eSIM for Costa Rica: online the moment you land, no roaming bill
Your mobile data in Costa Rica for less than four days of roaming. Install it at home, it activates on arrival, and your number stays on for texts.
The math that hurts
for 7 days at the default daily rate of Bell, Virgin Plus, Rogers, Fido or Telus ($16–$18 per day, before tax).
≈ CA$52.70 · Bank of Canada rate, October 2, 2026: US$1 = CA$1.4246.
for 10 GB valid 30 days, paid once, however many days you stay (price as of October 3, 2026, before any tax).
Saily plans for Costa Rica
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | US$7.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | US$18.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | US$26.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | US$36.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | US$47.99 |
Prices shown on saily.com on October 3, 2026, in US dollars. Prices can change: check in the app before buying.
Saily also offers an unlimited plan from 5 à 30 days; the price depends on the length you pick in the app.
Pura vida, even without Wi-Fi
Between San José, the Pacific coast and the volcanoes, you'll spend a lot of time on the road, and GPS eats data. Saily offers 1 to 20 GB plans and an unlimited plan from 5 to 30 days. Good to know: kölbi's new eSIM (the national carrier), launched in July 2026, is for Costa Ricans travelling abroad, not for tourists; and some competing eSIMs require ID verification for Costa Rica. Check the coverage map in the app before heading to remote areas.
How much data do you need?
- 1–3 GB: email, WhatsApp, maps, a few photos. A short stay with hotel Wi-Fi.
- 5–10 GB: a normal week with GPS, social media and some video.
- 20 GB or unlimited: video, video calls, or sharing your connection with a laptop or family.
Set up the eSIM in 4 steps
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (on iPhone: Settings > General > About, "No SIM restrictions").
- Buy the plan and download the Saily app.
- Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, a few days before you leave.
- On arrival: choose Saily for mobile data and turn off data roaming on your Canadian SIM. Calling or texting with your Canadian number can trigger your carrier's daily rate.
The alternatives, honestly
- Your carrier's roaming: the simplest, but CA$16–18 per day at current rates. Some carriers also sell travel passes (e.g. Bell Caribbean and Mexico 14 days: CA$70; Rogers International 7 days: CA$75): compare the data included. Roaming is still the answer if you need your Canadian number for calls.
- A local SIM card: often cheaper for long stays, but you have to find it on arrival, sometimes show a passport, and swap chips.
- Another eSIM: Airalo is the other big name; see our Saily vs Airalo comparison.
Land connected
Install your eSIM before you leave: your phone connects as soon as you step off the plane.
Pick my Saily plan →Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eSIM for Costa Rica?
It's not required, but it's often the cheapest option: Canadian carriers charge CA$16–18 per day for roaming, while a 10 GB, 30-day Saily plan costs US$36.99 (price as of October 3, 2026).
How much is a Saily eSIM for Costa Rica?
From US$7.99 for 1 GB valid 7 days, per the saily.com price table checked on October 3, 2026. Prices are in US dollars.
Do I keep my Canadian number?
Yes. Your regular SIM stays in the phone for texts and calls; Saily only provides data. Turn off data roaming on your Canadian SIM; calling or texting with your Canadian number can trigger your carrier's daily rate.
Can I use it as a hotspot?
Yes, per Saily, tethering (hotspot) is allowed.
When should I install the eSIM?
Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. The plan activates automatically on arrival; per Saily, all plans have a 180-day activation period.
Sources: plans and prices read on saily.com on October 3, 2026; daily roaming rates from Bell (bell.ca/travel), Virgin Plus, Rogers, Fido (official sites, including travel passes) and Telus (MobileSyrup, March 2026), checked on October 3, 2026; Telcel (tourist eSIM) and Tico Times (kölbi eSIM, July 2026) where relevant.
Affiliate link: if you buy a Saily plan through this link (Impact program), I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Saily has not reviewed this page.