How to Get an IP Address for Costa Rica in 2025 from Anywhere

At a Glance

Costa Ricans traveling or living abroad have likely discovered that they no longer have access to their favorite Costa Rican TV streams, as well as other geo-controlled sites and services. While regular visitors to this site are likely familiar with the concept of geo-blocked content, here’s a refresher.

Streaming services, such as Netflix, either restrict their content to a certain region of the globe or make different content available based on where you’re connecting from. Meanwhile, other sites and services, such as financial websites, may turn away connection attempts from outside of their home country.

How Can I Access Costa Rican Content?

Luckily, there is a readily available tool that offers a reliable way to grab a Costa Rican IP address to gain access to the content that’s normally only available to online travelers originating from Costa Rica.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) temporarily routes your internet traffic through a different country, assigning a fresh IP address to your device. This makes it appear as if you are connecting from inside this new country, opening up access to geo-blocked content reserved for users in that country.

In this article, I review the best six VPN providers to use to get an IP address from places in San José, Costa Rica.

How to Get an IP Address in Costa Rica

Getting an IP address in Costa Rica requires just a few easy steps.

Here’s how to get an IP address in Costa Rica:

1. Purchase a subscription to a VPN service (NordVPN is my #1 choice).
2. Install app(s) from your VPN of choice onto your favorite device(s).
3. Connect to a VPN server located inside of Costa Rica. 
4. Visit a Costa Rican site or service that you normally can’t access. (You may need to clear your browser’s cache and delete your browser’s cookies.)
5. Enjoy your favorite Costa Rican content!

TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE: Most VPN providers, including NordVPN, offer a no-risk free trial period. This no-questions-asked money-back guarantee period means you can try a VPN service, and then cancel it for a full refund during the trial period if the provider doesn’t fit your needs. The length of free trial periods can vary, so check with the VPN provider.

Best VPNs for Getting an IP Address in Costa Rica

The six VPN providers listed below have proven to be the best providers for obtaining an IP address from inside Costa Rica.

Here’s a TL;DR summary of the best VPNs for Costa Rica:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for a Costa Rican IP address. This provider is the most reliable way to grab an IP address from inside Costa Rica. The provider offers top-notch protection for your online activities while opening up access to geo-blocked content. Fast connections are the rule here. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Budget-priced protected IP addresses. The bargain-basement choice on this list, Surfshark’s services are not lacking, even though it provides them for a low price. A fast-growing server network provides reliable access to IP addresses in Costa Rica and elsewhere around the globe.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN services. While this provider is a bit more expensive than the other providers on this list, its services easily make this provider an attractive option nonetheless. Fast speeds are a staple, and wide app support is available.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN option for beginners. This provider’s easy-to-use apps, one-click access to protection, and massive global server network that provides access to geo-blocked content around the globe make it an excellent option for first-time VPN users or those who like to keep things simple.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to Costa Rican IPs. PIA provides security and privacy for your online travels, while also providing reliable access to IP addresses and geo-fenced content in several countries, including Costa Rica.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN provider. PrivateVPN has the smallest number of servers on this list. That said, it does have servers in Costa Rica, offering well-protected access to geo-protected content in that country.

How to Choose the Best VPN for an IP Address in Costa Rica

The following are important factors to keep in mind when considering a VPN for obtaining an IP address in Costa Rica:

• Servers located in Costa Rica (you knew that one, right?)
• Connection speeds
• Security and privacy protections
• Native app support
• Customer support

You can find out more about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

These are the six best VPNs for getting a Costa Rican IP address.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is the most reliable VPN when it comes to grabbing a Costa Rican IP address when traveling or living abroad.

The provider has a good-sized global server network, with more than 5,900 servers in nearly 60 countries around the world, including Costa Rica. This provides access to geo-blocked content in most places around the globe.

This VPN provided fast download speeds in my most recent testing. The provider offers plenty of no-data-caps bandwidth, easily handling your favorite online activities, including HD or 4K streaming, gaming, and sharing large files.

All of those fast connections are protected using government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider also offers ad and malware blocking.

The provider never saves any server logs related to your online activities and also offers a Bitcoin subscription payment option for additional payment privacy.

NordVPN has moved away from leasing servers from third-parties, and now owns and operates its server farms. This keeps outside contractors away from your personal data. It also runs all of its servers solely from RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive or SSD. All data is completely wiped every time a server is rebooted or shut down.

