How to Call the US from the Bahamas? Step-by-Step Guide

When calling the US from the Bahamas, you must know the key components of the international number format for the USA. These include the US country code, area code, and subscriber number. Each prefixes play a role in routing your call to the correct region and the intended recipient.

Both the United States and the Bahamas are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), so they share the same country code 1. This code tells your telephony network that you are making a long-distance call within the NANP region.

The area code is a three-digit number that identifies a specific city, region, or state within the country. The USA has 335 area codes, each covering a defined geographic area. It is necessary to use the correct area code to ensure your call reaches the intended location within the US.

Here are some popular area codes of the US with their corresponding cities and states.

The subscriber number is the unique phone number assigned to a person or business. In the US, it is seven digits long and comes after the area code.

To dial the US from the Bahamas, enter the US country code (1), followed by the area code of the US location you want to reach, and then the local subscriber number. Since both countries are part of the NANP, you don’t need an international exit code.

To call a US landline from the Bahamas, first dial the USA country code (1), then enter the three-digit area code for the location, followed by the seven-digit local number.

1. Enter 1 -the US country code.
2. Enter the 3-digit area code.
3. Enter the 7-digit local landline number.

To call the US from the Bahamas on a cell phone, dial 1 for the US country code followed by the 10-digit mobile number. The first three digits of the US mobile number indicate the area code of the specific region.

1. Dial the US country code 1.
2. Enter the 7-digit local mobile number.

To call a US toll-free number from the Bahamas, dial the US country code (1), toll-free prefix (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833), and the remaining 7-digits subscriber number.

1. Enter the US country code, i.e, 1.
2. Enter the toll-free prefix.
3. Enter the 7-digit number.

Note: While toll-free numbers are free to call within the US, they may not be free from the Bahamas. Some carriers may apply long-distance charges or block the call.

The ideal time to call the US from the Bahamas is during the US business hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM US local time. For personal calls, early evenings or weekend work best.

The Bahamas shares the same Eastern Time Zone (ET) as many parts of the United States, including New York, Miami, and Atlanta. However, the US has multiple time zones, so the time difference depends on the location you’re calling. It's crucial to understand the time differences to ensure your call reaches at the convenient time for the recipient.

Below is a quick reference table to help you determine the best time to call from the Bahamas to different US time zones.

Direct calls from the Bahamas to the US can range from $0.19 to $1.35 per minute. The exact cost can vary depending on your service provider, call type, and whether you use a traditional phone network or an internet-based service. Traditional carriers are often expensive for international calls. However, some providers may offer special packages or discounted rates for bundle plans.

The most affordable options for calling the US from the Bahamas include using virtual phone numbers, Wi-Fi calling, or international calling cards.

Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Telegram let you make free voice or video calls to other people who use the same app. The call is made over the internet, so there’s no direct involvement of the traditional telephone carriers. Some of these apps, like Viber, also allow you to call US landlines or mobiles for a small per-minute fee.

Calling cards are still a practical choice if you don’t want to rely on internet service. These cards give you a set amount of minutes to call the US at a much lower rate than your mobile carrier’s. You’ll usually dial an access number first, then enter a PIN from the card, followed by the recipient's number to make a call.

Virtual phone numbers also let you make and receive calls over the internet, avoiding high international calling rates. You pay a small monthly fee, and calls work like normal calls as long as you have Wi-Fi or mobile data. You can purchase a virtual phone number from VoIP services like Calilio, Google Voice, or OpenPhone.

Calling the US from the Bahamas is straightforward once you know the correct dialing format: 1 + area code + local number. Besides, understanding the time zone differences between the countries ensures you avoid calling at an inappropriate time for your call recipient in the United States. Likewise, by choosing the right calling method, you can connect at an affordable cost.

While internet-based apps and calling cards often offer an affordable option to call the US from the Bahamas, users often face challenges like call quality and card expiration issues. So, if you’re looking for a more reliable and professional option, consider a virtual phone number from a trusted provider like Calilio.