Staying Connected

International & Local Data Plans

There will be Wi-Fi at Universidad Veritas, your homestay or hotel, and most restaurants. However, it's helpful, and we recommend, that you have Internet access 24/7 in order to easily call Ubers and to have for communication purposes in case of an emergency.

For short-term programs, we recommend:

An international plan with your US phone carrier

Bring your phone and network from home if you have a decent international data and airtime plan – just be aware that you won’t be able to communicate locally quite as easily and will likely need to rely on WhatsApp to communicate with others in-country.

Note: Depending on how long you'll be in Costa Rica, this may be the more expensive option!

Purchase a SIM Card from a local carrier

Claro is one of Costa Rica's three leading phone and data providers. They have a SIM Card vending machine located in the baggage claim area of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). In order to make this plan work, you will need an unlocked smartphone (check on this with your phone carrier or ask a friend for an unlocked smartphone they don't use anymore).

Once your study abroad program is over, you will just need to switch your Costa Rican SIM card for your American sim card and everything will go back to normal with no extra fees.

How to Make Calls from Your Phone

From a Costa Rican Phone to Another Costa Rican Phone

Enter the phone number: Enter the phone number of the person or establishment you wish to call within Costa Rica.
Press the call button: Once you have entered the full phone number, press the call button on your Costa Rican phone to initiate the call. The call should connect, and you will be able to communicate with the person or business you dialed.

From a U.S. or Any Other Non-Spanish Cell Phone to an Spanish Phone Number

Dial the international access code for Costa Rica: 00506
After the international access code, enter the phone number: After entering the country code, dial the Costa Rican phone number you wish to reach. Make sure to include the local phone number, including any additional digits for extensions if necessary.

Communication Apps

We recommend using WhatsApp or FaceTime for free communication with others. These applications are available on all smartphones and offer texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options.