- nadanadaLowest
- $7.9930 days
- Roamify
- $9.5030 days
- eTravelSim
- $9.9930 days
- Breeze
- $11.9930 days
- Telcomia
- $12.8430 days
- MyTravel eSIM
- $13.8430 days
- Inbox eSIM
- $20.9030 days
Rival prices read 30 Oct to 31 Oct 2026. Ours live.
31 Oct 2026: 5 GB lasting 30 days in Costa Rica costs from $7.99 (nadanada, read 31 Oct 2026) among the 31 of 35 brands that sell it; the middle price is $16.99. Ours: $20.90.
Inbox eSIM: reviewed by MyBestSim; a person answers support in minutes, 24/7.
Written by Inbox eSIM, which sells eSIMs: every rival price links to where we read it, with the date, and we say where a rival is cheaper. How we compare.
Costa Rica eSIM prices
Picks for 10 days · normal use
186 plans cover 10 days of normal use (about 10 GB)
- Nnadanada10 GB30 days$1.20/GB$11.99read 31 Oct
- GGlobalYO10 GB30 daysTop-upsAccount needed$1.47/GB$14.69read 30 Oct
- RRoamify10 GB15 days$1.55/GB$15.50read 31 Oct
- RRoamify10 GB30 days$1.65/GB$16.50read 31 Oct
- SSimBalkan10 GB30 days$1.66/GB$16.63read 30 Oct
- EeTravelSim10 GB30 daysNo appTop-upsRefund less a fee$1.70/GB$16.99read 30 Oct
- TTelcomia10 GB30 days$1.74/GB$17.41read 30 Oct
- BBreeze10 GB30 daysNo appTop-ups$1.75/GB$17.49read 30 Oct
- GGlobalYO20 GB30 daysTop-upsAccount needed$0.93/GB$18.59read 30 Oct
- UUbigi10 GB30 daysNo appTop-ups$1.90/GB$19.00read 30 Oct
- RRedSim10 GB30 days$1.92/GB$19.18read 30 Oct
- AAirplans10 GB30 days$2.10/GB$20.96read 31 Oct
250 more plans do not cover this trip (too short or too little data)
Tap a plan for its details, or tick two or three to compare. Inbox eSIM prices are live; the other 34 brands’ were read on their own sites (30 Oct to 31 Oct 2026) and may have changed: each plan links to its page and date, and every brand’s read date is under How we compare.
Cheaper than ours today, for 30 days: 3 GB at nadanada, $5.99 (ours $10.90); 5 GB at nadanada, $7.99 (ours $20.90); 10 GB at nadanada, $11.99 (ours $26.90); 20 GB at GlobalYO, $18.59 (ours $45.90).
How each one works
The price is half of it. Here is what you install, what you can share and what happens if plans change. Every feature, brand by brand, is on the one-brand pages.
App, delivery, hotspot, top-ups and refunds for 7 brands
| Feature | IEInbox eSIM | AAiralo | HHolafly | UUbigi | NNomad | JJetpac | YYesim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App or account | None: no app and no account | Account required: you sign up or log in before buying, on airalo.com or in the Airalo app.source | No app needed to buy: checkout on the website with an email; the app is optional (log in with that email).source | No app for a first website purchase. An account (app or ubigi.me) is needed to top up and manage.source | Account needed (the QR goes to your registered email); buy in the Nomad app or on the website.source | Account needed to check out; after buying on web or app you log in to the Jetpac Global app to set up.source | Account required: you log in to a Yesim account to buy, in the app or on yesim.app.source |
| How you get it | QR code and a one-tap Add eSIM link by email, about a minute after paying | Install in the app, or use the QR code or manual details shown under My eSIMs in your account.source | QR code sent by email right after payment; also shown in your Holafly account and the app.source | Website orders: QR code by email (first purchase only). App orders: install from the app dashboard.source | QR code and manual details by email, plus one-tap install and instructions in the app.source | You are prompted to download the eSIM right after purchase; setup is guided in the app.source | QR code by email to the account's address after payment, or installed from the app.source |
| Hotspot | Allowed, from the plan's GB; we never block it (a local network rarely limits it) | Allowed when the device and network support it; on unlimited packs it counts toward the daily allowance.source | Limited per destination: for example 1 GB of shareable data per day in Japan (7 GB on a 7-day plan).source | Tethering is supported (setup steps given); unlimited plan pages say data sharing is allowed.source | Supported, though Nomad says stability depends on the device and local network.source | Allowed; Jetpac says hotspot sharing has no restrictions.source | Allowed on most plans at no extra charge; hotspot data counts against the plan, and a local network may restrict it.source |
| Top-ups | Yes, on the same eSIM, from the order page | Only on eSIMs marked rechargeable; optional Renewals buy the same pack again when 10% data is left.source | No top-ups: for more days you buy and install a new eSIM.source | Yes: recharge the same eSIM from your account; the profile is kept unless unused for 18 months.source | Add-ons on the same eSIM for many plans; not buyable while you are in China, the UAE or India.source | Yes: keep the same eSIM and buy a new pack for each trip.source | Yes: extra data at any time in the app or on the website; optional auto-renewal with 20% off each renewal.source |
| Refunds | Unused and never installed: refund to the card within 30 days, less the card fee (no card fee within 14 days in the EU and UK) | "Wrong purchase" or "plans changed": Airmoney credit only. Install or not-working issues: Airmoney or card.source | Not activated, within 6 months: full refund to the original payment method. Used: partial, USD 3.50 fee.source | Website eSIM: only if the QR code was never scanned, asked within 14 business days; to the original payment method.source | Not installed or not activated, within 30 days: to the card or as Nomad Points. Unlimited plans: no refund.source | Installed counts as used. Refunds for install failures, no compatible phone or no network; to the original payment.source | Within 30 days if not installed, connected or used, to the original payment method; refunds of EUR 10 or less only as Ycoins (in-app balance); app faults must be reported within 1 hour.source |
App or account
- Inbox eSIM
- None: no app and no account
- Airalo
- Account required: you sign up or log in before buying, on airalo.com or in the Airalo app.
