How to Call Costa Rica
Complete guide to dialing Costa Rica (country code +506)
Planning to make a phone call to Costa Rica but unsure where to start? Whether you're contacting family, friends, or handling business matters, knowing how to call Costa Rica correctly can save you time and frustration. Calling Costa Rica from abroad requires understanding the proper international dialing format, country codes, and area codes to ensure your call goes through successfully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step dialing instructions for calling Costa Rica from various countries, highlight common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting, share essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate effectively, and provide useful numbers for emergencies and important services. By the end, you'll have everything you need to confidently connect with anyone in this beautiful Central American country.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding the International Dialing Format
To call Costa Rica from abroad, you need three components: your country's exit code, Costa Rica's country code (+506), and the local number. Costa Rica doesn't use area codes, and all phone numbers are 8 digits long. The standard format is: Exit Code + 506 + 8-digit local number.
Important note: Costa Rican numbers don't have leading zeros to drop, unlike some countries. Always dial all 8 digits exactly as given.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 506 (Costa Rica's country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 506 (Costa Rica's country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From other countries: Replace the exit code with your country's specific code (commonly 00 for most European and Asian countries).
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Costa Rican landline from USA:
Local number: 2234-5678
Dial: 011-506-2234-5678
Example 2 - Calling a Costa Rican mobile from UK:
Local number: 8765-4321
Dial: 00-506-8765-4321
Example 3 - Calling a business landline from Australia:
Local number: 2588-9900
Dial: 0011-506-2588-9900
(Australia's exit code is 0011)
Example 4 - Calling a mobile from Germany:
Local number: 7123-4567
Dial: 00-506-7123-4567
Mobile vs. Landline Recognition
Costa Rican mobile numbers typically start with 6, 7, or 8, while landlines begin with 2. This helps identify the number type before dialing.
Quick Tips
When saving Costa Rican contacts internationally, use the format +506-XXXX-XXXX. The plus sign automatically applies the correct exit code when calling from any country.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Costa Rica, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Adding unnecessary area codes
Costa Rica eliminated area codes in 2008. Simply dial +506 followed by the 8-digit local number. Don't try to add regional prefixes—they don't exist anymore.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many people dial "011" (US/Canada exit code) when calling from other countries. Always check your country's specific exit code, or use "+" which works universally from mobile phones.
3. Including the leading zero
Some assume Costa Rican numbers start with zero, like numbers in many other countries. They don't. All Costa Rican phone numbers are 8 digits without any leading zero.
4. Dialing only 7 digits
Older guides may reference 7-digit numbers. All Costa Rican numbers expanded to 8 digits years ago. If you find a 7-digit number, it's outdated and won't work.
5. Incorrect spacing or formatting
While spaces don't usually affect dialing, they can cause confusion when saving numbers. Use the format: +506 XXXX XXXX for clarity and consistency.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Costa Rica, understanding local customs helps create positive connections. Costa Ricans value politeness and warmth in all communication, including telephone conversations.
Always begin calls with a friendly greeting. "Buenos dĂas" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening) are essential before stating your purpose. Even for brief calls, skipping this greeting seems abrupt and rude.
For business calls, maintain professionalism but expect more personal warmth than in other countries. Costa Ricans often exchange pleasantries about family or weather before discussing business matters. This isn't wasting time—it's building rapport and showing respect.
The best times to call are between 9 AM and 8 PM. Avoid calling during lunch hours (noon to 1 PM) when possible, as this is sacred family time. Sunday mornings should also be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Personal calls can be more casual, though initial greetings remain important. Close friends might use "¿Qué mae?" (an informal "What's up?"), but start formally with new acquaintances.
Voice messages are common and acceptable. Keep them brief and clear, always leaving your name and number. Many Costa Ricans prefer WhatsApp voice messages over traditional voicemail.
Remember that "Tico time" applies to phone appointments too. If someone says they'll call at 3 PM, expect flexibility of 15-30 minutes. Patience and understanding reflect cultural awareness and earn respect.
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Emergency Numbers
911 - Universal Emergency Number
This is the primary emergency number in Costa Rica for police, ambulance, and fire services. Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators often accessible.
911 - Police (Fuerza PĂşblica)
911 - Ambulance (Cruz Roja)
911 - Fire Department (Bomberos)
128 - Traffic Police (Tránsito)
For reporting traffic accidents and road emergencies.
1192 - Coast Guard
For maritime emergencies along Costa Rica's coastlines.
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Costa Rica. The 911 system is modern and centralized, connecting you to the appropriate emergency service. While Spanish is the primary language, English-speaking operators are frequently available, particularly in tourist areas. Response times may vary depending on your location, with urban areas typically receiving faster service than remote regions.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1113: National directory assistance for local numbers
- 1024: International directory assistance and operator services
Tourist Services
- 1192 or +506 2299-5800: Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) helpline for visitor information and complaints
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy: +506 2519-2000
- Canadian Embassy: +506 2242-4400
- British Embassy: +506 2258-2025
Other Helpful Services
- 800-8000-645: Costa Rican Social Security information
- *611: Customer service for most mobile carriers
- 195: Time and weather information
- 1188: Traffic reports and road conditions
Airlines
Most international airlines maintain Costa Rican offices; contact your carrier directly for reservations and flight changes.
Keep these numbers saved in your phone for convenient access throughout your stay.
Tips for Calling Costa Rica
When calling Costa Rica, keep in mind the country operates on Central Standard Time (UTC-6) year-round with no daylight saving time changes. Calculate the time difference from your location to avoid calling during inconvenient hours—typically avoid before 7 AM or after 9 PM local time.
For business calls, schedule appointments in advance whenever possible. Costa Rican business hours generally run Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with many offices closing for lunch between noon and 1 PM. Avoid calling during this lunch break for better connection rates.
Peak calling times occur during morning hours (9-11 AM) when offices are busiest. For potentially better rates and less congestion, consider calling during early afternoon hours.
Be mindful of national holidays including Independence Day (September 15), Christmas, New Year's, and Holy Week when businesses close entirely. Research the current year's holiday calendar before scheduling important calls.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and clearly—English is widely spoken in business contexts, but confirming language preferences beforehand helps. Have important details written down, confirm appointments via email, and always verify numbers before dialing internationally to avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Costa Rica is +506. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Costa Rica from anywhere in the world.
To call Costa Rica from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 506 (Costa Rica's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +506-XXXX-XXXX.
No, Costa Rican phone numbers don't use a leading zero. Simply dial +506 followed by the 8-digit phone number. All Costa Rican numbers are 8 digits with no trunk prefix to remove.
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In Costa Rica, dial 911 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). You can also reach specific services: 128 for Red Cross ambulance, 117 for police, and 118 for fire department. These calls are free from any phone.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Costa Rica directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start calling Costa Rican phone numbers instantly without any downloads required.
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