The 869 area code is a legitimate three-digit area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), but it does not serve any location in the continental United States or Canada. Instead, the 869 area code covers the entire Caribbean nation of The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
If you are seeing an incoming call or text message from the (869) prefix, it originates from these two tropical islands. Because 869 is part of the NANP, calls from the U.S. and Canada are dialed without using an international exit code, making it particularly important to be aware of potential long-distance scams.
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Location and Time Zone of Area Code 869
Area code 869 covers the single, unified geographic region of the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean) |
| Major City | Basseterre (Capital, on St. Kitts) |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST): UTC-4 |
Time Zone Note: AST (UTC-4)
St. Kitts and Nevis observes Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round and does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Calling from the U.S. East Coast (EST/EDT): AST is the same time as U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer and one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter.
History
The 869 area code was created in 1996 as a split from the original 809 area code, which once covered a large part of the Caribbean. The creation of the 869 code provided St. Kitts and Nevis with its own unique identifier within the NANP, simplifying communication with North American markets.
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Dialing Instructions for the 869 Area Code
Since 869 is part of the NANP, calling this region from the U.S. or Canada is done using the same 10-digit format as calling another state.
Correct Dialing Format
To call St. Kitts and Nevis from the U.S. or Canada:
- Dial 1 (the NANP country code).
- Dial the 869 Area Code.
- Dial the 7-digit Local Number.
Local Dialing: If you are physically on the islands of St. Kitts or Nevis, you only need to dial the 7-digit local number.
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Scam and Safety Warning: The “One Ring” Scam
Caribbean area codes within the NANP are frequently exploited by criminals running high-cost phone scams, often referred to as the “One Ring” scam or the “809 scam” (named after the region’s original code).
- The Scam: Scammers use automated dialers to call your number and hang up after just one ring. Because the 869 area code looks like a familiar domestic code, the victim assumes it’s a missed call from a U.S. neighbor and calls back.
- The High Cost: When you call back, you are connected to an international premium-rate line. You are charged a connection fee and high per-minute rates (sometimes several dollars per minute), with the criminal receiving a portion of the revenue.
Actionable Advice:
- DO NOT Call Back: Never return a call or text message from an unfamiliar number starting with (869) or any other unfamiliar Caribbean area code (such as 809, 876, 473, 268, etc.).
- Verify First: If you believe the call may be legitimate, verify the person’s identity or contact them via email or an app before placing a call.
- Report: Report the number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your phone carrier if the calls are persistent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 869 a U.S. area code?
No. While the call is placed using the domestic “1” country code, the 869 area code serves the sovereign nation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Calls to 869 are considered international calls and are billed as long-distance unless you have a plan that covers the Caribbean.
Do mobile and landline numbers in St. Kitts and Nevis use the same area code?
Yes. The single 869 area code is used for all landlines and mobile phones across the entire twin-island nation. There are no secondary codes based on the island (St. Kitts or Nevis) or the service type.
What is the emergency number in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services in St. Kitts and Nevis is 911 or 999.
