Costa Rica Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Understand Costa Rica's +506 phone number format: an 8-digit closed system. Includes landline (2XXX-XXXX), mobile (8XXX-XXXX) examples, and VoIP (21XX-XXXX). Validate numbers using regex: `^2\d{7}$`, `^8\d{7}$`. Learn dialing procedures and number portability.
Phone number standards3 min read
Frequently asked questions
Costa Rican phone numbers are 8 digits long and follow a closed numbering plan. The first digit indicates the service type (landline, mobile, etc.). For example, landlines start with '2', mobiles with '8', and VoIP numbers with '21'.
To call Costa Rica from abroad, dial the international access code (00 or +), followed by the Costa Rica country code (506), and then the 8-digit local number. So, a complete number would look like +506-XXXX-XXXX.
Domestic calls in Costa Rica require only the 8-digit phone number. No national prefix is needed, whether calling landline to landline, landline to mobile, or mobile to mobile.
The country code for Costa Rica is +506. This code is required when dialing Costa Rican numbers from outside the country.
A closed numbering plan means all phone numbers have a fixed length, in Costa Rica's case, 8 digits. This differs from open numbering plans where lengths can vary.
You can validate Costa Rican numbers using regular expressions (regex). Specific regex patterns exist for each service type (landline, mobile, VoIP, etc.) as detailed in the article's table and regex section.
Costa Rica does not use area codes in the traditional sense. The first digit of the 8-digit number indicates the service type, not a geographic area.
Costa Rica transitioned to the 8-digit system in 2008 to accommodate the growth in mobile phone users and the introduction of 3G services.
Use the international prefix (00 or +) only when calling Costa Rica from another country. For domestic calls within Costa Rica, dial the 8-digit number directly.
Yes, Costa Rica supports number portability, which allows you to retain your existing phone number even if you change service providers.
The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) is the regulatory body responsible for managing phone number allocation and compliance with international standards.
The ITU-T E.164 standard defines the international telephone numbering plan. Costa Rica adheres to this standard, ensuring global compatibility and enabling international dialing.
Developers should use regex for validation, store numbers in E.164 format, and design systems to handle number portability and special number formats like toll-free numbers.
For the latest information, visit the official website of the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL), the Costa Rican telecom regulatory body.
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Quick Reference
Overview
Costa Rica utilizes an 8-digit closed telephone numbering plan. The first digit indicates the service type, such as landline or mobile. This guide offers a detailed overview of Costa Rica's telephone numbering system, including formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
Number Formats
Costa Rica's phone numbers are structured as follows:
^2\d{7}$^8\d{7}$^21\d{6}$^800\d{7}$^90[059]\d{7}$^911$^1\d{3}$Detailed Number Structure
Regular Expressions for Validation
^2\d{7}$^8\d{7}$^21\d{6}$^800\d{7}$^90[059]\d{7}$^911$^1\d{3}$Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
International Calls
00(international access code) +506(Costa Rica country code) + 8-digit local number.+506followed by the 8-digit local number.Number Portability
Costa Rica supports number portability, allowing users to keep their phone numbers when changing service providers. This system enhances competition among telecom operators and meets the growing demand for mobile services.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
Regulatory Body and Number Management
ITU-T Recommendations
Costa Rica adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard for international telephone numbering, ensuring global uniqueness and facilitating international dialing.
Recent and Upcoming Changes
Technical Considerations
For Developers and System Administrators