds. Verify by loading any webpage. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($5-10 for 3-10GB / 28 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.

Leaving the airport

Navigate the airport with live data. Check transit schedules, verify your hotel booking confirmation, and message your host — all before you exit the terminal. Kolbi's 4G signal covers the airport grounds. Costa Rica's emergency number is 911 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.

Device Setup

Device-specific instructions for Costa Rica

iPhone (iOS 17+)

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Costa Rica Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Costa Rica eSIM as your active data line.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Costa Rica line only: Settings > Cellular > [Costa Rica Data] > Data Roaming > On.
After landing at Juan Santamaria (SJO), toggle the eSIM on. Kolbi registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. APN settings auto-configure for most Costa Rica eSIM plans on Kolbi's network.
Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Costa Rica data is active at 25 Mbps average.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Kolbi" or "Claro CR" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Costa Rica line shows "Kolbi" under Network. The "4G" indicator confirms your connection type.

Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If Kolbi does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).

Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Costa Rica Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
Set the Costa Rica eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Costa Rica eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
After landing at Juan Santamaria (SJO), enable the eSIM. Kolbi's 4G network registers within 60-90 seconds. APN settings load automatically for most Costa Rica eSIM plans on Kolbi's network.
Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Costa Rica eSIM is active.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Kolbi" or "Claro CR" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Kolbi" as the connected network. The connection type shows as "4G".

Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select Kolbi. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.

Google Pixel (Android 14+)

Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
Confirm the download and label the SIM "Costa Rica Data" for identification.
Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Costa Rica Data > Use for mobile data.
Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Costa Rica Data > Roaming > On.
After landing at Juan Santamaria (SJO), enable the profile. Kolbi connects within 60-90 seconds. APN settings self-configure on Pixel devices for most Costa Rica plans.
Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Kolbi's 4G network.

Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Kolbi" or "Claro CR" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "Kolbi" as the active network.

Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Costa Rica Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select Kolbi. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.

Carrier Config

Carrier troubleshooting for Costa Rica

Kolbi

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Kolbi" from the list. The phone locks onto Kolbi's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 23-25 Mbps in urban areas, 8-13 Mbps in rural coverage

Common issue: Kolbi may show a signal bar but no data if the APN was not auto-configured. This happens on roughly 10-15% of Costa Rica eSIM activations. Contact your eSIM provider for the correct APN string.

Resolution: Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Samsung). This clears saved WiFi passwords but resolves most Kolbi registration failures. Re-enable the Costa Rica eSIM after the reset completes.

Claro CR

APN: "claro.com.br" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Claro CR" from the list. The phone locks onto Claro CR's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 15-21 Mbps in cities, 5-10 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: If Claro CR connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Costa Rica eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.

Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some Claro CR profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.

Movistar CR

APN: "movistar.es" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.

Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Movistar CR" from the list. The phone locks onto Movistar CR's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.

Expected speed: 15-21 Mbps in cities, 5-10 Mbps outside metro areas

Common issue: Movistar CR's network occasionally delays eSIM profile registration during peak hours at major airports. If your phone shows "Searching..." for more than 2 minutes, turn off Automatic network selection, wait 10 seconds, then select Movistar CR manually from the operator list.

Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Movistar CR typically completes registration within 60-90 seconds of a fresh boot. If the issue persists, remove and re-add the eSIM profile using the manual activation code from your provider's confirmation email.

Dual SIM

Dual SIM setup for Costa Rica: keep your number, use local data

Data line setup

Set the Costa Rica eSIM as your cellular data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM. All web traffic, maps, and app data route through Kolbi's 4G network at $6.99 for 1GB. Your home carrier never touches data traffic, so no roaming charges accumulate.

Calls and SMS

Your home SIM handles calls and texts on your existing number. No one calling you sees a difference. SMS-based verification codes for banking apps and login services arrive on the home SIM as usual. Data-based messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram) use the Costa Rica eSIM's data connection through Kolbi.

Emergency dialing

Costa Rica's emergency number is 911. This call connects through any network, regardless of which SIM is active or whether you have data. Your eSIM gives you the additional ability to use GPS mapping to find the nearest hospital and to share coordinates with emergency responders via text or messaging apps.