- Holafly
- No app needed to buy: checkout on the website with an email; the app is optional (log in with that email).
- Ubigi
- No app for a first website purchase. An account (app or ubigi.me) is needed to top up and manage.
- Nomad
- Account needed (the QR goes to your registered email); buy in the Nomad app or on the website.
- Jetpac
- Account needed to check out; after buying on web or app you log in to the Jetpac Global app to set up.
- Yesim
- Account required: you log in to a Yesim account to buy, in the app or on yesim.app.
How you get it
- Inbox eSIM
- QR code and a one-tap Add eSIM link by email, about a minute after paying
- Airalo
- Install in the app, or use the QR code or manual details shown under My eSIMs in your account.
- Holafly
- QR code sent by email right after payment; also shown in your Holafly account and the app.
- Ubigi
- Website orders: QR code by email (first purchase only). App orders: install from the app dashboard.
- Nomad
- QR code and manual details by email, plus one-tap install and instructions in the app.
- Jetpac
- You are prompted to download the eSIM right after purchase; setup is guided in the app.
- Yesim
- QR code by email to the account's address after payment, or installed from the app.
Hotspot
- Inbox eSIM
- Allowed, from the plan's GB; we never block it (a local network rarely limits it)
- Airalo
- Allowed when the device and network support it; on unlimited packs it counts toward the daily allowance.
- Holafly
- Limited per destination: for example 1 GB of shareable data per day in Japan (7 GB on a 7-day plan).
- Ubigi
- Tethering is supported (setup steps given); unlimited plan pages say data sharing is allowed.
- Nomad
- Supported, though Nomad says stability depends on the device and local network.
- Jetpac
- Allowed; Jetpac says hotspot sharing has no restrictions.
- Yesim
- Allowed on most plans at no extra charge; hotspot data counts against the plan, and a local network may restrict it.
Top-ups
- Inbox eSIM
- Yes, on the same eSIM, from the order page
- Airalo
- Only on eSIMs marked rechargeable; optional Renewals buy the same pack again when 10% data is left.
- Holafly
- No top-ups: for more days you buy and install a new eSIM.
- Ubigi
- Yes: recharge the same eSIM from your account; the profile is kept unless unused for 18 months.
- Nomad
- Add-ons on the same eSIM for many plans; not buyable while you are in China, the UAE or India.
- Jetpac
- Yes: keep the same eSIM and buy a new pack for each trip.
- Yesim
- Yes: extra data at any time in the app or on the website; optional auto-renewal with 20% off each renewal.
Refunds
- Inbox eSIM
- Unused and never installed: refund to the card within 30 days, less the card fee (no card fee within 14 days in the EU and UK)
- Airalo
- "Wrong purchase" or "plans changed": Airmoney credit only. Install or not-working issues: Airmoney or card.
- Holafly
- Not activated, within 6 months: full refund to the original payment method. Used: partial, USD 3.50 fee.
- Ubigi
- Website eSIM: only if the QR code was never scanned, asked within 14 business days; to the original payment method.
- Nomad
- Not installed or not activated, within 30 days: to the card or as Nomad Points. Unlimited plans: no refund.
- Jetpac
- Installed counts as used. Refunds for install failures, no compatible phone or no network; to the original payment.
- Yesim
- Within 30 days if not installed, connected or used, to the original payment method; refunds of EUR 10 or less only as Ycoins (in-app balance); app faults must be reported within 1 hour.
Which network each one uses
As each brand names them on its own Costa Rica page. Your phone joins the strongest of its brand’s networks by itself; a brand with two networks has a fallback where one is weak.
| Brand | Networks in Costa Rica | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Inbox eSIM | Claro | 4G |
| Airalo | Liberty | 4G |
| Nomad | Liberty, Kölbi ICE | 4G |
Which one to pick
Each of these is the better buy for someone. Ours included, honestly.
