How to Call the US from Costa Rica? A Step-by-Step Guide

When dialing the US from Costa Rica, you must understand the Costa Rica exit code and key components of the US phone number format, including the US country code, area code, and local subscriber number. Each of these codes plays a unique role in connecting your phone call accurately.

When making an international call, you should always begin with the exit code. The exit code used for Costa Rica is 00. This code tells the phone network to route the call internationally. If you’re calling from a mobile phone, you can usually replace this code with the plus sign (+).

US phone numbers follow a fixed structure. It includes the country code, a three-digit area code, and a seven-digit local number. Each code plays a specific role in connecting your call to the USA.

• US Country Code: The country code for the United States is 1. This code must be dialed immediately after an exit code when calling the US from overseas.
• Area Code: The area code is a three-digit number that identifies the city or region in the US. For example, 212 is used in New York City, while 305 is used in Miami. The area code comes right after the US country code.
• Local Subscriber Number: The local subscriber number is the final part of the US phone number. It consists of seven digits and identifies the specific person or business you’re calling.

To call the USA from Costa Rica, dial the Costa Rica exit code, followed by the US country code (1), the area code, and the US local phone number.

To call a US landline from Costa Rica, dial the Costa Rica exit code, the USA country code (1), the three-digit area code, and the seven-digit landline number.

• Step 1: Dial the Costa Rica exit code “00”.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Dial the area code of your target region in the US.
• Step 4: Dial the 7-digit local landline number.

To call a US cell phone number from Costa Rica, dial the Costa Rica exit code, then the US country code (1), followed by the 10-digit mobile number.

• Step 1: Dial Costa Rica’s exit code “00” or “+”.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Enter the 10-digit US mobile number.

Note: US mobile phone numbers already include the area code as part of the number. So, you don’t have to enter the area code separately.

To call the US toll-free number from Costa Rica, dial the Costa Rica exit code (00) followed by the US country code (1), toll-free prefix, and the remaining 7-digit subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the exit code of Costa Rica.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code (1).
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (e.g., 800, 833, 844, 866, etc.)
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit subscriber number.

Note: Not all US toll-free numbers may allow calling from overseas. For those that connect, international calling rates may still apply.

The best time to call the US from Costa Rica is during US business hours, usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the recipient’s time zone. For personal calls, late morning to early afternoon is a safe window.

Moreover, Costa Rica follows Central Standard Time (UTC-6) throughout the year. The time differences between the countries are just 1 to 2 hours, depending on the different US time zones. For example, the US East Coast is typically about 1 hour ahead, while the West Coast can be 2 hours behind Costa Rica.

The small time gap makes calling the US easier compared to many other countries. In general, calling between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM Costa Rica time works well for a convenient time.

The cost to call the US from Costa Rica can range from $0.15 to $0.50 per minute on average. The exact cost varies by the service provider. Costs are often higher due to international roaming charges. However, some providers may offer a discounted price on a different subscription model.

Here’s how much it costs with some popular carriers in Costa Rica:

Note: The prices mentioned above are average estimates. Actual calling rates may vary depending on your plan type (prepaid or postpaid), international add-ons, and any current promotions.

If traditional carrier rates feel too expensive, there are several more affordable ways to call the US from Costa Rica. Social media apps, VoIP services, and calling cards offer cost-effective alternatives for international calls. These options reduce costs by using the internet or prepaid credits instead of standard carrier minutes.

Social media and messaging apps are one of the easiest ways to call the US at no cost. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and Telegram allow voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. As long as both people use the same app and have a stable internet connection, calls are usually free, making this option ideal for personal and casual conversations.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services let you make calls over the internet instead of traditional phone networks using a virtual phone number. Unlike social media apps, you can also call regular phone numbers, including US landlines, mobile numbers, and, in many cases, toll-free numbers. The service provider usually offers a lower calling rate than traditional telephone carriers.

Calling cards remain a reliable low-cost option, especially if you do not prefer to use third-party apps. You simply buy a prepaid card with a fixed balance and dial an access number and PIN code before entering your recipient’s US number. The call is usually routed through your existing cellular network.

International calling doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know the correct dialing steps, country codes, and prefixes, calling the US from Costa Rica becomes easy. However, calling from a traditional phone carrier can be expensive. Thankfully, there are several cost-effective alternatives like using social media apps, virtual phone numbers, and calling cards.

Among these, a virtual phone number stands out for flexibility and added features. Calilio's virtual phone numbers, for instance, come with the essential telephony features like call forwarding, analytics, voicemail, and more. You can use your mobile, laptop, or tablet to make or receive calls from anywhere. You just need a stable internet connection. The basic plan starts at just $15 per month, and you get a US virtual phone number for free with every subscription.