Area Code Atlas

Area code 246 assigned to Barbados

Area code 246 was assigned to Barbados in 1995 as part of the division of the original 809 Caribbean area code. This assignment marked the beginning of a transition to a distinct numbering plan area for Barbados.

NANP-INTRODUCTION OF 246 (BARBADOS) NUMBERING PLAN AREA (NPA)

Area code 246 becomes effective in Barbados

Area code 246 became effective in Barbados on July 1, 1996. From this date, the new area code could be used for calls to and from Barbados, replacing the previous use of area code 809.

Mandatory use of area code 246 in Barbados

Mandatory dialing of area code 246 for all calls to Barbados began on January 15, 1997, ending the permissive period and requiring exclusive use of the new code for all telephone traffic to the island.