Costa Rica – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Costa Rica, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Costa Rica’s country code is 506, dialled immediately after your international access prefix when calling from outside the country. From most nations, you would enter your outbound international code (commonly 00 or +), followed by 506, then the local number. A complete internationally formatted number appears as +506-XXXX-XXXX.

Costa Rica operates with no area codes whatsoever. Every phone number — whether a landline or a mobile — consists of exactly 8 digits. This often catches newcomers off guard, especially those arriving from countries such as France, Germany, or Mexico, where city or region prefixes must be dialled before reaching the local number. In Costa Rica, the number’s opening digit reveals the type of line rather than a geographic location.

The numbering system follows a closed plan built on 8 digits. The leading digit signals the service category: landlines open with 2, mobile numbers with 8, and VoIP lines with 21. As subscriber demand expanded, mobile numbers were also allocated ranges beginning with 6 and 7, broadening the available pool of numbers.

Costa Rica made the switch to 8-digit numbers in 2008, simultaneously eliminating all area codes. Whether your destination is San José, the beaches of Guanacaste, the Central Valley, the Southern Zone, or the Caribbean lowlands, the dialling format is identical: no leading zero, no regional prefix — just the country code and the 8-digit number.

When making a call within Costa Rica, only the 8-digit number is required. No national access code is needed, regardless of whether you are dialling from a landline to another landline, from a landline to a mobile, or between two mobiles. This uniformity makes domestic calling considerably more intuitive than in countries where distinct regional codes still apply.

Toll-free numbers in Costa Rica begin with 800 followed by 7 digits, while premium-rate lines start with 900 and are similarly followed by 7 digits. The universal emergency number is 911, accessible from anywhere in the country.

Who are the major landline providers in Costa Rica, and how can you contact them?

Since 2010, Costa Rica’s telecoms sector has been overseen by the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL). This regulatory body is responsible for promoting efficiency, fairness, sustainability, quality, and broad coverage across the country’s communications market. You can reach SUTEL through their official website at sutel.go.cr.

When it comes to fixed-line services, the undisputed leader is ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad), the state-owned entity responsible for both electricity and telecommunications across Costa Rica. ICE historically held an exclusive monopoly over the telecoms sector and continues to be the primary supplier of residential landlines nationwide. Its consumer-facing residential and commercial fixed-line services are marketed under the Kölbi Hogar brand. More information is available at grupoice.com, or you can reach their customer support team by dialling 800-ICEHELP (800-4234357).

Beyond ICE, Costa Rica also has a number of regional and community providers, many of which are rural electrification cooperatives. Examples include Coopelesca, serving communities in the northern zone, and Coopeguanacaste, operating in the Chorotega region. These cooperatives frequently serve expat communities in Guanacaste and surrounding areas that lie beyond the reach of ICE’s primary infrastructure, so it is advisable to ask locally which provider covers your exact address.

Other operators with fixed-line and broadband offerings in certain zones include CABLETICA (cabletica.com) and Tigo (formerly Amnet, tigo.cr), both of which concentrate mainly on the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) centred on San José and offer bundled packages combining landline with cable television. Pricing and service availability evolve frequently — always verify current tariffs directly on each provider’s website and confirm that service reaches your specific address before committing.

Fixed-line coverage in Costa Rica is broadly solid, underpinned by a mix of point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave links, fibre-optic runs, and coaxial cable extending into rural communities. That said, genuinely remote locations — such as parts of the Osa Peninsula or the lowland Caribbean zone — may offer very limited landline options, leaving mobile connectivity or fixed wireless broadband as the more practical solutions.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Costa Rica, and how can you contact them?

Costa Rica’s mobile market is divided among three operators: ICE under its Kölbi brand, Liberty (previously known as Movistar), and Claro. Kölbi commands the largest slice of the market. According to figures released by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), Kölbi held 42.4% of mobile subscribers by the close of 2024, with Liberty claiming 37.1% and Claro accounting for 19.7%.

Kölbi (ICE)

Kölbi is the commercial identity of the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and sits at the top of the market. Its government-backed status translates into broader geographic reach than its competitors, making it the most dependable choice for those living in rural or less densely populated regions. Website: kolbi.cr. Customer service: dial 1719 from a Kölbi line, or visit any ICE/Kölbi branch in person.

Liberty (formerly Movistar)

Liberty has grown into a formidable rival, with a modern network infrastructure and competitive plan offerings, particularly within urban centres. The operator was among the earliest to acquire spectrum in the 2025 5G auction. While performance in cities and major towns is strong, signal reliability can diminish in more isolated locations. Website: libertycr.com. Customer service: dial 1718 from a Liberty number.