NordVPN offers native app support for Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with numerous router makes and models.

Game console, smart TV, and set-top device owners can access Costa Rican streaming content via the provider’s SmartDNS service. (However, keep in mind that the service does not provide encrypted connection protection like the VPN service does.)

Each user can have up to six devices concurrently connected to the VPN’s server locations.

Customer support is around for you 24/7 via live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR AN IP ADDRESS IN COSTA RICA:NordVPN is the most reliable way to grab an IP address from inside Costa Rican borders. The provider’s servers deliver fast and well-protected connections for most popular devices. 24/7 customer support is available. Offers a 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the low-price leader in this lineup, providing premium VPN features at a budget-friendly price.

This provider’s global server network was a bit of an embarrassment not too long ago, but in the last year or so it has definitely experienced a growth spurt. The provider has over 3,200 dedicated servers in Costa Rica and 100+ other countries around the globe.

Surfshark’s connection speeds are quite impressive, with plenty of bandwidth for streaming HD video, downloading and sharing files, and playing fast-moving games. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to be found.

All Surfshark connections are protected by banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, ad and tracking blocking, and malware and phishing protections.

A “Camouflage Mode” disguises your VPN activity as normal browser traffic. Plus, the provider’s “MultiHop” connection option routes your internet traffic through a pair of servers for added encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark’s no-server-logs-ever policy ensures that no records of your VPN usage are saved, and a privacy-friendly Bitcoin payment option protects your payment privacy. The provider now runs all of its servers 100% from volatile RAM.

Surfshark offers apps for macOS, Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Multiple router makes and models can be used with the provider’s services.

The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy allows users to connect as many devices as they’d like to the provider’s servers at one time.

The provider’s customer support is always available thanks to its 24/7 live chat, email support, and searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR USERS ON A BUDGET:Surfshark provides comprehensive VPN services without charging a premium price. Unlimited concurrent connections, fast downloads, 24/7 customer support, and comprehensive app support make this an attractive option for online users on a budget. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN carries an admittedly high price, but does its level of service make it worth that price?

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers based in over 100 countries around the world, Costa Rica included. This is one of the most impressive server networks I’ve seen in the industry.

The provider scored the fastest download speeds in my most recent testing. ExpressVPN connections can easily handle all sorts of streaming, gaming, and file exchange activities. Never a data cap or a throttled connection to be found here.

Those blazingly-fast connections are also well-protected thanks to its use of government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention.

A strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin private payment option have things covered when it comes to the privacy end of things. The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations only from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means all of the data is wiped clean when the server is rebooted.

The provider’s native app offerings include options for macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are available, as is extensive router compatibility.

ExpressVPN’s “MediaStreamer” smart DNS service allows game consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices to access geo-blocked worldwide content, although it lacks encrypted connection protection.

The provider allows you to simultaneously connect up to eight devices to its servers on one account.

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-use support library.

VERSATILE VPN:While ExpressVPN is priced rather dearly, the provider’s top-notch VPN services (including fast connections, top-notch app support, and impressive global server coverage) may make it worth it to users willing to pay a bit extra for a premium VPN provider. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an excellent option for rookie VPN users or those who like to keep things simple.

The provider has the most impressive global server network, which includes over 10,200 servers located in 99+ countries, including Costa Rica. Many of CyberGhost’s servers are optimized for streaming and downloading.

CyberGhost delivers above-average download speeds, providing more than enough speed for all of your favorite online activities.

The provider’s connections are well-protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Malicious website and online tracker blocking is also available, as is an option to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages.

CyberGhost saves no logs of your online activities, and a Bitcoin payment option is available.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app selections include options for Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is support for multiple router makes and models.

CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections per account.

Customer support is available 24/7 and includes always-available live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-search support library.

GREAT VPN OPTION FOR FIRST-TIMERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful apps connect to a massive global server network, providing speedy and well-protected connections. Its one-click access to servers will be appreciated by rookie VPN users. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts an impressive global server network, which includes 3,300+ servers located in more than 90 countries, including Costa Rica.

All PIA-provided connections are protected by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. PIA also provides blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

PIA’s servers are run free of user logs, meaning there are records to be had of your online antics. A Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

PIA now runs their servers 100% from RAM, ensuring that any data on the provider’s servers is automatically wiped whenever the servers are restarted, powered down, or simply unplugged.

