International Calling: Antigua And Barbuda, What's The Code?

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation in the West Indies, east-southeast of Puerto Rico. It is part of the Leeward Islands and consists of two inhabited main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and several smaller islands, including the uninhabited Redonda. The country gained independence from the UK in 1981 and is now a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The capital, St. John's, is on Antigua, which is the most populous island. The country's economy is largely dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of its GDP.

Country code and dialling instructions

To call Antigua and Barbuda from abroad, you must first dial your country's international dialling code, followed by the country code for Antigua and Barbuda, and then the local number. The country code for Antigua and Barbuda is +1 268.

For example, if you are calling a local number in Antigua and Barbuda from the United States, you would first dial 011 (the international dialling code for the US), followed by +1 268, and then the local number.

If you are dialling from a mobile phone, you can simply use the + symbol instead of your country's international dialling code. So, for example, if you are calling from the UK, you would dial + +1 268, followed by the local number.

It is important to note that you should always dial the country code for Antigua and Barbuda when calling from another country, even if you are dialling from a country that uses the same country code, such as the US or Canada.

In addition, when calling a local number in Antigua and Barbuda, you do not need to include any area codes or additional numbers. Simply dial the country code followed by the local number.

• From the US or Canada: 011 +1 268 + local number
• From the UK: 00 +1 268 + local number
• From Australia: 0011 +1 268 + local number
• From New Zealand: 00 +1 268 + local number
• From Singapore: 001 +1 268 + local number

Time difference

Antigua and Barbuda observe Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year round. There are no Daylight Saving Time (DST) clock changes, meaning that the time difference between the UK and Antigua and Barbuda remains constant throughout the year.

Calling from the UK

When calling from the UK, you will need to account for British Summer Time (BST) and the time difference of -4 hours.

For example, if it is 10:00 am in London, it will be 06:00 am in Antigua and Barbuda during British Summer Time (between late March and late October). During the rest of the year, when the UK observes GMT, the time in Antigua and Barbuda will be five hours behind.

Calling from Antigua and Barbuda

If you are calling from Antigua and Barbuda to the UK, the time difference will be the opposite. During the UK's summer months, Antigua and Barbuda will be four hours behind, and for the rest of the year, the time difference will be five hours.

For example, if it is 10:00 am in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, it will be 14:00 (2:00 pm) in London during British Summer Time. For the rest of the year, when the UK observes GMT, the time in London will be 05:00 (5:00 am).

It is worth noting that Antigua and Barbuda span two islands, with the majority of the population living on Antigua. The islands are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, so there is no time zone difference to consider when calling between the two.

Language and dialect

The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English, which was introduced to the islands when British colonists settled there in the 17th century. However, the most commonly spoken variety is Antiguan Creole, which is similar to the Creole English of Dominica and mutually intelligible with Jamaican English. It is estimated that over 90% of the population speaks Creole English, which is used in everyday discourse, education, and cultural spheres.

Antiguan Creole has a syllable-timed rhythm, meaning there is no schwa in unstressed syllables, and this gives the language its distinctive "rapping rhythm". Other features include the loss of vowel distinctions, so that "cat", "cot", and "caught" sound the same, and the dental fricative ("th") becomes an alveolar stop ("t" or "d"). Consonant clusters are often simplified, and metathesis can occur (for example, "ask" becomes "aks"). Barbudan English has some unique features, such as four present progressive constructions and vowel harmony, which can lead to contractions and alternations of grammatical markers.

The Antiguan dialect has influences from both British and African languages. Many common island proverbs can be traced back to Africa, and some examples of Antiguan Creole words and phrases include:

• "pickanyegah": children
• "ahyue": a collective address in the manner of "you all" or "y'all"
• "cassy/cassie": a thorn, such as from a rosebush
• "t'all": no, not me, not at all
• "innit": isn't it?

Spanish is also spoken by a significant minority in Antigua and Barbuda, with approximately 10,000 inhabitants able to speak the language.

Best carriers for call quality

When it comes to making calls to Antigua and Barbuda, there are several carriers and services that can provide you with reliable call quality. Here are some of the best options:

Local SIM Cards:

One option is to purchase a local SIM card from network providers such as APUA, Cable & Wireless (also known as LIME), or Digicel. These companies have invested significantly in their network infrastructure, ensuring good coverage across the islands. By opting for a local SIM card, you can benefit from competitive rates and avoid roaming charges. However, it is worth noting that you will need an unlocked phone to use these SIM cards, and you may need to manually set up the correct frequency bands.

International SIM Cards:

If you are travelling to multiple destinations or prefer the convenience of a single SIM card, international SIM card services like OneSimCard offer a pay-as-you-go option with free incoming calls in over 120 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda. They provide low-cost prepaid cell phone services and are compatible with unlocked GSM phones. With this option, you can manage everything online and avoid the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card for each country you visit.

Mobile Apps:

Another alternative is to utilise mobile apps designed for international calling, such as the BOSS Revolution app. This app offers affordable rates, a stable connection, and the convenience of making calls over the internet. With no subscription fees and the ability to add credit as needed, you can stay connected without worrying about surprise bills. Additionally, the app provides promotions and offers that can further reduce your calling costs.

Major Carriers:

If you prefer to stick with a major carrier, both Digicel and Flow are the primary options in Antigua and Barbuda. These carriers have a strong presence in the region and are known for their reliable network coverage. By using their services, you can ensure that you remain connected to your loved ones or business associates without worrying about compatibility issues.

In summary, there are several options available for achieving the best call quality when calling Antigua and Barbuda. Each option has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a local SIM card, an international SIM card service, a mobile app, or a major carrier, you can stay connected with crystal-clear call quality during your travels or communications with Antigua and Barbuda.

Cost of calls to Antigua and Barbuda

The cost of calling Antigua and Barbuda will depend on the provider and the type of phone you are calling from.

Calling from a Mobile Phone

If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can download an app such as Yolla or KeepCalling, which offer cheap international calls. Yolla offers calls to Antigua and Barbuda at a rate of $0.253 per minute, while KeepCalling offers 467 minutes of calls to the country for $10.

Calling from a Landline

If you are calling from a landline, you can use a service such as Zadarma, which offers calls to Antigua and Barbuda at a variety of rates depending on the price plan chosen.

Frequently asked questions