Claro

Claro operates across Latin America and holds the third position in Costa Rica’s mobile landscape, delivering a reasonable combination of coverage and pricing. It is often a particularly appealing option for those who make frequent international calls, as Claro tends to offer competitive cross-border rates and dedicated international packages. As with Liberty, coverage in the most remote corners of the country may fall short of Kölbi’s reach. Website: claro.cr. Customer service: dial 1720 from a Claro number.

Signal quality across Costa Rica can shift noticeably within short distances. The country’s mountainous landscape and dense forest create natural obstacles that interrupt coverage, and there remain pockets where no network reaches at all. Before settling on accommodation in a remote area, it is wise to ask existing residents which carrier performs best nearby, since reception can differ dramatically even within a single valley or hillside community. All three operators publish coverage maps on their respective websites, which are worth consulting before making a decision.

By mid-2025, both Liberty and Claro had launched 5G services, though deployment remained confined to the most heavily populated urban zones. Kölbi’s 4G/4.5G network continues to offer the widest geographic footprint. For the latest plan pricing, visit each operator’s official website directly, as rates are subject to regular change.

How do I get a landline connected in Costa Rica?

Setting up a residential landline in Costa Rica means engaging primarily with ICE/Kölbi, given their control of the national fixed-line network. The process can take more time and paperwork than in countries with fully liberalised markets, so planning in advance is sensible — particularly if a reliable home office connection is a priority. Always verify current document requirements and installation timelines directly with ICE, as procedures may be updated.

1. Confirm availability at your address. Use the ICE portal at grupoice.com or phone 800-ICEHELP to find out whether a landline connection is feasible at your specific property. In certain rural locations, the necessary infrastructure may not yet exist, and fixed wireless or cable broadband could be a more realistic option.
2. Assemble your documentation. It is advisable to verify the exact document requirements with the provider before visiting, as these can vary. Generally, you will need a valid passport or identity card. Residents should also present their DIMEX (residency card), while both property owners and tenants will typically need proof of address — usually satisfied by a utility bill, a signed rental agreement, or a property title deed. Those on temporary residency should check directly with ICE regarding any different requirements that may apply.
3. Submit your application in person. Visit an ICE/Kölbi service centre with your full set of documents. Principal offices are found in San José (Sabana Sur), Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Liberia (Guanacaste), and San Isidro del General. While some steps can be initiated through the ICE online portal, a new connection typically requires an in-person visit at some stage.
4. Pay the installation fee and any deposit required. A connection fee applies for new landline installations, and ICE may also request a deposit. Confirm the current amounts either on the ICE website or at the service centre, as these figures are set by SUTEL and may be revised periodically.
5. Allow time for installation. Waiting times depend on your location and existing demand. Urban properties are usually connected within a few working days to a fortnight. In rural settings or newly developed areas where additional infrastructure may be needed, the process can take considerably longer. Ask ICE to give you an estimated completion date when you submit your application.
6. Activate the service and verify the line. Once the line is installed, test it to make sure everything is working correctly. Store your account number and service reference details somewhere accessible for use when paying bills or reporting faults.

If you already hold a landline with ICE and have a clear payment history, you will generally be eligible to add an internet service to your account. Renters should ask their landlord whether an existing landline connection is already in place, as transferring an active line to a new occupant is typically simpler and faster than establishing an entirely new connection. For any unresolved issues with billing or service quality, SUTEL is the appropriate authority to approach, as it holds regulatory oversight of all providers.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Costa Rica?

Acquiring a mobile SIM in Costa Rica is a smooth process that accommodates newcomers at every stage — whether you have just stepped off a plane or have been living in the country for years. The essential distinction to understand is the difference between prepaid (prepago) and postpaid (postpago) arrangements.

Prepaid SIM cards

For expats and visitors alike, prepaid is by far the most accessible route. You purchase a SIM, load credit onto it (“recargar”), and use the service as needed. Providers also sell bundled data packages covering a set number of days or weeks. No contract, credit check, or proof of residency is needed, which makes Costa Rica notably more welcoming in this respect than countries such as France or Germany, where even prepaid registration can require documentary proof of a local address or a national identity document.

As of 2024, SIM card prices are approximately 790 CRC (~USD $1.50) from Claro, 1,000 CRC (~USD $1.85) from Kölbi, and 1,500 CRC (~USD $2.80) from Liberty. Prices at airport retail points may be somewhat higher. Always cross-check current pricing on each provider’s official website before buying.

