Costa Rican telecommunications brand kölbi has launched a new Global eSIM service with Airalo, giving travelers a way to buy international data packages before leaving the country and connect abroad without changing their physical SIM card. The service, called kölbi eSIM Global by Airalo, was announced by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, (ICE) which operates kölbi. ICE said the new option gives customers access to mobile data in close to 200 countries through Airalo’s international eSIM platform.
Kölbi’s own service page says travelers can review destinations, compare data packages, choose the plan that fits their trip, and install the eSIM on a compatible phone before traveling. The company is promoting the service with the code kolbi20, which gives users a 20% discount on eligible packages.
For those who don’t know, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets users activate a mobile data plan without inserting a physical chip. For travelers, that means they can avoid looking for a local SIM card at the airport or relying only on traditional roaming from their Costa Rican phone line.
Kölbi says the service is aimed especially at people traveling for the major football season in North America, with packages highlighted for the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the company says the kölbi-Airalo site includes data options in more than 200 destinations worldwide.
The main appeal is price control. Travelers can buy the package before departure, see the data limit and duration in advance, and use the service for maps, WhatsApp, social media, transportation apps, reservations and other internet-based needs while abroad.
Airalo describes itself as an eSIM marketplace offering local, regional and global coverage in more than 200 locations. The company says its platform includes flexible packages and unlimited-data options, with installation designed to get travelers connected in minutes.
There are important limits. Kölbi states that eSIM Global by Airalo is for data service only. Customers can keep their regular kölbi number, or a number from another operator, but calls, SMS messages or roaming used through the regular Costa Rican line may still generate extra charges while abroad.
Kölbi also warns customers to verify that their phone supports eSIM, that the device is unlocked, and that the destination has available packages before buying. Not all older phones can use eSIM technology.
The service terms make clear that Airalo, not ICE, is responsible for the purchase process, installation, international connectivity, billing and technical support. The terms state that ICE acts as a facilitator for access to the promotion and the co-branded platform, while the actual transaction and service are handled by Airalo.
That distinction matters for travelers. If the eSIM does not install properly, if coverage is weak in a destination, or if there is a billing issue, customers are expected to handle those claims through Airalo’s support channels. The connection quality will also depend on the local network partners available in each country.
For Costa Rican travelers, the new service adds a more flexible alternative to physical SIM cards and traditional roaming. It could be especially useful for short trips, multi-country travel and visitors who want data ready as soon as they land. Travelers should check phone compatibility, compare data packages before buying, install the eSIM before departure when possible, and turn off roaming on their regular Costa Rican line if they want to avoid unexpected charges.
