To call Costa Alegre from Canada use the following procedure.  Dial the International access code from Canada (011), then the country code for Mexico (52), then the local area code (315), then the local number.  Note: Area codes can be one, two, or three digit numbers.

Long distance calls to Canada are accessed by dialing Canada's International access code (001), then the area code and the seven digit number.  001.(604).268.9302 (Air Transat, Vancouver)

In 1999 the phone numbering system was changed to match with the rest of North America.  Local telephone numbers will be seven digits, with a two or three digit area code.  It will probably take a few more years before they have the whole country converted.  In Costa Alegre only five digit numbers are listed, but from a pay phone you must dial all seven numbers.  For example to call the tourist bureau in Barra de Navidad from Canada you would dial 011.52.315.355.5100, but locally you would only dial 355.5100.  In some local areas, you only have to dial the last five digits.

To call long distance with-in Mexico, you have to dial the national long distance code (01) before dialing the one, two or three digit area code, and then the number.  For example to call the Hotel de Legazpi in Melaque from Puerto Vallarta dial 01.315.355.5397.  For cellular telephones dial (01), then the eight digit number.

Fax numbers are dialed the same as phone numbers.  Many fax numbers in Costa Alegre are regular voice telephones with a fax machine plugged in parallel.  If a person answers, you have to ask them to start their fax machine.  "Me da tono de fax, por favor"

It is recommended that you leave you personal cellular telephone at home.  It probably would not work, and if it did the cost would be very prohibited.  All calls to you would be long distance!  If your staying in Costa Alegre for a few months, you may be able to activate you cell phone on their system.  Take your phone to a local cellular agent to see if they will activate it.  To dial a local cellular number within the same area code location, dial (044), then the number.

Pre-paid Mexican phone cards can be purchased at small stores and shops in $30, $50, $100 peso amounts.  The are normally used for local calls to avoid packing lots of peso coins.  Tel-Mex charges a peso per minute.  These cards are highly recommended for local calls.

Directory assistance dial (040).  For collect or person-to-person calls within Mexico dial (020).  For collect or person-to-person calls to outside of Mexico, dial the international operator at (090).  Bear in mind that the operators will probably not speak English.

If you are going to be using Canada Direct to call home to Canada, be sure to take you provincial telephone company's calling card with you.  This will save you money if you're making many calls.