Battery impact

Two active SIMs cost roughly 10-15% more battery. The phone runs separate baseband connections for each line. On days with heavy use, turn off the home SIM under Settings and leave only the Costa Rica eSIM active. Your home number goes to voicemail until you re-enable it. Costa Rica outlets are Type A/B — bring an adapter and a portable charger.

Hotspot

Tethering and hotspot with your Costa Rica eSIM

Most eSIM plans for Costa Rica support personal hotspot out of the box. Enable it under Settings > Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot (Samsung). Your laptop, tablet, or travel companion's phone connects through your Costa Rica eSIM on Kolbi's 4G network. Hotspot throughput typically reaches 15-20 Mbps typical through hotspot. Video calls over hotspot use 300-500 MB per hour. A 1GB plan supports 6-10 hours of video calling before running low.

Provider restrictions

Not every plan includes hotspot. Holafly's unlimited eSIM plans for Costa Rica restrict tethering to prevent network abuse. Airalo and Nomad include hotspot on their fixed-data plans. If the Personal Hotspot toggle is missing from Settings, the plan blocks it at the carrier level — no workaround exists without switching to a hotspot-enabled plan.

Data impact

Hotspot data consumption is higher than direct phone use: laptops pull desktop-resolution assets. Budget 150-200 MB/hour for browsing, 300-500 MB/hour for video calls, 1.5-3 GB/hour for streaming. Turn off cloud sync, OS updates, and auto-downloads on connected devices to protect your Costa Rica data allowance.

Registration

Skip Costa Rica's SIM registration with eSIM

Physical SIM registration in Costa Rica: Passport required. The counter at Juan Santamaria (SJO) copies your passport, takes a photo, and submits the registration to Kolbi. Processing takes 15 minutes on a good day, longer during peak arrivals. Some countries add a mandatory activation delay of 2-24 hours after registration before the SIM goes live. An eSIM bypasses every step — no identity check, no wait, no activation delay.

WiFi Backup

Costa Rica WiFi availability for eSIM setup

Costa Rica offers good WiFi in hotels, malls, and cafes. Install your eSIM before leaving home. The download is tiny (under 1 MB) but requires an uninterrupted HTTPS connection to the carrier's provisioning server. Public WiFi with captive portals — including Juan Santamaria (SJO)'s network — can block this connection. Home WiFi eliminates the risk.

Activating without WiFi

No WiFi for QR scan? Use manual activation. Check your provider's email for the SM-DP+ address (a URL starting with "smdp+") and the matching activation code. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. On Samsung: SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. You can use your home carrier's mobile data for this — it transfers less than 1 MB.

Multi-Country

Multi-stop itinerary: Costa Rica eSIM alongside other profiles

For a multi-country itinerary, install one eSIM per country before departure. Costa Rica's eSIM connects to Kolbi's 4G network directly, avoiding the speed penalty that multi-country roaming eSIMs carry. At the Costa Rica border, disable your previous eSIM and enable the Costa Rica profile. The process: Settings > Cellular, toggle off the old line, toggle on the new one. Done in 30 seconds.

Switching eSIM profiles between countries

Border crossing procedure: disable the previous eSIM, enable Costa Rica. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap each line to toggle. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > toggle lines. Confirm Costa Rica is the active data line. Enable data roaming. Kolbi's 4G signal registers in 60-90 seconds. The entire switch takes 30 seconds.

Fixes

Common setup errors and solutions

"eSIM Not Supported" error

Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.

Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.

"Unable to Activate eSIM" error

Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.

Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.

Connected but no data

Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.

Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.

Slow speeds on Kolbi

Expected: 25 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area.

Provider-specific installation issues

Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup

Full troubleshooting guide · Transfer eSIM to new phone

Quick Answers

Common setup questions for Costa Rica

FAQ

Common setup questions for Costa Rica

How do I install an eSIM for Costa Rica on iPhone?

Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Costa Rica Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.

How do I install an eSIM for Costa Rica on Android?

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Select "Download SIM" then "Scan QR code". Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Costa Rica Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Samsung One UI and other Android versions.

What APN settings do I need for Costa Rica?

Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Kolbi's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.

Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Costa Rica?

Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Costa Rica. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?

iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.

What if the QR code does not work for Costa Rica?

Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.

How do I know my eSIM is connected to Kolbi?

Check the status bar for "Kolbi" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 25 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.

How to install eSIM on Android for Costa Rica?