Are you looking to secure a San Jose Airport SIM Card upon landing at San Jose Airport in Costa Rica? We will write a full guide how to buy a sim card in San Jose.
Landing at San Jose Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at San Jose Airport? Yes, there is a Claro shop one of the leading providers for SIM card in San Jose and Costa Rica.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in San Jose. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo, Holafly and Maya Mobile
If you are going from San Jose Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 25 minutes by taxi and 45 minutes by public transportation.
San Jose, the heart of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city teeming with rich culture, lush landscapes, and a bustling urban atmosphere. As you step into this tropical paradise, staying connected is crucial for navigating its diverse offerings. Juan Santamaría International Airport, serving San Jose, is where your journey begins. Securing the best SIM or eSIM deal here sets the tone for a smooth and connected experience throughout Costa Rica. Let’s explore everything you need to know to stay connected from the moment you land.
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WHERE TO STAY IN SAN JOSE
There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed for as low as $15 USD a night if you want the cheapest option. AirBnb is also available, mostly for about $20-25 USD a night. Double-room hostels can cost up to $30-40 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $80 USD a night.
Click here if you want to find the best deals with Booking in Costa Rica
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Why a Local SIM Card in San Jose is Essential
San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that blend urban sophistication with natural beauty. From its vibrant markets and historic neighborhoods to its lush parks and bustling business districts.
San Jose is a city that’s best navigated with a dependable internet connection. While you may find Wi-Fi in many cafes and hotels, the freedom and reliability of a 24/7 cellular connection cannot be overstated.
Here’s why having a local SIM card in San Jose enhances your travel experience:
- Spontaneous Adventures: Discover San Jose’s hidden gems, from quaint cafes to local artisan shops, with real-time recommendations and reviews at your fingertips.
- Language Ease: Navigate language barriers more smoothly with instant access to translation apps, making conversations with locals more engaging and enriching.
- Safety First: With GPS and map services always available, confidently explore the city without the fear of getting lost in its winding streets and lush surroundings.
- Sharing Moments: Instantly share your Costa Rican adventures with friends and family back home, from the bustling Mercado Central to the serene Parque La Sabana.
Top Recommendations for Buying a SIM Card San Jose Airport
You can buy a sim card at San Jose Airport after you pick up your luggage you will find a Claro shop. They sell sim cards for 10000 CRC which is around $16 USD with 5 GB data. And it’s actually not a bad deal for Costa Rica!
Keep reading below where to find alternatives to buy a sim card at San Jose Airport.
Alternative Locations Near San Jose Airport for SIM Cards (San Jose Airport SIM Card)
- Claro Desk at SJO Airport: There is a Claro desk located in the baggage claim area of SJO Airport, but its operation hours might vary.
- City Mall, Alajuela: About a 5-minute drive from SJO Airport, City Mall in Alajuela hosts storefronts for major providers like Kolbi, Claro, and Liberty. This mall is a convenient option for travelers to purchase a SIM card shortly after arriving.
- Nearby Stores in San Jose: In the city center and larger shopping malls like Multiplaza Escazu, you can find official stores of all major mobile providers like Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. These stores are ideal for purchasing SIM cards and getting assistance with setup and registration.
- Vending Machines at the Airport: There are SIM card vending machines located in the lobby of Terminal A and the ConRac Rental Car lobby, across from Terminal B at San Jose Airport. These machines offer a quick and convenient way to purchase a SIM card upon arrival.
Kolbi San Jose Sim Card
Kolbi is widely recommended due to its extensive mobile coverage across Costa Rica and the best coverage for sim card in San Jose. They offer a variety of data plans, with prepaid SIM cards available for around 1,000 CRC (approximately $1.50 USD). Here are some of their monthly prepaid plans:
- 5,000 CRC: 2 GB data, 35 minutes, 30 SMS, plus 3 GB for WhatsApp.
- 8,000 CRC: 4 GB data, 50 minutes, 30 SMS, plus 3 GB for WhatsApp.
- 12,000 CRC: 5 GB data, 100 minutes, 30 SMS, plus 5 GB for WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram.
There are also data-only packages, like 1 GB for 2,500 CRC valid for 15 days, or 2 GB for 4,000 CRC valid for 30 days. For heavy social media users, Kolbi offers an unlimited social media package for apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, costing around 1,500 CRC for 7 days.
Check the exact location to find Kolbi stores to buy a sim card in San Jose.
Claro San Jose Costa Rica Sim Card
Claro is another major provider with good coverage, especially in rural areas. Their prepaid SIM cards cost about 1,500 CRC and offer various plans. For instance:
- 2,000 CRC: 1 GB data, free social media, 20 international minutes, 50 SMS (valid for 7 days).
- 3,000 CRC: 2 GB data, free social media, 30 international minutes, 100 SMS (valid for 10 days).