Who each of the 6 is best for
Pick Inbox eSIM if
- You want no app and no account: the QR and a one-tap install link come by email.
- You want a fixed price you can see before you fly (5 GB for 30 days: $20.90).
- You may cancel: unused and never installed, the money goes back to your card.
Pick Airalo if
- You want one app to buy, install, track and top up several eSIMs, with optional automatic renewals.
- You need calls and texts: some Airalo packs (such as Discover+) include them; ours are data only.
- You want to pay with PayPal or Alipay, or spend Airalo's Airmoney credit.
Pick Holafly if
- You stream or work heavily on your phone for a set number of days and do not want to track GB at all.
- You book far ahead: an unactivated Holafly eSIM can be refunded up to 6 months after purchase (ours: 30 days).
- You travel every month and want one subscription that renews, with a local number for incoming SMS.
Pick Ubigi if
- You want data on a Windows laptop or tablet: Ubigi supports Windows 10 and 11 and ships inside some laptops.
- You travel often and want a monthly or annual plan that renews on one long-lived eSIM.
- You use a lot of data: its unlimited plans keep full speed up to 15 to 60 GB, then drop to 2 Mbps.
Pick Nomad if
- You need a local phone number in Thailand or a UK/Maldives calling plan, which Nomad sells.
- You are new to eSIMs and want to try one first: Nomad offers new users a free 1 GB trial eSIM.
- You travel often and want the Nomad Pass: one eSIM, 1 GB backup data each cycle and 15% off add-ons.
Pick Jetpac if
- You fly often: SmartDelay gives free airport lounge access when a registered flight is delayed.
- You need to make phone calls: Jetpac sells outgoing-call voice packs; we sell data only.
- You want WhatsApp, Maps, Uber and Grab to keep working after your data runs out (packs of 3 GB and up).
Other ways online in Costa Rica
Questions
What is the cheapest eSIM for Costa Rica?
For 5 GB lasting at least 30 days, nadanada $7.99, Roamify $9.50, eTravelSim $9.99, Breeze $11.99 (prices read 30 Oct to 31 Oct 2026; ours are live). For a light week, 1 GB starts at $2.69 with MegaEsim.
Is there an unlimited eSIM for Costa Rica?
Yes. For 7 days: Alpine SIM $7.46 (0.5 gb a day); Airplans $16.68 (1 gb a day, then 512 kbps); eTravelSim $19.99 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); Roamify $22.00 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); Telcomia $25.45 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); Ubigi $26.00 (unlimited, 20 gb at full speed, then 2 mbps); AloOui $26.05 (1 gb a day, then 512 kbps); CellESIM $33.60 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); Nomad $35.00 (2gb/day at 4g/5g. 1.25 mbps after 2gb); Airalo $36.50 (unlimited with a daily high-speed allowance); Holafly $37.90 (unlimited); Yesim $39.07 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); Breeze $39.49 (unlimited; see the brand's fair-use cap); eSIMCard $58.25 (unlimited data; see the brand's fair-use cap); Jetpac $63.00 (first 3 gb every 24 hours at standard network speeds. after 3 gb, stay connected at up to 1 mbps until your allowance refreshes in the next 24-hour cycle.); MegaEsim $85.46 (3 gb a day, then 1 mbps); Govora $107.74 (3 gb a day, then 1 mbps); ESIM0 $139.99 (3 gb a day, then 1 mbps). Most cut the speed after a daily allowance, so read each one's cap.
Do I need an app for a Costa Rica eSIM?
Inbox eSIM: none: no app and no account. Airalo: Account required: you sign up or log in before buying, on airalo.com or in the Airalo app.. Holafly: No app needed to buy: checkout on the website with an email; the app is optional (log in with that email).. Ubigi: No app for a first website purchase. An account (app or ubigi.me) is needed to top up and manage.. Nomad: Account needed (the QR goes to your registered email); buy in the Nomad app or on the website.. Jetpac: Account needed to check out; after buying on web or app you log in to the Jetpac Global app to set up.. Yesim: Account required: you log in to a Yesim account to buy, in the app or on yesim.app..
Which network does a travel eSIM use in Costa Rica?
Inbox eSIM: Claro. Airalo: Liberty. Nomad: Liberty, Kölbi ICE. Your phone picks the strongest of its brand's networks by itself.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Costa Rica?
Usually, for anything longer than a day or two. A week on AT&T ($12.00 a day) or Verizon ($12.00 a day) or T-Mobile ($10.00 a day) costs $84.00; 5 GB with Inbox eSIM costs $20.90 and your number stays on your main SIM.
Costa Rica · 5 GB for 30 days · $20.90No app, no account. QR by email; unused and not installed, refund to the card.
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