The 297 area code is not a North American Area Code (NPA) used in the United States or Canada. Instead, +297 is the international country calling code for the island nation of Aruba, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the southern Caribbean Sea.
If you receive a call from a number displaying the prefix +297, it originates from Aruba, and returning the call could result in high international rates. This guide details Aruba’s location, time zone, and the necessary steps for successfully dialing numbers on the island.
297 Country Code: Location and Time Zone
Aruba is one of the “ABC Islands” (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) situated just north of the Venezuelan coast.
Primary Location and Time Zone
| Detail | Information |
| Country | Aruba (Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) |
| Continent | South America (geologically) / Southern Caribbean |
| Capital City | Oranjestad |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) |
| UTC Offset | UTC-4 |
| Daylight Saving Time | Aruba does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Time Difference: Aruba’s time zone (AST/UTC-4) is the same as the Eastern Time Zone (EST) when North America is not observing Daylight Saving Time. However, when the U.S. and Canada switch to EDT (UTC-4), Aruba remains on AST (UTC-4), meaning there is no time difference between the US East Coast and Aruba during daylight saving months.
Aruban Phone Number Format
Aruban phone numbers are seven digits long and do not require city-specific area codes after the country code.
| Number Type | Format | Example |
| Landline Numbers | +297 – NXX – XXXX | Start with prefixes like 28, 52, or 58. |
| Mobile Numbers | +297 – NXX – XXXX | Start with prefixes like 56, 59, 64, 73, 74, or 99. |
How to Dial a +297 Number (Calling Aruba)
To successfully place an international call to Aruba, you must use the correct international exit code before the country code.
Dialing Format from the U.S. or Canada
- Dial the International Exit Code: 011 (for North America)
- Dial the Country Code: 297
- Dial the 7-Digit Local Number: XXX-XXXX
The full dialing sequence looks like this: 011 – 297 – XXX – XXXX
Note on Country Code Placement
Aruba is geographically part of the Caribbean, yet it is one of the few islands in the region not included in the North American Numbering Plan (+1). Instead, it uses the international +297 code. This is because Aruba was historically part of the Netherlands Antilles, which used the +599 country code before its secession.
Scam Risk Associated with the 297 Code
While the +297 country code is not as frequently associated with the high-cost “one-ring” scams as the NANP Caribbean codes (like 809 or 473), any unsolicited international call should be treated with caution.
The Callback Risk
If you receive a one-ring or missed call from a +297 number you do not recognize, do not call it back.
- The Scam: The “one-ring” scam (Wangiri) works by encouraging curious users to return the call, which connects them to a premium-rate international number that charges significant fees per minute.
- Safety Rule: If a call is legitimate, the caller will leave a message or contact you through verified channels.
Actionable Steps for Safety
- Do Not Return Unsolicited Calls: This is the best defense against premium-rate fraud.
- Block International Outgoing Calls: If you do not regularly call abroad, ask your phone service provider to block all outgoing international calls from your line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 297 a real area code in the US?
No. The 297 code is the international country calling code for Aruba. No US state or city uses 297 as a geographic area code (NPA).
What language is spoken in Aruba?
The official languages of Aruba are Papiamento (a local creole language derived from Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English) and Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely spoken due to the island’s tourism and proximity to South America.
How many digits are in an Aruban phone number?
Aruban phone numbers are seven digits long after the +297 country code.
