How to Call Bahamas from US
How to Call the Bahamas from the USA
Calling the Bahamas uses the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), making it as simple as calling another state or province within the US or Canada. You don't need to dial the US exit code (011).
The format is the same for both landlines and mobile phones:
- Dial 1 (the country code for NANP countries)
- Dial the Bahamas Area Code: 242
- Dial the 7-digit local phone number: [Local Number]
To call a number in Nassau, Bahamas (like 123-4567), you would dial: 1 242 123 4567.
It's just like making a long-distance call within North America.
Dialing the Bahamas:
Bahamas Area Code
The Bahamas uses a single area code for the entire country:
- 242: Covers all islands, including New Providence (Nassau), Grand Bahama (Freeport), Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, etc.
When calling from the USA, always dial 1 + 242 + 7-digit local number.
Mobile Phone Networks in the Bahamas
Bahamas mobile numbers follow the standard NANP format: 1 + 242 + 7-digit mobile number. There are no special mobile prefixes; they look the same as landline numbers.
The main mobile operators in the Bahamas are:
- BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company)
- Aliv
Number portability is active, meaning a phone number originally issued by one provider might now be served by the other.
Time Difference in the Bahamas
The Bahamas observes Eastern Time (ET), the same as the US East Coast.
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5.
- Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4.
The Bahamas follows the same Daylight Saving Time schedule as the United States (approximately mid-March to early November). During this period, the time in the Bahamas is identical to US Eastern Daylight Time.
Therefore, there is generally no time difference between the Bahamas and the US East Coast (e.g., New York, Miami). Check the current time difference with other US time zones as needed.
Bahamas Phone System
The Bahamas has a modern telecommunications infrastructure integrated into the North American Numbering Plan. Both fixed-line (landline) and mobile services are widely available, especially in populated areas like Nassau and Freeport. BTC and Aliv offer extensive mobile coverage, including 4G/LTE services, across the major islands. Internet access and VoIP services are common.
Best Times to Call the Bahamas
Since the Bahamas is in the same time zone as the US East Coast (Eastern Time), coordinating calls is straightforward.
Business hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- From US Eastern Time (ET): Call anytime during your normal business or waking hours.
- From US Central Time (CT): Bahamas is 1 hour ahead. Call between 8 AM and 4 PM CT.
- From US Mountain Time (MT): Bahamas is 2 hours ahead. Call between 7 AM and 3 PM MT.
- From US Pacific Time (PT): Bahamas is 3 hours ahead. Call between 6 AM and 2 PM PT.
Remember to account for US Daylight Saving Time if calling from states that do not observe it (like Arizona, except Navajo Nation).
Call the Bahamas For Less With Phone Card Choice
While calling the Bahamas from the USA uses the familiar NANP format, standard long-distance rates can still be high. Using an international calling card offers a cost-effective way to connect with friends, family, or businesses in the Bahamas.
Our customers save money calling both landlines and mobile numbers across the islands, from Nassau to the Family Islands, enjoying clear connections and great value.
Recommended Phone Cards for Bahamas
Gold Phone Card
| Price (US$) | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 10.00 | 2h 3min |
| US$ 20.00 | 4h 6min |
| US$ 50.00 + US$5.00 bonus | 11h 19min |
Blue Tomato
| Price (US$) | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 10.00 | 1h 57min |
| US$ 20.00 | 3h 55min |
| US$ 30.00 + US$3.00 bonus | 6h 28min |
Using our service is simple:
Dial local access number
Call the local access number provided with your card (specific to the United States)
Enter your PIN
Input your unique PIN when prompted
Dial Bahamas number
Follow the NANP format after entering your PIN:
Dial: 1 + 242 + 7-digit Local Number
(This format applies to both Bahamas landlines and mobile phones).
Global Coverage
Reach over 200 destinations worldwide, including excellent coverage for the Bahamas.
Device Compatibility
Call conveniently from any USA-based landline or mobile device.
Competitive Rates
Enjoy affordable rates for calls to both Bahamas landlines and mobiles. Check card details for specifics.
Fee Transparency
Experience clear pricing. Many cards for the Bahamas have no connection fees. Always check the details.
Full Control
Benefit from a 100% prepaid service, ensuring full control over your calling expenses.
Credits Never Expire
If your phone card expires, simply top up your account and your previous balance is added to your new top up.
To start calling the Bahamas at affordable rates, visit Phone Card Choice or contact our customer service team for assistance.
