If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll no longer be able to access certain content, be it a TV channel or news site. However, by using a VPN, you can get a Costa Rican IP address, spoofing your location, and bypassing this kind of geographic restriction. In other words, VPNs can make it look as if you’re browsing from Costa Rica even if you’re on the other side of the world. Today, we’ll explain exactly how you can get an IP address for Costa Rica.

When you connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, securing your data and protecting your privacy. You’ll also be provided with a new, temporary IP address. Since this is what most geo-blocked services use to determine your location, once you connect, they’ll think that you’re really in Costa Rica.

Don’t have time to read the full post? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for getting a Costa Rica IP address.

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for a Costa Rica IP address. Over 5,000 servers. Works with Costa Rica TV as well as Netflix. No-logs service with Double VPN servers and 24/7 support via live chat.
  • Surfshark: Best budget option. Reliable servers in Costa Rica. Works with Canal 7 and Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Offers 24/7 support. Secure with a strict no-logs policy.
  • ExpressVPN: Fast speeds and works with Canal 13 and Netflix. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Secure with high-end encryption.
  • IPVanish: Fast, reliable servers in Costa Rica. Lets you connect as many devices as you want at once. Security includes encryption and zero-logs policy.
  • PrivateVPN: Works with Canal 13, Canal 7, and Netflix. Easy-to-use apps and fast speeds for lag-free streaming. Protects your privacy with its use of encryption.
  • Hotspot Shield: Over 3,000 servers in 80 countries including Costa Rica. Reliable speeds and 24/7 live chat support. Lets you secure up to five devices at once.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address for Costa Rica

There’s an overwhelming number of VPN services on the market. To find the best VPNs for getting an IP address for Costa Rica, we looked for those that offer the following:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Fast and reliable servers in Costa Rica
  • Strong security with high-end encryption
  • Doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users
  • User-friendly desktop and mobile apps
  • 24/7 support via live chat and email
  • Allows multiple simultaneous connections

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for getting a Costa Rica IP address:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023                    

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number one VPN for a Costa Rica IP. It has multiple servers in Costa Rica and more than 5,000 in total worldwide. If you’re sick and tired of bandwidth throttling, this VPN might just be for you. It offers unlimited bandwidth as well as strong unblocking ability, working with Costa Rican TV channels including Canal 13 and Canal 7. However, it also works particularly well with US-based streaming services.

With NordVPN, you can browse with peace of mind thanks to its excellent array of security features. It operates a strict no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption to keep your internet traffic secure. Aside from DNS and IPv6 leak protection and kill switch, there’s a variety of servers to choose from. This includes Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers which provide you with an extra layer of encryption. 24/7 live chat support is also offered.

If you’d like to connect to a NordVPN server, simply download an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, or Android TV. Alternatively, there are Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual configuration is required in the case of routers.

BEST VPN FOR A COSTA RICA IP ADDRESS:NordVPN has servers in Costa Rica and over 5,000 globally. Offers unlimited bandwidth and works with Costa Rica TV channels and Netflix. Strong security with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Some servers can be a bit slow

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is the best budget option for a Costa Rican IP address. It offers a growing network of over 3,000 servers in more than 60 countries around the world. It has virtual servers in Costa Rica, which means that the servers are physically located elsewhere (although most users won’t notice a difference). This VPN offers good, consistent speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth. You’ll be able to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more without restriction. Better still, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

While Surfshark’s apps and browser extensions make connecting to a server very simple, you still have 24/7 support via live chat if you need any help. Another advantage of this VPN is that it’s highly secure. For example, you have the option of connecting to Surfshark’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for an extra layer of security. A strict no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption serve to protect your privacy while there’s also a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark can access geo-restricted content both in Costa Rica and abroad. Works well with Netflix. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has 24/7 support. Strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Growing network of servers in over 60 countries, Costa Rica included

  • Lets you connect as many devices as you want at the same time

  • Works with Netflix, HBO, and others

  • Live chat support is available 24/7

  • Packed with security features including Double VPN servers

  • Customer support could be better

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is great at accessing geo-blocked websites and services in Costa Rica and abroad. One reason for this is that it has a huge network consisting of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries. Needless to say, the quantity and quality of servers makes ExpressVPN ideal for streaming. In fact, you can use it to access Costa Rica TV such as Canal 13 as well as major international services like Netflix.

This service includes 24/7 live chat and email support just in case you have any questions. With a single ExpressVPN account, it’s possible to secure five devices at once. You’ll be able to browse the web anonymously thanks to the various security features in place. For example, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and Web RTC leak protection. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

With ExpressVPN, you have access to beginner-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You’ll also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. This VPN is easy to use with routers thanks to the custom router firmware on offer.

INCREDIBLE SPEEDS:Express VPN is one of the fastest VPNs. ExpressVPN offers servers in 94 countries, Costa Rica included. Access Canal 13 and Netflix. Live chat support available 24/7. Secure with encryption.

  • Very fast and reliable servers in Costa Rica

  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries for unblocking content worldwide

  • Works with Costa Rica TV channels as well as Netflix

  • High level of security with encryption and kill switch

  • Includes 24/7 support via live chat and email

  • One of the more expensive VPNs available

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, offering high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth. What’s more, it has a network of more than 7,000 servers in 90 countries, a dozen of which are physically located in Costa Rica. Needless to say, this makes CyberGhost a good choice for unblocking websites and services worldwide. It’s also highly suitable for streaming and works well with Netflix US and Costa Rica TV channels.

