Initiating a telephone call to Costa Rica from the United States involves a specific dialing sequence. This sequence generally consists of the exit code for the U.S., followed by Costa Rica’s country code, the area code within Costa Rica, and finally, the recipient’s local number. For example, if the local number in Costa Rica is 2222-3333, and the Costa Rican area code is 506 (which is also the country code, as Costa Rica utilizes a single country code), the complete dialing sequence from the U.S. would start with the U.S. exit code (typically 011), then the country code (506), followed by the local number.
Understanding the correct procedure for establishing international calls is vital for effective communication with individuals, businesses, and organizations in Costa Rica. Accurate dialing prevents connection errors and ensures that the intended party is reached promptly. Historically, reliance on traditional landlines for these calls incurred substantial per-minute charges. Modern technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile applications, have introduced cost-effective alternatives for international communication, offering flexibility and often reduced rates.