This provider’s connection speeds are the second slowest speeds on this list. That said, the provider’s connections can handle popular online activities (depending on your usual connection speeds). No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

PIA’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with several router makes and models.

The provider has an unlimited simultaneous connections policy.

PIA support offers live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO COSTA RICAN IP ADDRESSES:PIA offers reliable access to content in 90+ countries, including Costa Rica for an unlimited number of devices at once. It also provides comprehensive online security and privacy protections to keep your online travels private. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has 200+ servers, well-distributed among 60+ countries, including Costa Rica. The servers deliver reliable access to IP addresses and geo-fenced content wherever it has servers.

The provider has the slowest connection speed of any provider on this list, although they can easily handle popular online activities (depending on your usual speeds). PrivateVPN never inflicts data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers.

PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more to keep your online activities private. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage hidden by making the VPN traffic appear to be normal browser activity.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records of your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

The provider offers native app support for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. While browser extensions are not available, Linux devices and select routers can be configured to work with the provider.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices at once to the provider’s servers.

PrivateVPN support options include agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.

HIDDEN VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s server count is certainly lacking, but it spreads them among 60+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-fenced materials in those countries. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage incognito. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Costa Rican IP Addresses

Internet users in search of secure access to a Costa Rican IP address should carefully consider each VPN’s services before making a decision. Not all VPNs will offer the features you require, and you’ll want to ensure that your VPN will do what you need it to do.

These are the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Costa Rican IP Addresses:

• Server network: Servers in Costa Rica are needed if you need to gain access to Costa Rican IP addresses and content. Servers in other countries around the world are needed if you want to access geo-blocked content in other regions. Also look for a large number of servers in each country, preventing any individual servers from being overloaded by being hit by too many users at once.
• Connection speeds: You’ll want a fast connection, no matter what online activities you enjoy. The VPNs I include on my list never intentionally slow down your connection speeds.
• Value: To determine the true value of a VPN provider, compare its asking price to the services it offers. Each VPN on my list offers a price that is commensurate with what it offers.
• Ease of use: In addition to offering apps for many different device platforms, a VPN’s apps should also be easy to use, so you don’t have to waste time fiddling with settings.
• Security and privacy: No matter where you’re located, you’re always subject to online dangers. A VPN should offer banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also a must.
• Streaming: Streaming is a popular activity with VPN users, so whenever possible the VPNs I recommend are capable of offering access to geo-blocked streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

The list above covers only some of the features I researched as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven research provides an in-depth understanding of each provider, allowing me to only recommend those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Why Are Websites and Services Geo-Blocked?

Sure, you pay your streaming bill on time every month. So, why shouldn’t you be able to view your favorite content no matter where you are at the time?

Unfortunately, streaming services restrict the viewing of their content to designated areas. This is because of the contracts that Netflix and other streamers sign with television and movie studios. I know this is hard to believe, but studios sell the rights to their shows and films on a country-by-country basis, allowing them to profit from the same content over and over.

What this means is that you’ll either be blocked from viewing content from a streaming site outside of your region, or the content you can view is different from what you can enjoy in your own area of the world.

Financial services and other high-security sites and services may block connection attempts from outside of the institution’s home country. This is a security measure, as part of an attempt to discourage unauthorized account access.

A reliable VPN service can help you break through these virtual roadblocks by temporarily granting a new IP address to your connected device. This makes it appear as if you’re located in Costa Rica or another country.

How Is Content Geographically Blocked?

Content is usually blocked using your device’s IP address.

Streaming services and other geo-blocked sites and services check your device’s IP address. Based on the address, they decide whether or not to allow you access to their content and data. They can do this due to the way IP addresses are handed out to various countries.

An IP address uniquely identifies your device on the internet, similar to how your home’s address uniquely identifies your house. This allows other devices on the internet to identify where a data request came from and where the reply should be sent.

An IP address can also identify your geographical location (much like your home’s postal address). This is because ranges of IP addresses are doled out to countries for use only in that country.

This means that by simply checking your device’s IP address, an online site or service can determine whether or not you should be allowed to access their content.

How Can I Access Blocked Costa Rican Content From Overseas?

