If you are now having trouble checking voicemail from your cell phone, it’s because the country’s cell phone provider added another digit to service phone numbers Tuesday.
Instead of dialing “190” to access voicemail, the number has switched to “1190”. Other service numbers, such as information “113” and international calls with operator assistance “116,” also received an additional “1.”
Numbers between “120” and “129” now have a “0” after the “1.” The emergency number “911,” remains unchanged.
Though the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), which controls all telecommunications in Costa Rica, pledged to remind callers of the change by installing a recording; many three-digit calls have been answered with a “beep, beep, beep” and silence.
Those still having trouble with the system can report complaints to 8000-273737 (8000-ARESEP) and 8008-78835 (800-88-SUTEL).