St. Barthélemy +590
Official telecommunications routing registry for St. Barthélemy. International dialing prefix is +590. Browse all regional numbering plan area codes below.
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Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Barths, is a French overseas collectivity nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. For international callers, reaching this exclusive island destination requires the country code +590, which is shared with the neighboring French territories of Saint Martin and Saint Martin (French side). This code is your gateway to connecting with businesses, resorts, and residents on this idyllic island. While the island is small, its telecommunications infrastructure is modern and reliable, ensuring seamless connectivity for tourists and business travelers alike.
How to Place an International Call to Saint Barthélemy
Dialing to Saint Barthélemy from abroad follows a straightforward international format. To connect successfully, you will need to use the international exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Saint Barthélemy country code, and then the local eight-digit number. The local numbers in Saint Barthélemy always begin with the digit '5' (e.g., 590 590 00 00). For instance, if you are calling from the United States, you would dial 011 (US exit code) + 590 (St. Barths country code) + 590 (local prefix) + 00 00. Always omit any leading '0' that might appear in local directories, as it is not used in international dialing.
Understanding the +590 Code and Its Shared Usage
One of the most important nuances for callers is that the +590 country code is not exclusive to Saint Barthélemy. It is also used for the neighboring island of Saint Martin (the French overseas collectivity) and the French side of the island of Saint Martin. The number plan is shared, but the local numbers are allocated in distinct blocks. For example, numbers starting with 590 typically belong to Saint Barthélemy, while numbers starting with 590 are also used in Saint Martin, but the geographical context usually makes it clear. However, it is essential to verify the full local number to ensure you are dialing the correct destination. This shared code is a result of the administrative and historical ties between these French territories.
Area Codes and Numbering Structure
Saint Barthélemy does not use traditional area codes as seen in larger countries. Instead, the entire territory operates under a single, closed numbering plan. All local numbers consist of exactly eight digits, with the first two digits being '59' for the island. This means that callers do not need to dial a separate area code; they simply dial the eight-digit number after the +590 country code. This simplified structure is a hallmark of smaller, well-integrated territories. For example, a local number might be 590 12 34 56, and when called from abroad, it would be dialed as +590 590 12 34 56.
Special Rules and Considerations
When calling Saint Barthélemy, be aware that the island is part of the French telecommunications system. Calls from metropolitan France to Saint Barthélemy are considered domestic calls, but they still use the +590 code from abroad. For callers from other countries, standard international rates apply. Additionally, there are no special toll-free or premium-rate numbers for the island that are accessible internationally. Mobile numbers in Saint Barthélemy also follow the same eight-digit format, starting with '590' or '690' for mobile services, but they are all dialed identically from overseas. It is also worth noting that the island observes Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round, so time zone differences should be considered when scheduling calls.
Traveler and Business Tips for Calling St. Barths
For travelers visiting Saint Barthélemy, staying connected is relatively easy. The island has robust cellular coverage, and visitors can often use roaming services from their home carriers. Alternatively, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is a cost-effective option for longer stays. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, villas, and restaurants, but a local SIM ensures reliable connectivity for calls and data. For business professionals, it is crucial to verify the correct local number and to be aware that French is the official language, though English is widely spoken in the tourism sector. When making calls to local businesses, it is advisable to call during business hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Also, note that the island is part of the European Union's outermost regions, which may have implications for telecom regulations, but for the average caller, no special permissions are required.