A Costa Rica eSIM on Android requires both compatible hardware and the correct manufacturer-specific controls for SIM activation, preferred mobile data, roaming and APN.
Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel use different menu names, and other Android brands may move the same controls again. Work from the exact model and current software rather than copying screenshots from another handset.
For Costa Rica eSIM on Android: Samsung and Pixel Setup, remember that NoveSIM Costa Rica travel eSIM plans are data-only. They do not include a local phone number, traditional voice calls or SMS, while internet calling and messaging apps can use the data connection where those services are available.
Quick answer: Add the eSIM through Samsung SIM Manager or Pixel SIMs, label it Costa Rica Travel, make it the preferred mobile-data SIM, enable roaming for that line and prevent automatic fallback to the primary SIM.
Top Costa Rica eSIMs
Costa Rica eSIM
Fixed
1 GB, 7 days€ 3.032 GB, 15 days€ 4.763 GB, 30 days€ 6.06Unlimited
Unlimited, 1 day€ 3.46Unlimited, 3 days€ 7.35Unlimited, 5 days€ 11.25
Central America eSIM
Fixed
1 GB, 7 days€ 6.922 GB, 15 days€ 11.253 GB, 30 days€ 15.14Unlimited
Unlimited, 1 day€ 6.49Unlimited, 3 days€ 16.01Unlimited, 5 days€ 25.53Costa Rica Travel Context
Costa Rica combines cities, coasts, mountains and forest. Terrain, weather, buildings, distance from towns and the selected plan all affect real-world service.
The NoveSIM Costa Rica page checked on 14 August 2026 lists Claro 4G, ICE 4G and Telefónica 5G. Network and 5G access remain conditional on the selected plan, compatible device, exact location and local coverage.
Confirm Android eSIM Hardware Support
Check the full model code, regional variant and carrier lock before purchasing. Build the decision around the exact Costa Rica itinerary, including airport interiors, city centres, rail travel, highways and any planned mountain, coastal, mountain or remote-border excursions.
Some Android product families include both eSIM-capable and physical-SIM-only variants. Look for Add eSIM in the current settings and compare the model with the NoveSIM compatibility list. A stable 4G session may be more useful than an intermittent 5G indicator, and neither generation removes the need for downloaded maps and saved booking information.
- Record the model code.
- Confirm the phone is unlocked.
- Install stable system updates.
- Check that an EID is present where the manufacturer exposes it.
Install on Samsung Galaxy
On Samsung, open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and choose Add eSIM. This matters for Samsung and Pixel travellers because SIM Manager controls can differ between One UI releases and carrier firmware. Treat the result as a practical travel decision rather than a promise of identical service everywhere in Costa Rica.
Use the evidence visible on the handset and the current plan details. Scan the code over stable Wi-Fi, wait for the plan to appear and rename it before leaving the screen. Recheck the setting after a restart or a significant move between locations, because network registration can change without altering the installed eSIM profile.
- Connections > SIM Manager.
- Add eSIM.
- Scan QR code or enter details.
- Label the plan Costa Rica Travel.
Install on Google Pixel
For Costa Rica eSIM on Android, on Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and select Add SIM or Set up an eSIM. The useful test is whether the chosen configuration supports the traveller’s actual route, device and data needs, not whether a single speed test looks impressive.
Pixel wording changes across Android releases but the new plan must appear under SIMs before configuration. Keep the QR code private and use the supplied manual entry only when scanning is unavailable. Keep an offline alternative for time-sensitive navigation or booking details whenever the itinerary includes long intercity distances or remote terrain.
- Network & internet > SIMs.
- Add SIM or eSIM.
- Download the profile on Wi-Fi.
- Confirm the new SIM appears.
Assign Preferred Mobile Data
Choose Costa Rica Travel as the data SIM and turn off automatic data switching or Backup Calling data use where the handset offers it. A careful traveller should separate phone capability, plan entitlement and local radio coverage, since a limitation in any one of those layers can produce the same visible symptom.
The reason is straightforward: Android can otherwise move data to the home line during weak coverage. Keep the primary SIM for calls and SMS only if needed and if its roaming costs are understood. Record what changed before testing another setting so that a temporary improvement is not confused with a permanent fix.
- Preferred data SIM: Costa Rica.
- Automatic switching: off.
- Primary roaming: off.
- Call preference set separately.
Set Roaming and Network Mode
Enable roaming inside the Costa Rica eSIM settings and leave preferred network type on an automatic 5G/4G mode. Build the decision around the exact Costa Rica itinerary, including airport interiors, city centres, rail travel, highways and any planned mountain, coastal, mountain or remote-border excursions.