SIMs can be purchased at airport kiosks immediately on arrival or at branded provider stores throughout the country. Formerly, Kölbi operated desks at both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, but these have since closed. Travellers arriving at SJO will find Kölbi, Claro, and Liberty storefronts at City Mall in Alajuela, which is approximately five minutes from the airport. When you buy your SIM, the store will help configure your handset, verify that it is working, and note down the number assigned to your new card.

To purchase a prepaid SIM, you will need to present your passport and supply a Costa Rican address for registration purposes.

Postpaid contracts

Postpaid arrangements involve a monthly fixed charge in exchange for an agreed allowance of data, calls, and texts. These plans generally offer better value for high-volume users, but they are only available to those who hold legal residency in Costa Rica — specifically the DIMEX card issued by the immigration authority (DGME) — and who can pass a credit assessment. If your residency application is still in progress, a prepaid plan remains your only option until a DIMEX is formally issued to you.

To use any Costa Rican SIM, your handset must be unlocked and GSM-compatible, supporting the 850 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands. The vast majority of contemporary smartphones sold internationally meet these requirements, but it is worth checking your device’s specifications before departing, particularly if it is an older or region-specific model.

At present, no Costa Rican mobile operator makes eSIMs available to prepaid customers. If you depend on eSIM functionality, you will need a physical SIM for your local Costa Rican number. Third-party travel eSIM services can be used in parallel for data, but these will not provide you with a Costa Rican telephone number.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Costa Rica?

Landline and postpaid mobile bills in Costa Rica are issued on a monthly basis. Prepaid users, by contrast, simply top up their balance as required and never receive a formal invoice. Both payment scenarios are well catered for across a variety of channels.

Payment methods for postpaid and landline bills

• Online banking via SINPE: Costa Rica’s SINPE interbank transfer platform enables you to settle utility and telecoms invoices directly from your Costa Rican bank account. For residents with a local account, this is typically the most convenient arrangement, functioning similarly to a standing order or direct debit in other countries.
• Automatic debit (débito automático): Most providers, including ICE/Kölbi, allow you to link a Costa Rican bank account or credit card for automatic monthly billing. This is strongly recommended as a way of avoiding accidental late payments.
• Provider website or app: Each of the three major carriers maintains an online account portal and a mobile application through which you can review bills and process card payments. ICE’s platform is accessible at grupoice.com.
• In person at service centres: Cash and card payments are accepted at any ICE/Kölbi, Claro, or Liberty service location. ICE bills can additionally be settled at numerous bank branches and authorised payment agents around the country.
• Supermarkets and convenience outlets: A broad range of bills in Costa Rica — including telecoms — can be paid at certain supermarket chains and convenience stores. Check with your provider to find out which authorised retail payment points accept your account.

Prepaid top-up (recarga)

Once you are using a prepaid SIM, credit can be added in a variety of ways. Most operators offer a range of packages combining data allowances with call time. Recharges are available at supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience shops, through each carrier’s own app, or via SINPE Móvil transfers. Physical scratch-card vouchers (tarjetas de recarga) remain widely available at small neighbourhood shops (pulperías) throughout the country, making it easy to top up even in areas far from urban centres.

Failure to pay postpaid or landline bills on time may lead to service suspension, much as in other countries. ICE typically issues a warning before cutting service, though the grace period may be shorter than what users from some other systems are accustomed to. Enrolling in automatic payment is the most reliable way to prevent any interruption. For billing disputes, SUTEL provides a formal complaints pathway through its website. Visit sutel.go.cr for the relevant contact details and complaint submission process.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Costa Rica as a newcomer?

WhatsApp is essential

WhatsApp dominates personal and professional communication in Costa Rica to a degree that surprises many newcomers. If a standard call fails to connect or the audio quality is poor, switching to a WhatsApp voice or video call is a widely accepted and expected alternative. Unlike parts of Europe where SMS or email remain the default for business exchanges, WhatsApp is the go-to channel for everything from coordinating a tradesperson to booking a table at a restaurant. Getting it installed as soon as you have a local SIM is strongly advisable.

Coverage in popular expat areas

ICE’s Kölbi network offers the most comprehensive geographic coverage in Costa Rica, especially outside urban centres. Well-known expat areas — including the Central Valley communities of Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia, and Atenas, the Guanacaste coastal towns of Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara, and Southern Zone locations such as Uvita and Dominical — are generally well connected. However, signal strength tends to fall off sharply once you venture into forested valleys or hilly terrain. Major tourist destinations and heavily used roads typically have reasonable coverage, though signal gaps can still appear along the way.

International roaming

Although roaming on your existing home-country plan is technically possible, the associated costs can be steep. Using a local SIM is far more economical for anyone planning to use their phone with any regularity. Some providers offer specific international calling and data bundles, so it is worth enquiring with your carrier before any cross-border travel. If you make frequent international calls, Claro in particular often provides competitive rates for reaching other countries.

