Area Code 

The Bahamas uses the Area Code 242.  The local phone system is useable, but not up to par with Canada and the USA.  Calls from hotel rooms are usually very expensive, it's recommended to use lobby payphones or concierge services when making local reservations or a local cell phone or SIM card.

Cell Phones

Many US and Canadian carriers have roaming agreements with Batelco, the GSM cellular operator in the Bahamas. Therefore, while most phones will work, the rates are approximately $3.00 per minute plus tax for all in and out calls. Therefore, it makes sense to either purchase a local SIM card (if your phone is GSM) or to rent or buy an inexpensive GSM handset. Rates are between $0.15-$0.33 per minute for local calls and incoming calls and about a dollar more for outgoing calls to the USA or Canada (hint: ask people to call you back).

To save roaming costs purchase a prepaid Bahamas sim card. The sim card works on all unlocked GSM phones. Sim cards and airtime credit for topping up can be purchased online at ezminutes.com or at the local shops. To apply the phone card credit, dial *44 followed buy pin number.

Calling Card 

For long distance, you'll pay a hefty fee from your hotel phone.  USA calling Cards such as Sam's Club and AT&T do not work in the Bahamas.  You should purchase a local credit card to make calls from a pay phone.  Some card are swipe cards which can be used throughout the downtown area.  Please read the instuctions ON THE PHONE, some phones require you to hit the # sign to connect.  Some do not.

The calling cards available in the Bahamas are BTC Talk it Up calling card and Indigo Run On card.

 Some important phone numbers;