- Reliability
- Low
Overall1.2/10Slower internet than about 90% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Confirm fiber availability with your accommodation before booking—quality varies significantly by location and provider
- Power outages lasting a couple of hours are periodic; consider a portable mobile hotspot as backup for critical meetings
- If working remotely from multiple locations around town, cellular data (Kolbi recommended) is essential as WiFi infrastructure outside hotels/cafes is sparse
- Mobile 4G speeds in Puerto Viejo are limited (~10 Mbps); for reliable remote work, prioritize accommodations offering fiber broadband
- Weather (heavy rain common year-round) can temporarily impact both wired and satellite internet; check with your provider about rainy-season reliability
- e-SIM activation is instant and requires no airport/store visit—a practical option if you want mobile backup without a local SIM card
- Coworking spaces (Selina, Boa Coworking, Puerto&Co) are available for day-use or membership, though limited compared to larger Costa Rican cities
Home Broadband
- Availability
- Partial — fiber and fixed-line options exist in some areas, but infrastructure coverage is not universally available
- Reliability Notes
- Variable. Fiber optic connections where available offer good reliability. Weather-related outages and power cuts are documented concerns. Satellite internet available as backup/alternative. Users report occasional disruptions due to infrastructure damage (e.g., cable cuts from vehicles).
Providers
Itellum
- Type
- Fiber optic and wireless fixed broadband, satellite internet
- Coverage
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and surrounding areas
ICE/Kolbi
- Type
- Fixed broadband (copper/fiber where available)
- Coverage
- National carrier with presence in Puerto Viejo
Mobile Carriers
Kolbi (ICE)
- Coverage
- Widest rural and remote coverage in Costa Rica; Puerto Viejo town has basic 4G coverage
- Technology
- Basic 4G (not 4G+), estimated download speeds 10 Mbps in Puerto Viejo
- Notes
- Recommended for digital nomads due to extensive national coverage. Limited fast mobile data in Puerto Viejo itself.
Claro
- Coverage
- Good urban coverage; weaker rural footprint than Kolbi
- Technology
- 4G/5G in select areas
- Notes
- Competitive pricing; used by major eSIM providers
Movistar
- Coverage
- Available in Puerto Viejo
- Technology
- Mobile data (4G where available)
- Notes
- One of two main local providers
Connectivity Reliability Tier
low
Connectivity Reliability Tier Rationale
Inconsistent fiber/fixed broadband coverage outside accommodations, basic 4G mobile data only (no 4G+), documented weather-related and infrastructure-dependent outages, though nomad-friendly accommodations with fiber and coworking spaces offer exceptions.
SIM And e-SIM Costs
e-SIM Plans
Moderate
- Data
- 3-10GB
- Validity
- 30 days
- Notes
- Typical range across Airalo, Saily, eSIM4, Roafly, and others
Entry Level
- Data
- 1GB
- Validity
- 7 days
- Notes
- Starting price from providers like Saily, eSIM4
e-SIM Providers
- Saily (starting $7.99)
- Airalo (regional/global options from $7.50)
- Roafly (ICE Kolbi access, 3-20GB plans)
- eSIM4 (Claro network, starting $8.98)
- Holafly
- Orbit Mobile (multi-country, $1.67/day)
Local Prepaid SIM Cards
- To
- CRC 24,000
- Price Range
- CRC 4,000
- Notes
- Monthly prepaid plans. Kolbi approximately ₡20 (~$44 USD) for ~5GB data. Activation requires passport.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this connectivity & internet research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Cost of Living in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Visas in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Safety in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Co-working in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Best Neighborhoods in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Emergencies in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Walkability & Transport in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Climate & Weather in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.