- 4,500 CRC: 3 GB data, free social media, 45 international minutes, 200 SMS (valid for 15 days).
Check the exact location to find Claro stores to buy a sim card in San Jose.
Liberty San Jose Sim Card
You can find for 5900 CRC which is $12 USD with 4 GB data and Liberty is the cheapest sim card in San Jose Costa Rica. Check the exact location to find Liberty stores to buy a sim card in San Jose.
T-Mobile International Plans
For those traveling from the United States with T-Mobile, they offer plans with 5GB of high-speed data, unlimited texts, and calls at $0.25/minute. They also provide daily plans for $5 USD with unlimited calls, which can be a convenient option if you don’t want to switch SIM cards.
Buying a SIM Card Near the Airport
While there are no SIM card kiosks directly at the airport, you can find SIM card vending machines in the lobby of Terminal A and the ConRac Rental Car lobby across from Terminal B. Also, nearby shopping malls like Multiplaza Escazu house official stores of all three mobile internet providers.
SIM Card Registration in Costa Rica
To purchase a SIM card in Costa Rica, you’ll need your passport or photo ID. The registration process is quick, and per passport, you can register up to five prepaid SIM cards. It’s important to ensure your phone is unlocked to use these SIM cards.
Airalo – San Jose Airport SIM Card
This global eSIM store offers country-specific plans. Airalo Costa Rica plan ensures consistent speeds and wide coverage.
See Airalo eSIM plans below:
- $9 USD for 1GB valid for 7 Days
- $17 USD for 2GB valid for 15 Days
- $22 USD for 3GB valid for 30 Days
- $31 USD for 5GB valid for 30 Days
Airalo plans are best for flexible data usage when you don’t need to be connected to data all the time, however will need it to send a few messages from time to time while traveling. With its flexible plans, you can either get a smaller plan or a bigger one with longer validity.
GET YOUR AIRALO PLAN HERE USING DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
Holafly – San Jose Airport SIM Card
Known for its unlimited data plans in various countries, the Holafly eSIM plan is comprehensive, ensuring you’re always connected.
Remember to check device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.
Holafly’s Costa Rica unlimited high-speed data starts at $27 USD for 5 Days Validity. Here are the complete packages:
- $27 USD for 5 Days Validity
- $34 USD for 7 Days Validity
- $37 USD for 10 Days Validity
- $47 USD for 15 Days Validity
- $54 USD for 20 Days Validity
GET YOUR HOLAFLY PLAN HERE USING DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
Maya Mobile eSIM
Maya Mobile is a great alternative to Airalo as their plans are flexible which allows you to choose from smaller data options to even unlimited ones for Costa Rica. Check the plans Maya eSIM has below.
Maya’s Data plans are:
- 1GB for $7 USD for 5 Days
- 3GB for $16 USD for 5 Days
- 5GB for $24 USD for 5 Days
- 10GB for $42 USD for 5 Days
In addition to Maya Mobile eSIM‘s regular data plans, they have unlimited plans in Costa Rica (San Jose Airport SIM Card)
- Unlimited Data for $39 USD for 5 Days – Best if you’re traveling solo, 2GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
- Unlimited Data for $49 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 3GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
- Unlimited Data for $59 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 5GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
Personal Experiences with a Local SIM in Costa Rica
My journey through Costa Rica was greatly enhanced by the local SIM card I used. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the rich tapestry of experiences the country offers. Here are a couple of personal stories where my Costa Rican SIM card proved invaluable:
- Discovering Local Cuisine: In the vibrant streets of San Jose, my local SIM led me to a hidden gem of a restaurant, known for its authentic Costa Rican cuisine. I could read reviews and navigate there easily, thanks to the reliable internet connection.
- Nature Trails and GPS: In the lush rainforests of Monteverde, my GPS became my trusted guide. With the local SIM, I navigated through the verdant trails, discovering breathtaking viewpoints that I might have missed otherwise.
- Cultural Insights: While visiting the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, my SIM helped me delve deeper into the history and significance of the exhibits. I could instantly look up information, enriching my understanding of Costa Rica’s rich heritage.
Final Thoughts on San Jose Airport SIM Card
In conclusion, for those flying into San Jose Airport, a local SIM card from providers like Kolbi or Claro is a worthwhile investment since the coverage is the best.
They provide the connectivity essential for a modern traveler in Costa Rica. If you prefer a digital solution, eSIMs from providers such as Airalo offer a convenient and flexible way to stay connected.
Costa Rica is a land of natural wonders and vibrant culture. With a reliable SIM or eSIM, your journey becomes more than just a visit; it transforms into an exploration. The digital age has indeed made it easier to travel, ensuring you’re always a tap away from home, no matter where you are in this beautiful country.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.