After over 25 years navigating Costa Rica (sans internet for those first few years…) I’ve learned that reliable mobile internet is the secret to stress-free adventures—and Holafly’s digital SIM card has become my go-to for unlimited data on the go. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to stay connected and in control so you can focus on making unforgettable family memories in paradise!

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The One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Family Trip to Costa Rica

Made it to Costa Rica? You’ve done all the things—you packed the bags, brought the airplane snacks, got the rental car… and now you don’t have data, so you don’t know where to go. For families that are traveling to Costa Rica like ours, having the right apps and the right mobile internet is a lifesaver.

Literally every single time I go to Costa Rica, I have two things in place: I have a data plan, and I have a money plan. (If you want to hear more about my money plan, you can find that here.)

In this post, I’m going to give you the five apps I never travel without, and we’re going to talk about the easiest way to get reliable internet before you even leave. Spoiler alert: Holafly’s digital SIM card is your secret weapon, and you can get 5% off your purchase here.

Also, just in case you don’t know, (since I didn’t…)

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that gives you instant internet the second you land—no stores, no stress. Holafly is my go-to because it works with most U.S. phones (do check if yours is compatible here), offers unlimited data, and doesn’t mess with your regular phone plan.

Note: You do need an unlocked phone, and in the US, most carriers clock your phone so you can only use their services. It’s not hard to get the phone unlocked, but you need to ask your carrier, and it can take a few days. So keep that in mind.

SEE ALSO: Staying Connected in Costa Rica

#1: WhatsApp – How Ticos Text (and Why You Need It for Everything)

Before you even leave for Costa Rica, WhatsApp is going to be your secret weapon. WhatsApp owns the marketing and communications systems in all of Costa Rica. If you haven’t used it before, it’s a web-based texting app that’s tied to your phone number where you live. But even if you’re abroad, you can text and call any other phone numbers on WhatsApp—anywhere in the world.

In Costa Rica, phone numbers are 8 digits long, and the country code is 506. Most WhatsApp numbers start with a 6, 7, or 8. From the moment you start booking your Costa Rica vacation, almost every website will have either a WhatsApp number or a phone number listed that’s on WhatsApp.

Your secret weapon to getting the most real-time information about tours and trips? It’s not email. It’s not phone calls. It’s WhatsApp. You can book your tours, ask questions about your accommodations, or anything else you need—for free—from your computer or phone.

What’s even cooler is that WhatsApp has a desktop extension. So when you’re planning your trip, you can also text people from your desktop. Whichever way you slice it, you cannot live without WhatsApp in Costa Rica.

Once you’re on the ground, if you have unlimited data (which I highly recommend), you can simply WhatsApp your tour operators, your tour guide, and your restaurants. You can do everything from making dinner reservations to letting your tour person know you’re running five minutes late or getting Waze or Google Maps directions directly to where you’re going.

RELATED POST: How To Use Your Cell Phone in Costa Rica

#2: Waze – Because “Are We There Yet?” Gets Old Fast

Many of you know that I always recommend driving in Costa Rica. It’s stress-free, gives you a lot of flexibility, but if you’re driving yourself in Costa Rica, you need to navigate. That’s where Waze comes in.

Waze is a crowdsourced navigation app that is marvelous in Costa Rica because Costa Ricans use it and interact with it. Not only does it give you the best route from where you’re going, but it also lets you know if real-time traffic problems are happening.

One time, I was driving from my husband’s hometown of San Ramón to the airport, but I had to drop my Adobe rental car off first. Along that route, there’s a really dangerous bridge, and a motorcyclist had gone off the side. The road was closed for miles in either direction.. I found out about the accident on Waze and was rerouted automatically. Then I grabbed WhatsApp and let everyone know I’d be late. All because I had unlimited data from Holafly.

What’s awesome about Waze and WhatsApp together is that if a person is at a location, they can share that location with you through WhatsApp, and it will pop up on Waze directions.

Check your settings in Waze and disable “Avoid unpaved roads.” Trust me—it can save you from stress and unexpected nature pees.

And yes, I always rent with Adobe Rental Car because Waze and Google Maps integrate smoothly with their in-car navigation systems. It’s a game-changer when traveling solo with kids (like I just did for two weeks over Spring Break).

SEE ALSO: My Favorite 7-Day Itinerary

#3: Google Maps – The MVP for Offline Access and “Find Near Me”

You’re probably wondering why I have Google Maps on this list if I already talked about Waze. Hold with me for a second, and I’ll tell you why.

Waze is by far the best app for real-time navigation, and you always want to check Waze first. But sometimes you need to plan your route ahead of time—and that’s where Google Maps comes in.

Google Maps is also great for walking tours and finding things nearby. When we’re road-tripping and the kids say, “I’m hungry,” I just search nearby restaurants, check reviews, and navigate straight there. Same for banks, hotels, supermarkets—stuff Waze doesn’t cover well. That’s why I always keep both.

RELATED: My Favorite Costa Rica Excursions

#4: Holafly App – Set Up Your Family’s Mobile Internet in 5 Minutes Flat

Holafly is totally essential. I’ve partnered with them for over a year and used their unlimited data plan on my last three extended trips to Costa Rica.

The best success I’ve had is when I download the Holafly app and install the eSIM before leaving the United States. Once you land, flip on the Holafly line and turn off your regular line.

U.S. carriers charge $10/day for international data—Holafly’s unlimited plan is nearly half that. Holafly works in over 200 destinations worldwide and offers regional and global eSIMs, so if you’re traveling to multiple countries (especially in Europe, Asia, or Latin America), one eSIM keeps you covered the whole way with unlimited data. Their 24/7 support team is also amazing — super helpful if you ever get stuck during setup or travel.

I also have a special  5% discount here, or you can just use my discount code PURAVIDAMOMS at checkout!

Bonus: I use my Holafly eSIM to hotspot the kids’ tablets. Although you don’t get a local phone number, with WhatsApp, you don’t need one. And if I need to switch to my U.S. line for a 2FA text, I just toggle over and back—it’s super simple.

CHECK IT OUT: Best Pacific Coast Beaches in Costa Rica

#5: Dashlane + VPN – Online Safety for You and the Kids

Dashlane is a password manager that stores all your passwords securely and lets you log in without 2FA, which is amazing when you’re abroad. It’s not free- but the nonthly fee is more than worth it for peace of mind, IMHO.

Even better? When you download your paid Dashlane account on your phone, you get a free VPN. That means secure browsing and protection from hackers, especially in airports.

Sometimes, your Holafly and other eSIMs can get confused about your location. If that happens, I turn on Dashlane’s VPN and set it to Costa Rica so Waze and Google Maps show more accurate local results.

Apps and Internet That Work as Hard as You Do

You want apps and mobile internet that work as hard as you do to make the perfect Costa Rica trip. These five apps are my top recommendations for how to enjoy Costa Rica and stay connected.

With unlimited data and the smart tools these apps offer, you’ll have more time to enjoy pura vida and less time worrying about safety, security, and logistics. Grab an Holafly eSIM now and use my discount code PURAVIDAMOMS  or click this link to get 5% off Holafly before you leave! 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Holafly Unlimited. All opinions are my own.