The 264 area code is a valid three-digit telephone code that serves the Caribbean island territory of Anguilla.
Anguilla, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, participates in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This means all calls from the U.S. and Canada to the 264 area code use the familiar 1 + 10-digit dialing format. However, despite the dialing convenience, these calls are usually billed at international rates by major U.S. carriers.
This article details the exact location, time zone, dialing rules, and provides crucial warnings about potential phone scams associated with the 264 area code.
Where is the 264 Area Code Located?
The 264 area code was assigned to Anguilla in 1998, splitting off from the original 809 area code that once covered the entire Caribbean NANP region.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code: | 264 |
| Jurisdiction: | Anguilla (British Overseas Territory) |
| Country Code: | +1 (Part of the North American Numbering Plan) |
| Capital: | The Valley |
| Mnemonic: | 264 spells A-N-G on a telephone keypad (for Anguilla). |
Time Zone for Anguilla (264)
Anguilla operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- Time Offset: UTC/GMT -4 hours.
- Comparison to US Time Zones:
- 1 hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- The same time as U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Dialing Rules for the 264 Area Code
Since Anguilla is in the NANP, calling it from the U.S. or Canada uses the familiar 1 + 10-digit format.
- Calling Anguilla from the US or Canada
To call any number in the 264 area code, dial the long-distance prefix (1), the area code (264), and the 7-digit local number.
Example (Calling Anguilla from New York):
- Local Dialing within Anguilla
Calls placed locally within Anguilla typically only require the 7-digit local number (XXX-XXXX).
Critical Warning: The 264 Scam
The 264 area code is frequently used in the lucrative “One-Ring Scam” because it resembles a domestic US area code.
The Scam and Financial Risk:
- The Lure: Scammers use robocallers to call your phone and hang up after one ring, hoping your curiosity will prompt you to call back.
- The High Cost: When you call back a 264 number, your phone carrier charges you international premium rates (often high per-minute charges), which are shared with the scammer.
- Domestic Look, International Cost: Because the call is dialed as a domestic long-distance number (1-264), many people incorrectly assume it is included in their plan, only to be hit with expensive international charges on their bill.
Actionable Safety Advice:
- Do Not Call Back: Never return a call or text from the 264 area code unless you know the caller and are expecting their communication.
- Block International Outgoing Calls: If you do not make international calls, contact your mobile carrier and ask them to block outgoing international calls from your line. This is the surest way to prevent this scam.
- Be Aware of Spoofing: Note that the +264 code also belongs to the country of Namibia in Africa. If you see a phone number in the international format +264 XXX XXX XXX, it is from Namibia and also carries a high risk of scam/high fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 264 a US area code?
No. The 264 area code belongs to the Caribbean island of Anguilla and is not a geographic code for any US state.
Why does a call from 264 cost more than a call to New Jersey (201)?
Both Anguilla (264) and New Jersey (201) are in the NANP and use the +1 country code. However, New Jersey is part of the domestic US network, while Anguilla is a foreign network. Calling foreign networks within the NANP is often treated as international long-distance by carriers.
What is the capital of Anguilla?
The capital of Anguilla, covered by the 264 area code, is The Valley.
Conclusion
The 264 area code is the legitimate, sole code for Anguilla. Despite being easy to dial from North America, you must exercise caution. Do not return calls from the 264 area code to avoid potentially incurring costly international charges from the prevalent “One-Ring Scam.”
