Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Costa Rica from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Costa Rica:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Costa Rica's country code: +506
Dial +506 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +506 1 [number]. From mobile: + +506 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Costa Rica
How to Call Abroad from Costa Rica
To call another country from Costa Rica: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Costa Rica numbers is +506 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +506 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Costa Rica
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Costa Rica to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +506 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Costa Rica.
Common Questions About Calling Costa Rica
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +506 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Costa Rica?
For a mobile: dial +506 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +506, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Costa Rica from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +506 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Costa Rica via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +506 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Costa Rica?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +506 mean and where does it come from?
+506 is the international dialing code assigned to Costa Rica by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Costa Rica number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +506 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Costa Rica
Costa Rica uses UTC-6. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Costa Rica from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
11:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
16:00–23:00
🇩🇪 Germany
17:00–23:00
🇫🇷 France
17:00–23:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
18:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
19:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
18:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
07:00–09:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Costa Rica
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–506–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Costa Rica
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Costa Rica
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Costa Rica visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Costa Rica offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Costa Rica currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Costa Rica?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Costa Rica grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Costa Rica visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Costa Rica on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Costa Rica visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Costa Rica on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Costa Rica?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Costa Rica on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy San José Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San José ☎ +506 2519 2000 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
10% service charge included by law; extra tip appreciated.
🚄 Transport
Bus intercity nationwide | Taxi & Uber in San José | No rail | SANSA & Nature Air domestic | San José-Puerto Limón via Caribbean | Car hire recommended
✈️ Airports
15+ airports | Juan Santamaría International Airport SJO (San José) | Daniel Oduber Quirós Liberia LIR | Tobías Bolaños Palmar Sur PMZ | Quepos XQP
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the region. December–April is dry season for the Caribbean and Central America. May–September is summer in North America. South America's seasons are reversed — December–March is summer. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer good weather with fewer crowds.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Safety in Costa Rica varies by neighborhood and city — research specific destinations carefully. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Petty theft common in tourist areas of major cities. Latin America requires extra caution in certain districts — ask locals for guidance.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
Routine vaccines should be current. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most Latin American countries. Yellow Fever required for entry to Brazil and some Andean/Amazon regions. Zika and Dengue precautions (insect repellent) advised in tropical zones. Altitude sickness medication for Andes travel.
📶 SIM & Internet
Pre-paid SIM cards easily available at airports and convenience stores — passport may be required. eSIM well-supported (Airalo, Holafly, US carriers like T-Mobile). Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina have competitive data prices ($10–25 for 10GB). Public Wi-Fi widespread in cities.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Casual dress acceptable in most of Costa Rica. Beach resorts very relaxed; cities slightly more formal. Cover up when visiting churches in Latin America. Layering useful for mountain regions. Practical walking shoes recommended for cobblestone streets and uneven terrain in colonial cities.
🌍 Costa Rica: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Costa Rica?
Some of the most famous foods in Costa Rica include: Casado (rice, beans, meat, salad), Gallo pinto (rice & black beans), Olla de carne (beef stew), Ceviche, Tamales, Chifrijo (chips & pork), Patacones (fried plantain), Tres leches cake, Café Britt coffee, Imperial or Pilsen beer.
What are the best places to visit in Costa Rica?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Costa Rica include: Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park (turtles), Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Corcovado National Park, Poás Volcano National Park, Rincón de la Vieja, Cahuita National Park, Osa Peninsula, La Fortuna Hot Springs.
What are the main customs and traditions in Costa Rica?
Notable customs and traditions in Costa Rica include: 'Pura Vida!' — answer to everything (hello, thanks, great), Very eco-conscious culture, Greet with one cheek kiss or handshake, Relaxed time — 'hora tica' flexibility, Nature conservation is national identity.
What is Costa Rica famous for?
Costa Rica is well known for: Pura Vida (pure life) philosophy, Biodiversity — 5% of world's species, Arenal Volcano & hot springs, Eco-tourism & sustainability, No military since 1948.
Where in the world is Costa Rica located?
Costa Rica is located in the Americas.
What countries are near Costa Rica?
Countries in the same region as Costa Rica include: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
911 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
The capital of Costa Rica is San José.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses the CRC · ₡ · Costa Rican Colón.
What is the dial code for Costa Rica?
The international dial code for Costa Rica is +506.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the region. December–April is dry season for the Caribbean and Central America. May–September is summer in North America. South America's seasons are reversed — December–March is summer. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer good weather with fewer crowds.
How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost per day?
Daily costs in Costa Rica range from $50 (budget) to $120 (mid-range) to $280 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Safety in Costa Rica varies by neighborhood and city — research specific destinations carefully. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Petty theft common in tourist areas of major cities. Latin America requires extra caution in certain districts — ask locals for guidance.
How many provinces does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica has 7 provinces.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType A,B · 120 V · 60 Hz
💵
TippingTipping expected at 10-15% in restaurants. Taxis and hotel staff appreciate small tips.
💧
Tap WaterUse cautionWater quality varies by region; bottled water is safer for visitors.
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