To call Saint Helena from another country, you need to use the country code 290. The process involves a few steps to ensure the call is properly routed through international and local phone systems.
International Direct Dialing (IDD)
First, understand that IDD (International Direct Dialing) prefixes vary by country. These prefixes are the initial numbers dialed to initiate an international call. For example:
- United States/Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Australia: 0011
You must determine the correct IDD prefix for the country from which you are calling.
Dialing Procedure
Once you have the IDD prefix, the next step is to dial the Saint Helena country code, which is 290. This code is unique to Saint Helena and ensures that your call is directed to the appropriate country’s telecommunications network.
Area Codes and Local Numbers
After dialing the IDD prefix and the country code (290), you will need to dial the specific area code within Saint Helena. Although Saint Helena is small and doesn’t have extensive telecommunications infrastructure, area codes or specific prefixes might still be used to designate different regions or service providers within the island.
Finally, after the area code, you will dial the local telephone number of the person or business you are trying to reach. The complete sequence for dialing might look something like this:
- IDD Prefix (depending on your country) – for example, 011
- Saint Helena Country Code: 290
- Area Code (if applicable)
- Local Phone Number
Example
If you are calling a number in Saint Helena from the United States, the dialing sequence would be:
011 (IDD for the US) + 290 (Saint Helena country code) + area code (if any) + local number.
Important Notes
- Time Zone: Saint Helena operates on GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Be mindful of the time difference to avoid calling during inconvenient hours.
- Network Reliability: Saint Helena’s telecommunications infrastructure may not be as robust as in more developed regions. Consider using alternative communication methods if you encounter issues with direct dialing.
