Phone Tips

  • To call Costa Rica from another country dial the international access code (011 in the US and Canada), followed by the country code (506), and then the local number.
  • To make a call within Costa Rica dial the 8 digit number.
  • Costa Rica now uses 8 digits to make a call, so if you are using an old 7 digit number, you will need to add a ’2′ to the beginning of land line numbers (which start with a 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7), or an ’8′ to the beginning of mobile phone numbers (which start with a 3, 8 or 9).
  • To make a direct international call from Costa Rica dial the international access code (00), followed by the country code (the country code for US and Canada is 1), then the area code and finally the local number.
  • For domestic assistance dial 113 and for international assistance dial 124.
  • For an international operator dial 116.
  • For emergency services it’s 911 like in North America.
  • Pay phones may sometimes require a coin deposit or a calling card (the calling card can be purchased in several establishments like mini-markets).

Calling home from Costa Rica
Using Skype from an internet cafes is the best way.The next best is a Costa Rica calling card that you can buy at most pharmacies.
NOTE: Calling from a hotel can cost as much as your hotel with hidden cost so watch out.

All Emergencies: 911

Direct lines:

Fire Department: 118
INS – traffic accidents: 800-800-8000
Transit Police: 800-872-6748

Police districts:
Alajuela: 2440-8889
Cartago 2551-7858
Guanacaste: 2666-0213
Heredia: 2262-9232
Puntarenas: 2661-0640
San José: 2222-9910

International calling ALERT: The name of the company that operates these phones WORLDWIDE is BBG Communications. This is the BIGGEST ripoff as far as international calling goes. Just to connect, it can run more than $40.00, and that’s even when you get an answering machine. That charge is just to connect and doesn’t take into account the price per minute. The problem with this worldwide ‘scam’ is that you don’t realize it until you get back home and receive your credit card bill. These phones are in A LOT of Costa Rican hotels/motels and other places where a unsuspecting traveler may need to make an international call. The reason hotels use the company is they (the hotels) get a nice little commission check each month. Hotels can earn as much as $1000.00 and up PER MONTH. So, you should give those people feedback as well, they know the phone is a RIPOFF, Don’t take our word for it – GOOGLE  BBG Communications and you’ll see.

Orbitz