How to Call St. Maarten from the United States

Introduction: Calling St. Maarten from the United States can be a straightforward process once you know the right steps. This article will guide you through the procedure, ensuring you can connect easily with your loved ones on the island.

Direct Dialing from a Landline or Cellphone

When making direct calls to St. Maarten from the US, you'll need to use specific codes to ensure the call is directed correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Dial the International Access Code

The first step is to dial the international access code, which is 011 in the US.

Step 2: Add the Country Code

Next, you need to add the country code. For St. Maarten, the country code is 1 since it is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

The area code for St. Maarten is 721.

Step 4: Enter the Local Number

Finally, enter the 7-digit local number that you wish to call. The complete international number will be in this format:

011 - 1 - 721 - local number

Example:
If the local number is 555-1234, you would dial: 011 - 1 - 721 - 555 - 1234.

Additional Considerations

It's important to check if your phone plan includes international calling, as charges may apply. Always research and prepare for any additional costs to ensure a seamless calling experience.

Using VoIP Services

For those who prefer using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as Skype or Google Voice, the process is slightly different but still straightforward:

Step 1: Download the VoIP Application

Download the VoIP application of your choice directly from their website. These applications are often free to download. However, you may need to purchase credits using a credit card to make calls to landlines or cell phones.

Step 2: Purchase Credit via Credit Card

To make calls using a VoIP service, you will need to purchase a certain amount of credit. Follow the instructions provided by the application to purchase the credit. Some apps require you to have a premium account, which might cost additional fees.

Step 3: Enter the 10-digit Number

Enter the 10-digit number in the VoIP app, which includes the country code and the area code. If the app has a dropdown box for country code selection, you can use that feature to avoid typing in the full number.

Step 4: Initiate the Call

Hit the call button to connect with your party in St. Maarten. Be mindful of the credit balance to ensure you can finish your call. Some apps may give you a warning and allow you to add more credit during the call if your credit card is saved to the system.

Calling St. Martin from the US

It's important to note that St. Maarten and St. Martin are often confused due to their similar names. St. Martin is the northern part of the island, a French collective, and uses a different country code.

Steps for Calling St. Martin

Step 1: Determine the Correct Country

Make sure you are calling the correct territory. If the call is not going through using the St. Maarten code, try the St. Martin code.

Step 2: Dial the International Access Code

Dial the international access code 011 again.

Step 3: Add the Country Code for St. Martin

The country code for St. Martin is 596.

Step 4: Enter the Local Number

Enter the 6-digit local number starting with a 0 (e.g., 011-596-123456).

Always remember to check your calling plan and prepare for any international calling fees prior to making your call. Happy dialing!