Forcing 5G can reduce reliability where coverage is intermittent or the plan uses 4G. Leave operator selection automatic during initial registration. A stable 4G session may be more useful than an intermittent 5G indicator, and neither generation removes the need for downloaded maps and saved booking information.
- Travel-line roaming on.
- Automatic 5G/4G mode.
- Operator selection automatic.
- Avoid 2G-only or 5G-only troubleshooting shortcuts.
Create the Correct APN Profile
When manual APN entry is required, add a profile under Access Point Names for the Costa Rica travel SIM. This matters for Samsung and Pixel travellers because Android may not select a newly created APN until it is saved and tapped. Treat the result as a practical travel decision rather than a promise of identical service everywhere in Costa Rica.
Use the evidence visible on the handset and the current plan details. Name it NoveSIM, set APN to data.esim, leave username and password blank, save and select it. Recheck the setting after a restart or a significant move between locations, because network registration can change without altering the installed eSIM profile.
- Name: NoveSIM.
- APN: data.esim.
- Credentials: blank.
- APN selected after saving.
Diagnose Manufacturer-Specific Issues
For Costa Rica eSIM on Android, if data fails, verify that the active APN and preferred data SIM belong to the travel line, not the primary SIM. The useful test is whether the chosen configuration supports the traveller’s actual route, device and data needs, not whether a single speed test looks impressive.
Dual-SIM menus can display two similar APN lists and an edit in the wrong profile has no effect. Capture screenshots of SIM Manager or SIMs and contact support without deleting the plan. Keep an offline alternative for time-sensitive navigation or booking details whenever the itinerary includes long intercity distances or remote terrain.
- Check which SIM settings page is open.
- Toggle Airplane Mode once.
- Restart after confirming the configuration.
- Do not reset all network settings unless advised.
Samsung and Pixel Arrival Checklist
- Enable the installed Costa Rica Travel SIM.
- Open preferred SIMs and select it for Mobile Data.
- Enable roaming inside that travel SIM.
- Disable automatic data switching.
- Leave network type and operator selection automatic.
- Test two services after registration.
- If required, create and select the data.esim APN profile.
Samsung versus Pixel Menu Paths
| Task | Typical path |
|---|---|
| Add eSIM on Samsung | Settings > Connections > SIM Manager |
| Add eSIM on Pixel | Settings > Network & internet > SIMs |
| Choose mobile data | Preferred SIMs or SIMs |
| Enable roaming | Inside the Costa Rica eSIM settings |
| Edit APN | Mobile networks > Access Point Names |
| Manual APN value | data.esim |
Manufacturer skins and carrier firmware can change wording. If the path differs, search Settings for SIM, eSIM, roaming or Access Point Names and verify that the Costa Rica line is selected before editing.
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- Does eSIM work in Costa Rica?
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- Costa Rica eSIM APN settings
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- Best SIM card for Costa Rica
- Costa Rica dual-SIM settings
- Costa Rica hotspot guide
- Costa Rica data planning
- Internet at Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Internet at Juan Santamaría International Airport
- eSIM-compatible devices
- How NoveSIM works
- NoveSIM FAQ
- NoveSIM Support
- How to install Costa Rica eSIM
- How to activate Costa Rica eSIM
- Costa Rica eSIM setup on iPhone
- Manual network selection in Costa Rica
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FAQ
Do all Samsung and Pixel phones support eSIM?
No. Support depends on the exact model, regional variant, firmware and carrier lock. Check the precise model against the compatibility list before buying a plan.
Does Costa Rica eSIM on Android guarantee 5G everywhere?
No. In the context of Costa Rica eSIM on Android, network generation and performance still depend on the selected plan, supported partner, compatible device, location, congestion and local coverage. The phone may use 4G where 5G is unavailable or less stable.
What APN applies when checking Costa Rica eSIM on Android?
Use data.esim if manual APN entry is required while working on Costa Rica eSIM on Android. Leave username and password blank and do not copy a domestic operator APN into the travel profile.
Should I delete the eSIM while resolving Costa Rica eSIM on Android?
No. For Costa Rica eSIM on Android: Samsung and Pixel Setup, start with reversible checks and contact NoveSIM Support if the issue continues. Delete the installed profile only when support specifically instructs you to do so.
Final Recommendation
Use the exact Android model and manufacturer menus as the starting point, then label the travel profile before changing data preferences.
For Costa Rica eSIM on Android, keep the Costa Rica eSIM selected for mobile data, enable Data Roaming on that travel line, leave primary-SIM roaming and automatic data switching off, and use data.esim only when manual APN configuration is required.
A correctly selected data SIM, roaming switch and APN give Android travellers a predictable configuration without sacrificing the primary number.