By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move to modernize international travel for its customers, Costa Rican telecommunications giant kölbi has announced a strategic partnership with Airalo to launch a new Global eSIM service. This initiative provides travelers with seamless internet access in over 200 countries and territories, effectively eliminating the long-standing hassles of physical SIM cards and expensive roaming charges.
The launch directly addresses the growing demand from a new generation of globetrotters—including tourists, students, and business professionals—who require simple, secure, and immediate connectivity. Historically, international travel has meant a frustrating search for local SIM card vendors upon arrival, navigating language barriers, or returning home to unexpectedly high data bills. Kölbi’s new offering aims to make these inconveniences a thing of the past.
To provide a deeper legal and commercial perspective on the implications of global eSIM technology for consumers and telecommunications regulations in the country, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise of the global eSIM represents a significant paradigm shift, empowering consumers with unprecedented flexibility and choice, effectively dismantling traditional roaming barriers. However, from a regulatory standpoint, this poses a challenge for national authorities like SUTEL. It becomes crucial to modernize our legal framework to not only foster fair competition in a market increasingly dominated by international players but also to guarantee the protection of Costa Rican users’ data and consumer rights in a borderless digital ecosystem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis astutely highlights the central challenge ahead: embracing the undeniable convenience of global eSIM technology while proactively adapting our national regulations to safeguard consumer rights and ensure a level playing field. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial and timely insight.
The process is designed for maximum simplicity and convenience. Customers can purchase their international data plan directly from the kölbi website, kolbi.cr, before they even leave Costa Rica. Upon purchase, they receive a QR code. A quick scan with their eSIM-compatible smartphone is all it takes to install the digital profile, activating the service instantly and ensuring they are connected the moment they land at their destination.
This digital-first approach not only provides immediate access but also allows users to keep their primary Costa Rican SIM active for calls and texts, offering a dual-connectivity solution. To encourage adoption, kölbi is offering a 20% promotional discount on any plan purchased using the code KOLBI20.
With the kölbi Global eSIM in partnership with Airalo, we are providing our customers with a modern, practical, and completely digital solution that allows them to stay connected in over 200 countries. This alternative enhances the travel experience by offering simple activation, greater convenience, and the peace of mind of having internet access right from their arrival at the destination. With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment to developing solutions that cater to an increasingly connected population.
Marco Acuña, Executive President of Grupo ICE
Mr. Acuña’s statement highlights the core value proposition of the service. By removing the initial friction of getting connected abroad, kölbi and Airalo are fundamentally improving the travel experience. This allows individuals to immediately access maps, order a ride-share, or notify family of a safe arrival without having to hunt for unreliable airport Wi-Fi.
The financial model is built on transparency and control. Customers choose from a wide array of prepaid packages tailored to their specific needs, whether it’s a short trip requiring a few gigabytes or a multi-country tour needing a regional plan. Some destinations even feature unlimited data packages. This prepaid structure ensures there are no surprise fees, as the exact cost is known upfront, a stark contrast to traditional roaming plans.
This launch is a key component of kölbi’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of digital solutions and solidify its position as an innovative leader in the national market. By partnering with a global specialist like Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, kölbi leverages proven technology to bring a world-class service to its Costa Rican user base, making international travel simpler and more comfortable than ever before.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About kölbi:
kölbi is the flagship telecommunications brand of Grupo ICE, serving as a leading provider of mobile, internet, and digital services throughout Costa Rica. Known for its extensive network coverage and commitment to innovation, kölbi aims to connect Costa Ricans with advanced and reliable technological solutions that enhance their daily lives and business operations.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Grupo ICE:
Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Grupo ICE) is the state-owned enterprise responsible for electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Since its founding, it has been a cornerstone of the nation’s development, providing essential infrastructure and driving technological progress to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
For further information, visit airalo.com
About Airalo:
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM marketplace, offering travelers access to digital SIM cards for over 200 countries and regions. The company is dedicated to providing affordable, convenient, and global connectivity, empowering users to stay connected wherever they go without the need for physical SIM cards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the bedrock principles of professional distinction and uncompromising integrity. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm not only provides exceptional counsel but also actively shapes the future of law through its innovative spirit. This profound commitment extends beyond the courtroom to empowering the public by making complex legal concepts understandable, which is central to its vision of cultivating a society strengthened by knowledge and access to justice.
