The search query “area code 264” indicates a user is seeking the geographic location of this specific three-digit code, often due to receiving an unexpected call.
The 264 area code is the telephone code for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory located in the Eastern Caribbean. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), meaning it is dialed as a standard 10-digit long-distance call from the United States and Canada (using the prefix 1-264).
Because many Caribbean codes are used in phone fraud, it is crucial to understand the origin and proper dialing rules for the 264 area code.
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Location and Origin of Area Code 264
The 264 code serves a single territory and has a memorable association with its name.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- Location: Anguilla, British Overseas Territory (Caribbean).
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC-4. Anguilla does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
History and Mnemonic
- Origin: The 264 area code was created in 1997 when it split from the original Caribbean area code, 809.
- Mnemonic: The code was intentionally chosen because the digits 2-6-4 correspond to the letters A-N-G on a telephone keypad, serving as a mnemonic for Anguilla.
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How to Dial a Number in Anguilla
Since Anguilla is part of the NANP, calling a 264 number from the US or Canada is similar to making a domestic long-distance call.
Dialing Format (from US/Canada)
| Step | Digits | Notes | Example (Calling Anguilla) |
| 1. NANP Access | 1 | The long-distance trunk prefix for calls within the NANP. | 1 |
| 2. Area Code | 264 | The area code for Anguilla. | 1 264 |
| 3. Local Number | 7 digits | The recipient’s local phone number. | 1 264 XXX XXXX |
Important: Local calls placed within Anguilla only require dialing the 7-digit local number.
- Scam and Fraud Warning
While 264 is a legitimate code for Anguilla, it is essential to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.
- The “One-Ring” Scam (Wangiri): Like many Caribbean area codes (including 809, 876, 649, and 268), the 264 area code is sometimes used in “one-ring” or callback scams. A scammer calls and hangs up quickly, hoping you will call back out of curiosity.
- Premium Charges: If you return the call, you are connected to an international premium-rate line, and you will be charged high international long-distance fees (sometimes several dollars per minute), with the scammer receiving a portion of the revenue.
Actionable Safety Advice
- Do Not Return Unrecognized Calls: Never call back a missed call from any international area code, including 264, unless you are expecting a call from a specific person in Anguilla.
- Verify the Source: If the caller claims to be a relative or a business, contact that person or company directly using a separate, known number.
- Block and Report: If you are harassed by repeated calls from this prefix, use your mobile phone’s built-in features to block the number, and consider reporting the activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 264 the same as +264?
No.
- 264 (Area Code): Used for Anguilla and is part of the +1 Country Code block (NANP).
- +264 (Country Code): Used for the country of Namibia (Africa).
- If a call displays +264, it is from Namibia, not Anguilla.
Will I be charged extra if I answer a call from 264?
You are generally not charged for receiving an incoming call from Anguilla while in the US or Canada. The charges only apply if you call the number back and incur international long-distance rates.
What is the time difference when calling Anguilla?
Anguilla is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4. This means that during the winter months (when the U.S. is on EST), there is no time difference. During the summer (when the U.S. is on EDT), Anguilla is one hour ahead of the U.S. East Coast.
