What a VPN is and how it works in Costa Rica
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your connection through secure servers around the world. This protects your data from hackers on public WiFi, shields your activity from ISP tracking, and allows you to access content from different countries.
In Costa Rica, where public WiFi is widely available but often unsecured in tourist areas, cafés, and coworking spaces, a VPN is essential for protecting sensitive information like passwords, banking details, and work files.
Here's how it works:
- Install a VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server (Costa Rica for local content, your home country for familiar content, or anywhere else)
- Browse, stream, and work with complete privacy and security
- Your real IP address and location are hidden from hackers and trackers
Why you need a VPN in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is generally safe with good internet freedom, there are important security and access reasons to use a VPN.
Using a VPN in Costa Rica helps you:
- Secure your connection on public WiFi in cafés, beaches, and coworking spaces
- Access streaming services from your home country (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.)
- Protect sensitive work data when working remotely from tourist areas
- Secure online banking and financial transactions
- Bypass geographic restrictions on services
- Access Costa Rican content when traveling outside the country
- Prevent ISP tracking and maintain privacy online
- Protect against cyber threats on hotel WiFi networks
- Access better deals on flights and accommodations
For digital nomads and expats in Costa Rica, a VPN provides essential security in a country where internet infrastructure varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
VPNs that work reliably in Costa Rica
NordVPN: premium security for variable connections
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Costa Rica, offering robust security features that work well even on slower or inconsistent internet connections common in beach towns and remote areas.
Highlights of NordVPN:
- Reliable performance on variable internet speeds
- Strong encryption for unsecured public WiFi
- 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
- CyberSec feature blocks malware and ads
- Military-grade encryption
- No-log policy independently audited
- Works well on slower connections
- 24-hour live chat support
- 30-day money back guarantee
Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, and expats in Costa Rica who need reliable security on public WiFi and consistent performance despite variable internet quality.
Surfshark: unlimited devices, beach-friendly pricing
Surfshark provides reliable performance in Costa Rica with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for digital nomads with multiple devices or families living in Costa Rica.
Highlights of Surfshark:
- Unlimited device connections on one account
- Good performance on slower connections
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
- Affordable long-term pricing
- Works on all devices
- Camouflage Mode for extra privacy
- 30-day money back guarantee
Best for: Families, digital nomads with multiple devices, or budget-conscious users who want reliable VPN protection throughout Costa Rica.
VPN comparison for Costa Rica
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently in Costa Rica despite variable internet infrastructure. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your needs.
NordVPN
- Works on variable connectionsExcellent
- Public WiFi securityMilitary-grade encryption
- Works with Costa Rican ISPsAll providers
- Auto-reconnect featureYes
- Kill switchYes
- Device limit6 devices
- PriceMid range
- Support24 hour live chat
- Money back guarantee30 days
Surfshark
- Works on variable connectionsVery good
- Public WiFi securityAES-256 encryption
- Works with Costa Rican ISPsAll providers
- Auto-reconnect featureYes
- Kill switchYes
- Device limitUnlimited
- PriceBudget friendly
- Support24 hour live chat
- Money back guarantee30 days
| Feature |
NordVPN |
Surfshark |
| Works on variable connections | Excellent | Very good |
| Public WiFi security | Military-grade encryption | AES-256 encryption |
| Works with Costa Rican ISPs | All providers | All providers |
| Auto-reconnect feature | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Device limit | 6 devices | Unlimited |
| Price | Mid range | Budget friendly |
| Support | 24 hour live chat | 24 hour live chat |
| Money back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
NordVPN is ideal if you want the most robust security features and reliable performance even on slower connections common in beach towns.
Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices, want unlimited simultaneous connections, and prefer budget-friendly pricing.
Internet infrastructure in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's internet infrastructure varies significantly by location:
Urban areas (San José, Heredia):
- Fiber optic available
- Speeds up to 100-200 Mbps
- Generally reliable connections
- Good for video calls and streaming
Beach towns (Tamarindo, Jacó, Puerto Viejo):
- Slower speeds (5-20 Mbps common)
- More frequent outages
- Variable connection quality
- WiFi often shared in cafés
Remote areas (Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Nosara):
- Limited infrastructure
- Slower speeds (1-10 Mbps)
- Satellite internet common
- More expensive connections
A VPN works on all connection speeds, though slower connections may see more noticeable speed reduction. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are optimized for variable connections.
VPN performance on Costa Rican internet providers
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work with all major Costa Rican ISPs:
Kolbi (ICE - government provider)
- Most widespread coverage
- Generally reliable in cities
- VPN works without issues
- Slower in rural areas
Tigo
- Good urban coverage
- Competitive speeds
- VPN-friendly network
- Growing fiber network
Movistar
- Available in major cities
- Good fiber speeds where available
- No VPN restrictions
- Reliable connections
Claro
- Mobile and home internet
- Expanding coverage
- Works well with VPNs
- Variable speeds by location
None of Costa Rica's internet providers block or restrict VPN usage. VPNs are widely used by the expat and digital nomad community.
Using VPN in Costa Rican coworking spaces and cafés
Costa Rica's digital nomad scene has exploded, especially in beach towns. Many nomads work from coworking spaces, cafés, and hotels where VPN protection is essential.
