Introduction
Embark on an exploration of Costa Rica’s postal code system, meticulously organized and efficiently designed to ensure seamless mail delivery across its diverse regions. With over 2,000 postal codes assigned to various cities, towns, and other localities, understanding the intricacies of this system is paramount for effective communication and navigation within the country.

The Costa Rican Postal Code System
Costa Rica’s postal code system is managed by Correos de Costa Rica (Correos), the official postal service provider. The postal codes, known as “códigos postales,” are composed of five digits, with each digit representing a specific level of geographical division.
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I. First Digit: Province
– 1: San José
– 2: Alajuela
– 3: Cartago
– 4: Heredia
– 5: Guanacaste
– 6: Puntarenas
– 7: Limón
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II. Second Digit: Canton
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III. Third Digit: District
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IV. Fourth and Fifth Digits: Specific Locality or Neighborhood
Key Applications of Postal Codes
The postal code system serves as the backbone for various applications, including:
- Mail Delivery: Accurate postal codes ensure that mail is delivered swiftly and efficiently to intended recipients.
- Address Verification: Businesses and organizations utilize postal codes to validate addresses and reduce the likelihood of erroneous deliveries.
- Geolocation: Postal codes provide a precise geographical reference, enabling location-based services such as mapping and navigation.
- Data Analysis: Postal codes facilitate the aggregation and analysis of data on various socioeconomic and demographic factors at a granular level.
Postal Codes in Major Cities and Towns
Table 1: Postal Codes for San José City
Locality | Postal Code |
---|---|
Catedral | 10101 |
Amon | 10102 |
La Sabana | 10103 |
Pavas | 10104 |
Escazú | 10105 |
Table 2: Postal Codes for Alajuela City
Locality | Postal Code |
---|---|
Central | 20101 |
San Isidro | 20102 |
Sabana Redonda | 20103 |
RÃo Segundo | 20104 |
Alajuelita | 20105 |
Table 3: Postal Codes for Cartago City
Locality | Postal Code |
---|---|
Central | 30101 |
Oreamuno | 30102 |
El Molino | 30103 |
Tres RÃos | 30104 |
ParaÃso | 30105 |
Table 4: Postal Codes for Heredia City
Locality | Postal Code |
---|---|
Heredia | 40101 |
San Francisco | 40102 |
San Pablo | 40103 |
La Virgen | 40104 |
San JoaquÃn | 40105 |
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s postal code system is a highly effective and well-organized means of facilitating mail delivery, verifying addresses, enabling geolocation, and supporting data analysis. By understanding the structure and applications of postal codes, individuals and organizations can optimize communication and navigation within Costa Rica, enabling seamless and efficient interactions.