Accessing geo-blocked content from inside Costa Rican borders or anywhere else around the globe is easy peasy when you have the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN routes your internet connection through one of its VPN servers, which can be located in other countries. This allows the provider to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your device. This usually opens up access to geo-protected content from inside that new country.

Please note that you will be required to subscribe to the streaming service or other information you’re trying to access.

Simply follow the steps below:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my top recommendation).
2. Download and install the VPN’s app(s) for your device(s).
3. Start the app and connect to a Costa Rican server.
4. Visit the Costa Rican site or service you’re interested in. (You may possibly need to delete cookies and clear your cache in your browser.)
5. Enjoy your newly-enabled access to Costa Rican content and sites!

What Else Can a VPN Do For Me?

A VPN protects and enhances your online activities.

A VPN protects your internet connection by encasing your connection in an encrypted tunnel of sorts, blocking outsiders from monitoring or recording your online travels.

Encryption comes in handy both at home and away. At public WiFi hotspots, which are usually unencrypted and open, this means hackers cannot monitor your online activities or steal your credit card and banking info, as well as other sensitive personal and business information.

At home, your WiFi network may be password-protected and encrypted, but your connection from your router to the internet is not. A VPN encrypts your connection, preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from throttling or blocking your connection just because you stream video from “unapproved” sources or share files using certain methods.

Sorry, but a VPN can’t help you get around any data caps that your ISP may impose on your usage – data use is data use, be it encrypted or not.

Can I Use a Free VPN Provider to Access Content in Costa Rica?

While there may be free VPNs that offer servers based in Costa Rica, there’s no guarantee a server in that country will be available, and even if there is, the services provided are less than satisfactory.

Many free VPN services have limited global server networks. That means that you may be forced to wait for a short period of time to connect to a server.

Then, once you’re allowed to connect, you either have a small selection of servers to connect to, or you may simply be connected to a server of the provider’s choosing. Either way, you likely won’t end up with a server connection to Costa Rica.

Once you’re finally connected, I’m almost certain that your connection speeds will slow by a large amount. You’ll also likely have your VPN usage restricted by daily or monthly data caps. This is because VPNs want to preserve most of their bandwidth for paying customers.

Privacy is also something that’s lacking when you use a free VPN. Even free VPNs have to make a buck, and many free VPN service providers keep their servers humming by logging and then selling their users’ online activity info to advertisers and other parties willing to pay for the information.

Still, other providers have even been found to be inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions.

It’s up to you as to whether you should hazard a try with a free VPN. I mean it’s only inconvenient, not private at all, what could go wrong?

Conclusion

Costa Ricans far from home are strongly advised to investigate how a VPN can provide access to geo-blocked content, both inside and outside of Costa Rican borders. I recommend NordVPN as the most reliable and high-performing VPN available.

NordVPN provides reliable, speedy access to Costa Rica and numerous other countries via its impressive global server network. The provider offers comprehensive app support, top-notch online security and privacy protections, and excellent customer support.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Costa Rica IP Address FAQs

Why Do I Need a VPN to Grab an IP Address for Costa Rica?

There are multiple reasons why you might need to use a VPN to grab an IP address for Costa Rica. You could be a Costa Rican resident traveling or working abroad and you need access to geo-fenced content, such as that offered by a Costa Rican streaming service that geographically restricts access to their content.

You can also use a VPN to grab a Costa Rican IP address for banking and other financial services that prevent logging into an account from outside of Costa Rica. Many financial websites do this to prevent financial fraud from abroad.

If you are inside Costa Rican borders, you may need a VPN to grab a Costa Rican IP address, which allows you to continue to access content reserved for users inside the country. A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities undercover.

Can I Watch Costa Rican Television From Abroad With a VPN?

Yes, you can stream Costa Rica TV from abroad by using a VPN. Simply connect to a server located in Costa Rica to grab a Costa Rica IP address and you’re ready to go! VPNs can unblock streaming TV channels, including Canal 7, Canal 13, and Extra TV 42.

Is It Illegal to Change Your IP Address?

Not usually, no. There are only a few countries in which using a VPN is illegal. While it isn’t illegal to use a VPN to change your IP address, there are some online services, such as some streaming or gaming services, that will block the IP address you’re using if they detect that you’re using a VPN. It is also illegal to use a VPN in the commission of an online scam, theft, or other crime.