Costa Rica: Voice calls onlyLast verified 2026-09-20
DialAnyone calls Costa Rica from $0.02 per minute with no monthly fee and no contract, billed by the second from a credit balance. Messenger is compared against that below on price, on what it takes to get started, and on whether you can hold a Costa Rica number.
Costa Rica numbers are voice-only wherever you buy them, so neither service can offer one that receives SMS verification codes.
DialAnyone wins for calling Costa Rica
From $0.00/min | No app required | No monthly fees
Feature Comparison for Costa Rica
Feature
DialAnyone
Messenger
Calls to Costa Rica
From $0.00/min
Varies
App Required
No (browser-based)
Yes
Monthly Fees
None
Free tier available
Call Any Phone
Yes (landline + mobile)
Only app-to-app
SMS to Costa Rica
Yes
In-app only
eSIM Data
Yes (216+ countries)
No
Call Quality
HD VoIP
Depends on internet
Virtual Numbers
Available
No
Why Choose DialAnyone Over Messenger for Costa Rica
✓
Call any phone number in Costa Rica — landline or mobile — without the recipient needing an app
✓
Rates to Costa Rica start at just $0.00/min with pay-as-you-go pricing
✓
Works directly in your browser — no download or installation needed
✓
One account for calls, texts, and eSIM data to Costa Rica
✓
Credits never expire, so you can buy in bulk and save up to 25%
✓
HD voice quality using modern WebRTC technology
Networks DialAnyone Reaches in Costa Rica
Messenger can only reach other Messenger users. DialAnyone calls any number on any of these Costa Rica networks, whether or not the person has an app.
The same networks carry our eSIM data in Costa Rica, from $4.30/GB.
Telecommunications in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a robust telecommunications infrastructure that supports both mobile and landline services. The country is serviced primarily by two major mobile network operators: Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), which operates under the brand name Kolbi, and Claro, a subsidiary of América Móvil. Both companies provide extensive 4G coverage across most urban areas, with ICE also rolling out 5G services in select regions, particularly in San José. As of late 2023, mobile phone penetration in Costa Rica is impressive, with over 150% of the population subscribed to mobile services, indicating that many individuals use multiple SIM cards or devices. Landline usage remains prevalent, especially in business environments, although mobile phones have largely overtaken landlines in personal use. The country has made significant investments in expanding its telecommunications network, resulting in improved connectivity and internet access throughout both urban and rural areas.
Best Times to Call Costa Rica
Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. Unlike many countries, Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time, making it consistent year-round. The typical workday in Costa Rica runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, many businesses may start as early as 7:00 AM. For personal calls, evenings and weekends are generally more suitable, as most people are off work and more relaxed. It is advisable to avoid calling during lunch hours (generally between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM) or on national holidays when most businesses are closed. Key holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Independence Day (September 15), and Christmas (December 25). Being mindful of these timeframes can enhance your communication effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DialAnyone cheaper than Messenger for calling Costa Rica?▼
DialAnyone offers calls to Costa Rica starting at $0.00/min with no monthly fees. Messenger offers free app-to-app calls but can't reach regular phone numbers. For calling landlines and mobiles in Costa Rica, DialAnyone is typically the more affordable option.
Can Messenger call landlines in Costa Rica?▼
Messenger can only make calls between app users. To reach landlines or mobile numbers in Costa Rica, you need a VoIP service like DialAnyone.
Do I need to download an app to call Costa Rica?▼
With DialAnyone, no app is needed — call Costa Rica directly from your web browser. Messenger requires a mobile app. DialAnyone's browser-based approach means you can call from any device instantly.
Which is better for calling Costa Rica: DialAnyone or Messenger?▼
For calling regular phone numbers in Costa Rica, DialAnyone offers better value: lower rates ($0.00/min), no app required, and no monthly fees. Messenger is good for app-to-app messaging but limited for actual phone calls. DialAnyone also offers eSIM data and SMS alongside calling.
Can I use both DialAnyone and Messenger for Costa Rica?▼
Yes! Many users combine services. Use Messenger for messaging friends who have the app, and DialAnyone for calling anyone else in Costa Rica. DialAnyone's credit-based system means you only pay when you use it.
Switch to DialAnyone for Costa Rica
Better rates, no app required, same great quality.