If you sign up with CyberGhost, you’ll be able to secure as many as seven devices at once. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support via live chat. As well as offering impressive server speeds, this VPN has plenty of strong security options. You can expect 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Also included is a strict no-logs policy and CyberGhost’s “NoSpy” servers which are independently operated to reduce the risk of third-party interference.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:CyberGhost offers high-speed servers for streaming without lag or buffering. One dozen servers in Costa Rica and 7,000 worldwide. Very strong security with a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • High-speed connections for streaming in high quality

  • A dozen servers in Costa Rica and over 7,000 globally

  • Consistently unblocks geo-restricted content from Costa Rica

  • Use it to secure as many as seven devices at once

  • Protects your privacy with encryption and strict no-logs policy

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China or the UAE

  • No aps for routers

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has fast servers and consistent connections with servers in dozens of countries worldwide. Its servers in San Jose, Costa Rica allow you to get an IP address from Costa Rica and unblock geo-restricted content in seconds. In particular, you will be able to watch Canal 13 and Extra TV 42. With unlimited bandwidth, you can stream in 1080p HD without interruption.

One major advantage of IPVanish over most other VPNs is that it lets you connect as many devices as you want simultaneously. Each device you secure will have excellent protection including 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. IPVanish is headquartered in the US which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. However, the VPN service states that it has a zero-logs policy. 24/7 live chat support is also available.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish offers good speeds and servers in dozens of countries including Costa Rica. Plus IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want at once. Keeps your data secure with a zero-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast servers in Costa Rica for browsing and streaming

  • Lets you secure an unlimited number of devices at once

  • Includes 24/7 live chat support

  • Zero-logs policy means your data stays private

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • Doesn’t offer browser extensions

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller service consisting of 200+ servers. However, it has a global network of servers covering 60 countries, Costa Rica included. The main reason to consider this VPN is its very fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. These features mean that you won’t encounter much in the way of lag or buffering. It also works well with the likes of Canal 7 as well as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO.

Unlike the majority of VPNs today, PrivateVPN lets you speak to the developers directly. Customer support is available 22 hours per day via live chat. There’s even the offer of free remote help if you’re having any trouble. You’re shielded from hackers and snoopers with PrivateVPN’s 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch and DNS leak protection. Its zero data logging policy means all of your personal information remains private.

Access region-locked content by connecting to PrivateVPN apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Manual setup instructions are available for use with compatible routers.

FAST SERVER SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is known for fast speeds and strong unblocking ability. Servers in Costa Rica unblock Canal 13 and Canal 7. Beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps. Uses encryption to secure internet traffic. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast servers for streaming Costa Rica TV abroad

  • Woe the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile platforms

  • Secure thanks to its use of high-end encryption

  • Small network of servers

  • Live chat is not 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company. 

Connecting to a Hotspot Shield server means you’re protected with its various security features. For starters, 256-bit AES encryption secures your data while a kill switch cuts your internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. Also included is DNS leak protection while Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep logs by which you can be personally identified. A single subscription means you can connect five devices at once. Should you need it, 24/7 support is available to you via live chat.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS while there’s also a browser extension for Chrome. You can use Hotspot Shield with Linux and select routers although manual setup is required.

  • Over 5,000 servers in 80 countries including Costa Rica

  • Unblock Costa Rica TV such as Canal 13 and Extra TV 42

  • Provides 24/7 support via live chat

  • Secures internet traffic with high-end encryption

  • Struggles with Netflix

  • Some past privacy concerns

  • Not reliable in China

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

How to get an IP address for Costa Rica using a VPN

There are a few steps you’ll need to follow in order to get a Costa Rica IP address. However, the full process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

Here’s how to get a Costa Rica IP address from anywhere:

  • The first thing you’ll need to do is sign up with a VPN provider. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Next, download and install whichever app or browser extension you’d prefer to use.
  • Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in Costa Rica. This is how you get an IP address for Costa Rica so you can unblock geo-restricted content.
  • Now you can navigate to a Costa Rican website or service. The content should now be available without restriction.
  • If content is still blocked, we recommend you clear your browser’s cookies before reloading the page. Otherwise, try contacting your VPN’s customer support team.

However, if you’re in Costa Rica, you may simply want to change your Costa Rica IP address. The advantage of this is that you can still access content from home while enjoying the added benefit of online anonymity. After all, your IP address is tied to your identity and physical location. By changing it, you can enjoy improved privacy. Fortunately, Costa Rica has unrestricted internet access while citizens enjoy a high level of freedom as a whole.

It’s also important to mention that free VPNs don’t offer the same sort of privacy protection. Some don’t offer even the most essential security features such as AES encryption. While a paid VPN makes money from its subscription plans, free VPNs need to find other ways of generating income. Unfortunately for you, this often means logging your personal data such as your browsing history. We recommend opting for a low-cost reputable VPN service over a risky free VPN.

Note: Comparitech does not provide legal advice, and any illegal online activity is still illegal even while using a VPN. Always check local laws before heading online.