Puerto Rico Area Code: Everything You Need To Know

Nick Leason

-Oct 25, 2025

Puerto Rico Area Code: Everything You Need To Know

Planning to call Puerto Rico? This guide covers everything you need to know about the Puerto Rico area code, including its history, how to use it, and frequently asked questions.

Key Takeaways

Puerto Rico uses area code 787 and 939, both overlay codes for the entire island.
To call Puerto Rico from the US, dial 1 + area code (787 or 939) + seven-digit local number.
Knowing the area code helps ensure successful calls to Puerto Rico and understand the call's origin.
Both 787 and 939 area codes serve all of Puerto Rico, meaning location within the island cannot be determined by area code alone.
When calling Puerto Rico from outside of the North American Numbering Plan, you'll need to use the country code +1.

Introduction

When contacting Puerto Rico, understanding the area code is crucial. Puerto Rico, a beautiful island territory of the United States, utilizes the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), making calls to and from the island relatively straightforward. This article will delve into the specifics of the Puerto Rico area code, how to use it, and other essential information for successful communication.

What & Why the Puerto Rico Area Code Matters

The primary area codes for Puerto Rico are 787 and 939. These area codes cover the entire island, meaning there's no geographical distinction between them. Initially, 787 was the sole area code, but due to increasing demand for phone numbers, 939 was introduced as an overlay. Knowing the correct area code is vital for successfully placing calls to Puerto Rico from the United States, other parts of the NANP, or internationally.

History of Puerto Rico Area Codes

1996: Area Code 787 Established: Originally, Puerto Rico shared the 809 area code with other Caribbean islands. In 1996, 787 was created to meet the island's growing communication needs.
2001: Area Code 939 Added: As demand for phone numbers increased, area code 939 was introduced as an overlay for the entire island. This meant that both 787 and 939 could be used anywhere in Puerto Rico.

Benefits of Understanding Area Codes

Ensures successful dialing: Using the correct area code is essential for calls to connect.
Identifies call origin: Knowing the area code can help you recognize the geographic source of a call.
Avoids dialing errors: Understanding how to use the area code correctly reduces the chances of misdialing.

Risks of Ignoring Area Codes

Call failures: Incorrect area codes result in calls not going through.
Missed communication: If you don't know the area code, you might miss important calls from Puerto Rico.
Confusion and frustration: Misdialing can lead to unnecessary inconvenience.

How to Call Puerto Rico

Calling Puerto Rico is similar to calling any other location within the United States and Canada, as it is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide

Dial 1: This is the country code for calls within the NANP.
Dial the Area Code: Use either 787 or 939, as both cover the entire island.
Dial the Seven-Digit Local Number: This is the specific number you are trying to reach.
- For example, if you're calling 787-XXX-XXXX or 939-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 1-787-XXX-XXXX or 1-939-XXX-XXXX.

Calling from Outside the NANP

If you are calling Puerto Rico from outside the NANP (e.g., Europe, Asia, Africa), you will need to:

Dial the international access code for your country (e.g., 011 from the US).
Dial the country code for the NANP, which is +1.
Dial the area code (787 or 939).
Dial the seven-digit local number.
- For example, from the UK, you would dial 00-1-787-XXX-XXXX or 00-1-939-XXX-XXXX.

Common Dialing Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the '1': When calling from within the NANP, always dial '1' before the area code.
Using the wrong area code: Always double-check that you are using 787 or 939.
Omitting the country code: When calling from outside the NANP, ensure you include the correct country code (+1).

Examples & Use Cases

Understanding how to use the Puerto Rico area code in various scenarios can clarify the process. Here are some practical examples: — Ben Stiller's Parents: A Look At His Comedy Heritage

Scenario 1: Calling a Business in San Juan

Let's say you need to call a business in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and their number is 787-XXX-XXXX. From the US, you would dial 1-787-XXX-XXXX. If their number starts with 939, you would dial 1-939-XXX-XXXX. The process is the same regardless of the specific location on the island.

Scenario 2: Calling a Friend in Ponce

If you have a friend in Ponce, Puerto Rico, with the number 939-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 1-939-XXX-XXXX from the US. Again, the area code applies island-wide, so the physical location within Puerto Rico does not change the dialing procedure. — The UPS Store Yuba City: Services & Solutions

Scenario 3: Calling from the United Kingdom

To call a number in Puerto Rico, such as 787-XXX-XXXX, from the UK, you would dial 00-1-787-XXX-XXXX. The '00' is the international access code for the UK, and '+1' is the country code for the NANP.

Scenario 4: Receiving a Call from Puerto Rico

If you receive a call from a number starting with 787 or 939, it is likely from Puerto Rico. This can be helpful in identifying the source of the call, especially if you have contacts or business dealings on the island.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To ensure successful communication with Puerto Rico, it's essential to follow best practices and avoid common mistakes when dialing.

Best Practices for Dialing Puerto Rico

Always include the area code: Whether dialing from within the NANP or internationally, the area code (787 or 939) is essential.
Use the correct country code: When calling from outside the NANP, ensure you include '+1'.
Double-check the number: Before dialing, verify that you have the correct local number and area code.
Save contacts with full numbers: Save phone numbers in your contacts with the full country code, area code, and local number to avoid future dialing errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the '1' when dialing from within the NANP: This is a frequent error that prevents the call from connecting.
Using an outdated area code: Stick to 787 and 939, as these are the current codes for the entire island.
Omitting the international access code: When calling from outside the NANP, this omission will result in a failed call.
Assuming location based on area code: Since both 787 and 939 cover the entire island, you cannot determine a specific location within Puerto Rico based on the area code alone.

FAQs About the Puerto Rico Area Code

Q1: What is the area code for Puerto Rico?

The primary area codes for Puerto Rico are 787 and 939. Both cover the entire island.

Q2: Do I need to dial a country code to call Puerto Rico from the US?

No, Puerto Rico is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), so you only need to dial '1' before the area code and local number.

Q3: What if I'm calling Puerto Rico from outside the US?

You need to dial the international access code for your country, then the country code '+1', followed by the area code (787 or 939) and the local number.

Q4: Can I tell where in Puerto Rico a call is coming from based on the area code?

No, both 787 and 939 cover the entire island, so the area code does not indicate a specific location within Puerto Rico. — Who Owns The Los Angeles Dodgers?

Q5: Why does Puerto Rico have two area codes?

Puerto Rico has two area codes (787 and 939) because the demand for phone numbers exceeded the capacity of a single area code. The 939 area code was introduced as an overlay to address this.

Conclusion with CTA

Understanding the Puerto Rico area code is essential for seamless communication with the island. Whether you're calling for business or personal reasons, following the correct dialing procedures ensures your calls connect successfully. Remember to use area codes 787 or 939 and adhere to the guidelines outlined in this article. For more information on international dialing codes and best practices, check out our other guides on telecommunications.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 18:35 UTC