Is It Possible to Buy Pre-Paid Cell Phones At the Airport in Costa Rica?
You can bring an unlocked SIM phone to use in Costa Rica. In order for this service to work, you must have a phone that has a replaceable SIM/GSM card. Check with your cell provider first, but in general T-Mobile and AT&T use the SIM/GSM technology; Verizon phones do not have SIM cards and thus will not work. Purchase a Costa Rican SIM card at the airport (some grocery stores carry them as well).
An ICE prepaid SIM chip is $20 and is equipped with 250 minutes for domestic calls, which is the equivalent of about 65 minutes for international calls. There are also $10 and $5 SIM cards.
You can also buy a cheap, pre-paid phone once you arrive in Costa Rica. Pre-paid cell phones are now available at the airport through Kölbi (ICE), Claro, and Movistar. You can purchase pre-paid cell phones throughout Costa Rica, as these companies have shops in all the main towns.
Related Questions
- Do You Recommend Renting a Cell Phone or Using an International Phone Card in Costa Rica?
- How Do I Dial From the U.S. to Costa Rica?
- How Do I Dial From Costa Rica To the U.S.?
- Where Can I Rent a Cell Phone in Costa Rica?
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
