The Area Code 246 is the official telephone code for the Caribbean island nation of Barbados.
As Barbados is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)—the same system used by the United States and Canada—a call to a 246 number is dialed in the same 11-digit format as a domestic long-distance call. The code 246 is particularly easy to remember as it spells out BIM on an alphanumeric telephone keypad, a popular nickname for Barbados (Bimshire).
If you are receiving unsolicited calls or missed calls from a 246 number, it is crucial to understand the dialing procedures and the high risk of a widespread, costly phone scam.
246 Area Code: Location and Coverage Details
The Area Code 246 is the exclusive telephone area code for Barbados, covering the entire island and all of its parishes.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Barbados (Caribbean Sea/Lesser Antilles) |
| Major Cities Covered | Bridgetown (Capital), Speightstown, Holetown, Oistins. |
| Country Code | +1 (as part of the NANP) |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Time Zone (AST) – UTC-4 |
| Key Fact | Barbados does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Dialing Instructions for the 246 Area Code
Since Barbados is part of the NANP, calling a 246 number from the U.S. or Canada is straightforward:
- Example from the US/Canada: 1-246-XXX-XXXX
- Local Calls (within Barbados): Only the 7-digit local number is required.
- Calling from Outside NANP (e.g., UK): You must dial the International Exit Code (e.g., 00), followed by the Country Code (1), the Area Code (246), and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 00 1 246 XXX XXXX).
Critical Scam Warning: The “One-Ring” Scam
The 246 area code is unfortunately one of several Caribbean area codes frequently used in a widespread telecommunications fraud known as the “One-Ring” or “Wangiri” scam.
The Scam Mechanism
The goal of this scam is not to talk to you, but to lure you into calling back a premium-rate number, generating revenue for the scammer.
- The Bait: Your phone rings once or twice from a number starting with 246, creating a missed call notification.
- The Hook: You see the familiar format and assume it’s a simple missed call from a long-distance NANP number. You call back to see who called.
- The Trap: When you call back, you are connected to a foreign premium-rate number. You are charged a connection fee and high per-minute international rates, often racking up charges of $19 or more on your phone bill.
Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Call Back: The most important rule is to never return a call to a 246 number you do not recognize. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail or reach out via email or text.
- Block Repeated Callers: If you receive repeated calls from 246 numbers, use your mobile phone’s native call-blocking features or your carrier’s spam-blocking app (like AT&T ActiveArmor or T-Mobile Scam Shield).
- Monitor Your Bill: If you accidentally call back, check your next phone bill immediately and contact your carrier to dispute any unexpected international charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 246 an area code in the United States?
No. Area Code 246 is assigned to the sovereign nation of Barbados. While it follows the same 10-digit format as US area codes, calling it is an international long-distance call subject to carrier rates.
What is the time difference between the US East Coast and Area Code 246?
The 246 area code is in the Atlantic Time Zone (AST), which is one hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST). However, since Barbados does not observe Daylight Saving Time, there is no time difference between Barbados (AST) and US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer months.
I received a text from 246. Is that a scam?
Text messages from unknown 246 numbers should be treated with extreme caution. Scammers often use SMS (smishing) to send links related to fake contests, delivery notifications, or security alerts. Never click a link, download an attachment, or reply with personal information to an unsolicited message from this area code.