Popular coworking spaces in Costa Rica:
- Selina locations (Multiple cities and beach towns)
- CocoSpace (San José)
- Crema Coworking (Tamarindo)
- Pura Vida Coworking (Jacó)
- Caribbean Coworking (Puerto Viejo)
Popular digital nomad locations:
- Tamarindo - Surfing and digital nomads
- Puerto Viejo - Caribbean coast, laid-back vibe
- Jacó - Beach town close to San José
- Santa Teresa - Remote but popular
- San José - Urban hub with best internet
Why VPN is crucial:
- Public WiFi networks are often unsecured
- Shared networks in cafés and hostels are vulnerable
- Protect client data and business information
- Secure access to company networks
- Prevent password theft on public networks
Always connect to your VPN before joining any public WiFi in Costa Rica, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
VPN for banking and financial services in Costa Rica
Many expats and digital nomads maintain banking relationships in multiple countries. A VPN helps secure these connections.
Benefits for international banking:
- Securely access home country bank accounts
- Protect banking credentials on public WiFi
- Access financial services that may be geo-restricted
- Secure cryptocurrency transactions
- Protect against man-in-the-middle attacks
Important note: Some banks may flag logins from Costa Rican IP addresses. If this happens, contact your bank to whitelist international access, or use a server in your home country when accessing banking (only on secure networks).
Costa Rica's digital nomad visa and VPN usage
Costa Rica offers various visa options for digital nomads and remote workers, including the Rentista program and the new Digital Nomad visa. VPNs are completely legal and widely used by the remote work community.
VPN use cases for digital nomads:
- Securing work connections from Costa Rican locations
- Accessing company VPNs and systems securely
- Maintaining connections to home country services
- Secure video conferencing from cafés and beaches
- Protecting client data and intellectual property
There are no restrictions on VPN usage in Costa Rica, and it's considered essential security for remote workers.
Streaming services in Costa Rica
With a VPN, you can access streaming services from your home country while in Costa Rica, or access Costa Rican content when abroad:
International streaming in Costa Rica:
- Netflix (access your home country's library)
- Hulu (US only, requires US server)
- BBC iPlayer (UK content with UK server)
- Disney+ (available in Costa Rica, access other regions)
- HBO Max (available in Costa Rica)
- Amazon Prime Video (access different regional libraries)
Costa Rican streaming platforms:
- Teletica.com - Costa Rican TV
- Repretel - Local TV content
- Netflix Costa Rica - Latin American content library
Most digital nomads use VPNs to access content from their home countries rather than relying on Costa Rican streaming options.
Can I use a free VPN in Costa Rica?
Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Costa Rica:
- Unreliable connections that drop frequently
- Extremely slow speeds on already variable connections
- Data caps that limit usage
- Poor security with questionable privacy policies
- May sell your browsing data to advertisers
- Limited server options
- No customer support when issues arise
- Often blocked by streaming services
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer reliable connections, unlimited bandwidth, strong security, and 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is essential for dependable protection in Costa Rica.
Safety considerations in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is generally safe, cybersecurity threats exist, particularly in tourist areas:
Common threats:
- Unsecured public WiFi in tourist zones
- Shared networks in hostels and budget hotels
- Cyber cafés with keyloggers
- Public computers in tourist areas
- Man-in-the-middle attacks on café WiFi
VPN protection helps prevent:
- Password theft on public networks
- Banking credential interception
- Work file exposure
- Email account compromise
- Identity theft
Always use your VPN when accessing sensitive information on any public network in Costa Rica.
VPN on different devices in Costa Rica
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all devices commonly used in Costa Rica:
Computers: Windows, Mac, LinuxMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsSmart TVs: Android TV, Samsung, LG (in apartments/hotels with smart TVs)Streaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Apple TVRouters: Configure VPN for whole-accommodation protectionTablets: Perfect for beach working
NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connectionsSurfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections
For digital nomads who work from the beach with laptops, phones, and tablets, Surfshark's unlimited connections provide excellent value.
Weather and power considerations
Costa Rica experiences rainy seasons and occasional power issues that can affect internet:
Rainy season (May-November):
- Power outages more common
- Internet disruptions possible
- VPN auto-reconnect feature important
- Save work frequently
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer:
- Auto-reconnect after connection drops
- Kill switch to protect data if VPN drops
- Quick reconnection when power returns
These features are valuable in Costa Rica where weather-related internet interruptions can occur.
Popular beach towns and internet quality
Different Costa Rican destinations have varying internet quality:
Best internet:
- San José - Capital, best infrastructure
- Heredia - Tech hub, reliable connections
- Escazú - Expat area, good speeds
Good internet:
- Tamarindo - Popular nomad spot, decent speeds
- Jacó - Beach town, acceptable connections
- Manuel Antonio - Tourist area, variable but usable
Challenging internet:
- Santa Teresa - Remote, slower speeds
- Montezuma - Beautiful but limited infrastructure
- Nosara - Improving but still variable
VPNs work in all these locations, though speed expectations should match local infrastructure.
Final recommendation: best VPN for Costa Rica 2026
Costa Rica offers an incredible lifestyle for digital nomads and remote workers, but internet security requires attention. A VPN provides essential protection on public WiFi networks and maintains access to international content.
NordVPN is the top choice for Costa Rica with robust security features that work reliably on variable connections, strong encryption for public WiFi protection, and consistent performance from urban centers to beach towns.
Surfshark is ideal for digital nomads and families in Costa Rica who want unlimited device connections, excellent value pricing, and reliable performance across all Costa Rican internet providers.
Both work effectively despite Costa Rica's variable internet infrastructure, offer 24/7 support, and provide 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy secure, private internet access throughout your Costa Rican adventure.