Number portability

Switching between Kölbi, Liberty, and Claro while retaining your existing Costa Rican mobile number is permitted under the country’s number portability rules. To do so, simply visit a store belonging to the operator you want to move to and request a transfer — the new provider handles the process from there. Unlike some countries where porting completes within a single business day, the timeline in Costa Rica can extend to several days; ask your chosen provider for an up-to-date estimate.

eSIM availability

None of Costa Rica’s mobile operators currently offer eSIMs to prepaid customers. Liberty has no eSIM offering even for postpaid subscribers. If you are relocating from a market where eSIM is the norm — such as the United States, where certain iPhone models no longer include a physical SIM tray — you will need to ensure you have a device with a physical SIM slot and that it is fully unlocked before arriving in Costa Rica.

Phone compatibility

A Costa Rican SIM requires an unlocked GSM handset supporting the 850 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands. The overwhelming majority of smartphones sold on the international market in recent years are compatible, but older or region-specific devices may lack these bands. Review your device’s technical specifications in advance and make sure it is fully unlocked from any previous carrier before travelling.

Keeping a foreign number

It is not possible to port a foreign number into the Costa Rican network — portability rules apply only among the three domestic operators. If ongoing access to your existing foreign number is important, the practical approach is to run a VoIP service (such as Google Voice, a Skype Number, or a low-cost holding plan on your home-country SIM) in parallel with your Costa Rican SIM. Dual-SIM smartphones make managing both numbers simultaneously straightforward.

The regulatory safety net

SUTEL oversees all telecoms providers in Costa Rica and maintains a framework of consumer protections that can be particularly valuable for expats navigating an unfamiliar system. If you encounter billing errors, unexplained service interruptions, or a provider that fails to resolve a complaint satisfactorily, SUTEL is the appropriate escalation point. Their website at sutel.go.cr sets out the formal complaints process and provides relevant contact information.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Costa Rica?

Transferring a foreign telephone number into the Costa Rican network is not possible. Number portability within Costa Rica is limited to moving between the three domestic operators — Kölbi, Liberty, and Claro. If you wish to remain reachable on your existing foreign number, you will need to keep that SIM active or subscribe to a VoIP service in your home country, running it alongside your new Costa Rican number.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Costa Rica?

Yes, you will need to present your passport and supply a Costa Rican address when purchasing a SIM. For prepaid cards, this is primarily a registration formality — there is no requirement to produce documentary proof of address in the way a postpaid contract would demand. A hotel address or the address of a friend or contact is generally acceptable when you have just arrived.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Costa Rica?

Absolutely. Prepaid SIMs are available to tourists with no contract or residency requirement. You simply purchase the SIM, load credit as needed, and optionally buy a data package covering a fixed number of days. The only document required is your passport.

What documents do I need for a postpaid mobile contract?

Postpaid plans involve a fixed monthly charge and require you to hold legal residency status in Costa Rica — specifically the DIMEX card issued by the immigration authority (DGME) — along with a satisfactory credit assessment. Until your DIMEX has been formally issued, a prepaid plan is your only option.

Which mobile provider has the best rural coverage in Costa Rica?

Kölbi (ICE), as the state-owned incumbent, maintains the most extensive network across the country, including in remote and rural areas. Both Liberty and Claro can experience weaker performance away from urban centres. For those moving to the Southern Zone, the Caribbean coast, or outlying areas of Guanacaste, Kölbi is generally the most reliable choice.

Is 5G available in Costa Rica?

Liberty and Claro launched 5G services in mid-2025, though deployment has so far been confined to the most densely populated urban areas. The technology is still in its early rollout phase, and the majority of users throughout the country continue to rely on 4G LTE for mobile data. Consult each provider’s coverage map for the most current information on 5G availability in a specific location.

Can I get an eSIM for use in Costa Rica?

No Costa Rican mobile operator currently provides eSIMs to prepaid customers, and Liberty has no eSIM option even for postpaid subscribers. You will need a physical SIM to obtain a local Costa Rican number. Third-party travel eSIM services can supplement your connectivity with data access, but they will not assign you a Costa Rican telephone number.

Who regulates telephone services in Costa Rica, and how can I make a complaint?

Telecommunications in Costa Rica fall under the regulatory authority of SUTEL (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones), which is responsible for ensuring efficiency, fairness, sustainability, quality, and broad coverage across the sector. SUTEL provides an online mechanism for submitting consumer complaints. Full details of the complaints process, consumer rights information, and contact options are available at sutel.go.cr.