Telephones in Barbados

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Telephones

The area code for Barbados is 246.

Local calls are free from private phones; some hotels charge a small fee. For directory assistance, dial 411. Calls from pay phones cost Bds25¢ for five minutes. Prepaid phone cards, which can be used throughout Barbados and other Caribbean islands, are sold at shops, attractions, transportation centers, and other convenient outlets.

Direct-dialing to the United States, Canada, and other countries is efficient and reasonable, but always check with your hotel to see if a surcharge is added. Some toll-free numbers cannot be accessed in Barbados. To charge your overseas call on a major credit card without incurring a surcharge, dial 800/744-2000 from any phone.

Depending on your carrier, you may find that you can use your cell phone in Barbados to call home; but be aware that the roaming charges can be extremely expensive -- even for just a brief telephone call. Renting a cell phone while on vacation is a less expensive alternative than using your own -- unless, of course, you've secured competitive international rates and roaming charges ahead of time. A cell phone can be rented for as little as $5 a day (minimum one-week rental); then prepaid cards are available at several locations throughout the island and in varying denominations -- $5, $10, $25, and $37.50. Reserve ahead; otherwise, it's first-come, first-served.

Cellphone Rental

Global Business Centre (West Coast Mall, Sunset Crest, Holetown, St. James. 246/432-6508. www.globalbizcentre.com)