In today’s connected world, many travelers wonder how they will stay in touch while vacationing abroad. If you are traveling to Costa Rica, you’ll be happy to know that use my smart phone or iPad is easy, affordable, and convenient, as long as you know what to do before and after you arrive.
Whether you want to call family back home, check emails, use maps, or post photos of your tropical adventure, Costa Rica offers several practical options. One of the most popular and economical solutions is purchasing a prepaid SIM card upon arrival.
Using Your Smartphone in Costa Rica: The Simple Solution
The easiest way to use your smartphone or iPad in Costa Rica is by purchasing a prepaid SIM card from ICE Kolbi, Costa Rica’s government-run telecommunications provider.
ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) operates the country’s electricity and cell phone networks and has the most extensive coverage throughout Costa Rica.
Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
You can purchase an ICE Kolbi prepaid SIM card at both of Costa Rica’s international airports:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – San José
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – Liberia
After you pass through immigration and customs—where your suitcases are checked—you will see a small desk with large green signs reading “ICE Kolbi.” This desk is easy to spot and is located inside the arrivals area.
This is the best place to buy your SIM card, as the staff is accustomed to helping international travelers.
How the ICE Kolbi Prepaid SIM Card Works
Once you approach the ICE Kolbi desk, the process is simple and quick:
- Inform the staff that you want to purchase a prepaid SIM card
- The representative will ask to see your smartphone
- They will remove the back of your phone
- They will take out your existing SIM card
- They will insert the Costa Rican prepaid SIM card
- They will activate your service on the spot
⚠️ Important:
Be sure to keep the SIM card removed from your phone in a safe place. You will need to put it back into your phone when you return to your home country.
Your New Costa Rican Phone Number
Once your SIM card is activated, you will be assigned a Costa Rican phone number. The staff will write this number down for you.
Be sure to:
- Save the number in your contacts
- Share it with family or friends who may need to reach you while you are in Costa Rica
Incoming calls are free, which is a big advantage of using a local SIM card.
Costs and Rates
The ICE Kolbi prepaid SIM card allows you to choose how much credit you want to add. This gives you complete control over your spending.
Call Rates
- Local calls in Costa Rica: approximately $0.07 per minute
- Calls to the USA or Canada: approximately $0.60 per minute
For example, you can choose:
- $5 for 30 minutes of calls to the USA
- A separate amount for local Costa Rican calls
You can add more credit at any time if needed.
Text Messaging
- Text messages: approximately $0.17 per text
- Note: Texting may not work with all international networks
Mobile Internet
You can also purchase mobile internet access at the same time:
- $1 per day for basic data usage
This option is ideal for:
- Checking email
- Using Google Maps
- Messaging apps
- Social media browsing
Payment Options
You can pay for your prepaid SIM card and credit using:
- Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard accepted)
- Cash in U.S. dollars
- Cash in Costa Rican colones
⚠️ American Express is not accepted at the ICE Kolbi airport desks.
VERY IMPORTANT: Your Phone Must Be Unlocked
Before traveling to Costa Rica, make sure your smartphone is unlocked.
What Does “Unlocked” Mean?
An unlocked phone is not restricted to one carrier and can accept SIM cards from different networks.
If your phone is locked:
- The ICE SIM card will not work
- You will not be able to make calls or use data
📌 What to Do Before You Travel:
- Contact your mobile carrier
- Ask them to unlock your phone
- Confirm that it is unlocked before departure
This step is critical and should be done before leaving your home country.
How to Dial Numbers in Costa Rica
Calling the USA or Canada
To call the USA or Canada from Costa Rica:
- Dial 001, followed by the phone number
Example:
001 + area code + phone number
Calling Within Costa Rica
To call a local Costa Rican number:
- Simply dial the number directly
Costa Rican mobile numbers are typically 8 digits long.
Cell Coverage in Costa Rica
While ICE Kolbi offers the widest coverage in the country, it is important to understand that cell phone signals do not reach everywhere.
Coverage is strong in:
- Cities
- Towns
- Tourist areas
- Along main highways
Coverage may be limited or unavailable in:
- Remote rainforest areas
- National parks
- Mountain regions
- Some rural zones
When traveling off the beaten path, do not rely solely on your phone for communication.
Using Your iPad in Costa Rica
If you plan to use an iPad, the process is similar, provided:
- Your iPad has cellular capability (not Wi-Fi only)
- The device is unlocked
With a prepaid SIM card, your iPad can access:
- Mobile internet
- Messaging apps
- Web browsing
Many hotels, lodges, and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected without using mobile data.
Why Use ICE Kolbi Instead of International Roaming?
Many travelers choose ICE Kolbi over international roaming because:
- It is significantly cheaper
- You avoid surprise roaming charges
- Local coverage is more reliable
- You have a local phone number
International roaming plans can be expensive, and rates vary widely depending on your home carrier.
Recharging Your SIM Card
If you run out of credit, you can recharge your SIM card at:
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- ICE offices
- Some hotels
Just ask for a Kolbi recharge and specify the amount.
Final Tips for Staying Connected in Costa Rica
- Unlock your phone before traveling
- Purchase your SIM card at the airport
- Keep your original SIM card safe
- Use Wi-Fi whenever available
- Do not rely on cell service in remote areas
Final Thoughts
Using your smartphone or iPad in Costa Rica is simple, affordable, and efficient when you use a prepaid SIM card from ICE Kolbi. With low calling rates, inexpensive internet access, and wide coverage, you can stay connected while enjoying everything Costa Rica has to offer—from rainforests and beaches to volcanoes and wildlife.
With just a little preparation before your trip, you can confidently stay in touch with family back home and navigate Costa Rica with ease.
Pura Vida—and happy travels! 📱🇨🇷