Phones in Puerto Rico

Phones

All Puerto Rican phone numbers -- like those throughout the United States -- consist of a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number. Puerto Rico's area codes are 787 and 939. Toll-free numbers (prefix 800, 888, or 877) are widely used in Puerto Rico, and many can be accessed from North America. You can also access many North American toll-free numbers from the island.

Cell phones are a viable alternative to using local service if you need to keep records of your bills. Call your cell-phone company before departing to get information about activation and roaming charges. Companies that have service on the island include Cellular One, Cingular, and Sprint. For many cell-phone users, Puerto Rico is considered part of their regular nationwide calling area; for others, it's considered international.

Phone Cards

Phone cards are widely available. The Puerto Rico Telephone Company sells its "Ring Cards" in various denominations that can be used for both local and international calls. They're available in shops, supermarkets, and drugstores as well as from the phone company.

Information

Ring Cards (800/981-9105).

Public Phones

Pay phones, which are abundant in tourist areas, use coins or prepaid phone cards; some accept credit cards. Local calls are 25¢, and on-island, long-distance calls cost about 50¢.