Phones in Bermuda

Phones

BaTelCo (Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation) is the phone company in the Bahamas. Most public phones require BaTelCo phone cards (available at outlets throughout the islands) and also use AT&T calling cards. Check on the surcharge from your calling card provider prior to making calls, and always ask at your hotel desk about what charges will apply when you make card calls from your room. There's usually a charge for making toll-free calls to the United States.

When you're calling the Bahamas, the country code is 242. The country code for the Turks and Caicos is 649. You can dial either number from the United States as you would make an interstate call. The country code is 1 for the United States.

Calling Within the Bahamas

Within the Bahamas, to make a local call from your hotel room, dial 9, then the number. If your party doesn't answer before the fifth ring, hang up or you'll be charged for the call. Some 800 and 888 numbers -- particularly airline and credit card numbers -- can be called from the Bahamas. Others can be reached by substituting an 880 prefix and paying for the call.

Dial 916 for directory information and 0 for operator assistance.

Calling Cards

To place a call from a public phone using your own calling card, dial 0 for the operator, who will then place the call using your card number.

Pay phones accept BaTelCo phone cards and AT&T calling cards.

Contact

BaTelCo (242/302-7000).

Mobile Phones

BaTelCo has roaming agreements with several U.S. cellular service providers, but the charges can add up fast; check with your provider before traveling to find out the per-minute charge. If you use a cell phone, it may be difficult or impossible to get a signal on some remote Out Islands, and even in the bigger population centers, service can be spotty.