Area Code 72 – Bonaire
The phone area code for Bonaire is 72 (international format +59972). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
Overview of Area Code +599 72
Area code +599 72 is a geographic numbering allocation within the Curaçao telephone numbering plan, specifically designated for the island of Bonaire. Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands located in the southern Caribbean, part of the former Netherlands Antilles. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) telephone services and is assigned to subscribers within the island's territory.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The +599 72 prefix covers the entire island of Bonaire, including its capital, Kralendijk, and smaller settlements such as Rincon and Antriol. Administratively, Bonaire is a public body of the Netherlands, and its telecommunications are regulated under the Dutch framework, though it maintains a distinct numbering plan separate from the Netherlands and other Caribbean territories.
Dialing Formats
When dialing a Bonaire fixed-line number from abroad, the international format is +599 72X XXXX, where the full number typically consists of the country code (599), the area code (72), and a seven-digit subscriber number. For example, a local number might appear as +599 721 2345. Within Bonaire, local calls are made using the seven-digit number alone, without the area code, as the island operates as a single closed numbering plan area. However, calls from other parts of Curaçao (e.g., from the main island using +599 9) require dialing the full national number including the area code.
Overlay Considerations
Currently, there is no overlay code in effect for Bonaire; the +599 72 prefix is the sole geographic code for fixed-line services on the island. This simplifies dialing, as there are no competing area codes for the same geographic region. However, as telecommunications evolve, future overlays are possible, but as of now, the numbering plan remains straightforward.
Caller Instructions
For international callers, dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), followed by 599, then 72, and the local seven-digit number. For callers within Bonaire, simply dial the seven-digit number. For callers from other countries in the Caribbean or from the Netherlands, the same international format applies. It is important to note that Bonaire uses the +599 country code, which is shared with Curaçao and the Caribbean Netherlands (including Sint Eustatius and Saba), so the area code is essential for routing calls correctly.