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The phone number format in Barbados is relatively simple since the entire island operates under a single area code. However, callers from overseas may experience dialing errors due to the need to follow national number formats, including unique Barbados phone codes or prefixes.

Knowing details on specific international exit codes, country codes, and area codes allows you to make calls without disruption. So, let’s learn about the Barbados phone number format in detail in this blog.


Basic Components of Barbados Phone Number Format

A complete Barbados number format includes Barbados country code, area code, and unique local numbers. Understanding these components helps you to make a call to the right destination on the Island.

Barbados Country Code

Country codes are mandatory when making international calls. Barbados's country code is “1,” the same as the US and Canada telephone codes because it is also part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

💡 Note: Before country code, you must always dial your country’s exit code or the “+” sign when calling from a cell phone for international calls.

Barbados Area Code

Surprisingly, Barbados has only one area code: 246. This phone code covers the entire island and does not limit calls to distinct cities or regions. While you do not need it for local calling, the area code should include the full phone number when calling from outside the country.

Local Number

The Barbados local number consists of 7 digits. It is a unique identifier for landlines and mobile phones across the Island. In Barbados number format, local numbers come after the country and area codes.

Types of Barbados Phone Number

1. Landline Number

Barbados’ landline number consists of 10 digits. The standard format would be 246 42X-123X. Additionally, the first three digits after the Barbados area code (246) relatively represent specific regions.

Some popular locations, alongside their unique central office codes are presented below:

 

Area

Central Office Codes

St. Michael

420, 426, 437

St. Peter

422

St. Philip

423

Christ Church

418, 420, 428

💡 For Example:

if a Barbados landline number is +1 (246) 418 567X, it belongs to the Christ Church region.

2. Mobile Number

Similar to landline numbers, Barbados mobile numbers also have the same format. While the initial three digits in the landline indicate specific regions within the country, the first three digits in the mobile number indicate the carrier code. Digicel and Flow are two popular mobile carriers in Barbados.
 

  • Digicel: 822, 231, and 266
  • Flow (formerly LIME): 230, 233, and 234

💡 For Example:

if a mobile number is +1 (246) 822 567X, it belongs to Digicel.

3. Toll-Free Number

Toll-free numbers in Barbados generally start with 1800 and are followed by a 7-digit local number. Businesses use these numbers to optimize sales and enhance customer service.

A Barbados toll-free number format is 1800-XXX-XXXX.
 

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Barbados Phone Code for Special Services

The Barbados government has provided unique phone codes for emergency services. The special phone codes, also called N11 codes, make it easier for callers to contact emergency services easily and instantly. Here are some special Barbados telephone codes:

 

Service

Code

Service

Code

Police

211

Service provider’s repair service

611

Fire

311

Service provider’s business office

811

Service provider’s directory assistance

411

Public Service Answering Point/Emergency number

911

Ambulance

511

-

-

Barbados Number Format for Domestic and International Calls

The Barbados number format is slightly different for domestic and international calls. While you can simply dial the local number for domestic calls, you’d need to add an international access code when calling from overseas.

Local Calls

While making calls within Barbados, you just need to dial the seven-digit local number. Plus, dialing formats for landlines and mobile phones are also the same.
 

  • For Landline and Mobile: Dial only the seven-digit phone number.

    Barbados telephone code/format example for landline or mobile numbers: 234 5678.

  • Toll-free Number: Dial toll-free prefix with subscriber number.

    Barbados phone code/format example for toll-free numbers: 1800 243 4567.

International Calls

As Barbados is a part of the NANP, calling from member countries like the US and Canada is simple. You must dial the long-distance prefix “1” followed by the area code and subscriber’s number. For example, if you’re calling from US or Canada, dial 1 (246) 123 45XX.

However, when making calls from outside the NANP, Barbados phone number format includes the international access code (exit code), Barbados dialing code(+1), area code, and local number. For instance, if you’re calling from the United Kingdom to the Barbados number “345 67XX”, follow the format 00 1 246 345 67XX or +1 246 345 67XX.

Things to Remember While Calling Barbados from Overseas

To make successful calls to Barbados, you must follow the right dialing pattern, including unique Barbados telephone codes. You must also understand the time differences and calling costs for overseas calls to make a call at the right time at an affordable cost.

Calling Cost

International calls are more expensive than local calls, affecting enterprises and individuals who need to make calls frequently. Therefore, a Virtual Phone Number can be an alternative to traditional phone services. It helps reduce costs, especially on international calls.

Time Difference

One of the main causes of unsuccessful calls is the time difference between the two countries. The time zone between Barbados and your county can differ depending on location.

Barbados follows Atlantic Standard Time, four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country’s business hours range from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. So, ensure that you make calls keeping these things in mind.

Wrapping Up

With a single area code (246) and a consistent pattern for landline and mobile, Barbados offers a simple approach to phoning. However, following the right dialing format is essential for an accurate connection locally and internationally.

Besides the Barbados phone number format, consider factors like time differences and cost when making international calls. International calls to Barbados are typically expensive. Sign up with Calilio and get a virtual Barbados phone number to call Barbados at local rates while enjoying superior call quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to call Barbados from overseas?

The cost of calling Barbados from overseas depends on service providers, the duration of calls, and the distance between callers. For instance, Optimum, a signature brand of Altice USA, charges $0.219 and $0.264 per minute to call a landline and mobile number in Barbados.

Is there any other area code for Barbados?

No, Barbados has only one area code, 246, covering the entire island.

What is the country code for Barbados?

Barbados's country code is “1.” However, it’s also represented by the single area code - 246. So, ‘1 246’ is generally considered as the country code for Barbados.


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