Area Code 3182 – St. Eustatius
The phone area code for St. Eustatius is 3182 (international format +5993182). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
Geographic Overview and Regulatory Framework
The +599 3182 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the island of St. Eustatius, a special municipality of the Netherlands located in the Caribbean. Under the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba) share the country calling code +599, but each territory maintains distinct NDC ranges. The 3182 prefix specifically routes calls to fixed-line subscribers on St. Eustatius, also known affectionately as 'Statia.' The numbering administration follows the Dutch Caribbean numbering guidelines, ensuring that all local numbers are seven digits long when dialed in international format: +599 3182 XXX.
Dialing Procedures and Number Format
For callers within St. Eustatius, local calls are placed using the seven-digit number (3182 XXX) without the country code or trunk prefix. However, calls from other parts of the +599 area (e.g., Curaçao or Bonaire) require dialing the full international sequence: +599 3182 XXX. This is because each island operates as an independent numbering plan area (NPA) despite sharing the same country code. International callers must dial the plus sign (+) or the international access prefix (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries) followed by 599, then the NDC 3182, and the four-digit subscriber number. For example, to call a fixed line in St. Eustatius from the United States, you would dial: 011 599 3182 XXXX.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Significance
St. Eustatius is part of the Caribbean Netherlands and is governed by the Dutch central government. The island's economy relies heavily on tourism, diving, and the historical Oranjestad harbor. The 3182 prefix covers the entire island, including the capital Oranjestad and the surrounding residential areas. Because of the small population (approximately 3,000 inhabitants), the prefix range is limited, and number exhaustion is not a current concern. However, the Dutch regulatory authority (RDI) monitors usage to ensure efficient allocation.
Caller Guidance and Practical Considerations
When calling a St. Eustatius number from abroad, always verify the correct number of digits. The full international number is 12 digits: +599 followed by the seven-digit national number. Avoid omitting the leading '3' of the NDC, as it is an integral part of the routing. For VoIP users, ensure that your service provider supports calls to the Caribbean Netherlands; some providers may classify these as international calls, and rates may vary. For local businesses, it is advisable to display numbers in international format (+599 3182 XXXX) on websites and marketing materials to facilitate global reach.