How to Call French Guiana
Complete guide to dialing French Guiana (country code +594)
Looking to connect with someone in French Guiana? Whether you're planning a business call, checking in with family, or coordinating travel arrangements, knowing how to call French Guiana correctly will save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling French Guiana successfully, from understanding the proper dialing codes to navigating international phone systems. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions for calls from various countries, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your call from connecting, share essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate effectively, and provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the knowledge needed to make seamless international calls to this unique French overseas territory in South America.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing French Guiana (+594)
French Guiana uses country code +594 for all international calls. Understanding the proper dialing format ensures your calls connect successfully to this French overseas territory in South America.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling French Guiana is:
[Exit Code] + [594] + [Local Number]
French Guiana phone numbers consist of 9 digits locally, following France's numbering system with numbers beginning with 694 or 594.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 594 (French Guiana country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
Example: To call +594 694 12 34 56 from USA, dial 011-594-694-12-34-56
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 594 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
Example: To call +594 594 28 45 67 from UK, dial 00-594-594-28-45-67
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00) and follow the same pattern.
Specific Dialing Examples
Mobile numbers (starting with 694):
- From USA: 011-594-694-XX-XX-XX
- From UK: 00-594-694-XX-XX-XX
- From Australia: 0011-594-694-XX-XX-XX
Landline numbers (starting with 594):
- From USA: 011-594-594-XX-XX-XX
- From UK: 00-594-594-XX-XX-XX
- From Canada: 011-594-594-XX-XX-XX
Emergency services example (number 15):
When calling locally within French Guiana, dial emergency numbers directly without the country code.
Important Note About Leading Zeros
French Guiana numbers do not use a leading zero like metropolitan France. When dialing internationally, use the complete 9-digit number exactly as written after the country code. There is no zero to drop, making the process straightforward for international callers.
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Common Mistakes
When calling French Guiana, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
French Guiana phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically (0594), but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. Instead of dialing +594 0594 XX XX XX, dial +594 594 XX XX XX.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most European countries). Make sure you know your country's exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with the area code
The 594 appears twice: once as the country code (+594) and again as part of the local number (594 XX XX XX). Don't mistake the second 594 for a redundant code—both are necessary.
4. Incorrect number formatting
French Guiana numbers are typically written as +594 594 XX XX XX (9 digits after country code). Adding or omitting digits will result in failed connections.
5. Not accounting for time zones
French Guiana is GMT-3, which may affect when you call for business purposes.
Cultural Etiquette
Phone Etiquette and Calling Customs in French Guiana
When making phone calls in French Guiana, understanding local customs helps build respectful connections. As a French overseas department, French Guiana blends French formality with Caribbean warmth.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening), followed by asking "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you?). This politeness is expected, even for brief calls.
Formality in Business
Business calls require formal language. Use "Monsieur" or "Madame" with last names unless invited to be casual. Personal calls among friends allow relaxed Creole expressions and informal French.
Timing Your Calls
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:00 PM), when most people take extended breaks. Business calls work best between 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:30-5:00 PM. Personal calls after 8:00 PM may be considered intrusive unless you're close friends.
Voice Message Protocol
Leave clear, concise messages stating your name, reason for calling, and phone number. Speaking slowly helps, as multilingual residents may need processing time.
Cultural Considerations
French Guiana's diverse population includes Creole, Hmong, Maroon, and indigenous communities. Patience with language differences shows respect. Some rural areas have limited phone service, so don't assume everyone can answer immediately. The relaxed Caribbean pace means return calls might take longer than in metropolitan France—this isn't rudeness, just local rhythm.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- 15 - SAMU (Emergency Medical Services/Ambulance)
- 17 - Police Nationale (National Police)
- 18 - Sapeurs-Pompiers (Fire Department)
- 112 - European Emergency Number (all services)
- 196 - Maritime Emergency (CROSS AG)
- 15 or 116-117 - Medical helpline for non-urgent care
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible 24/7 from landlines and mobile phones, including phones without credit or SIM cards. The 112 number can connect you to English-speaking operators when available, though French is the primary language. As a French overseas territory, French Guiana uses the same emergency system as mainland France. For non-emergencies, dial 114 (SMS-based service for hearing-impaired individuals). Keep these numbers saved in your phone and readily accessible during your stay.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 12 – National directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses throughout French Guiana
International Services
- 00 – International operator for assistance with overseas calls and collect calling
Tourist Information
- Comité du Tourisme de la Guyane: +594 594 29 65 00 – Official tourism office providing visitor information, attractions, and accommodation assistance
Embassy & Consular Services
- French Consular Services: +594 594 29 96 29 – Assistance for French citizens and visa information
- US Embassy (Bridgetown, Barbados covers French Guiana): +1 246 227 4000
Utilities & Services
- EDF (Electricity): 09 69 32 15 15
- Post Office Information: 36 31
Transportation
- Airport Information (Cayenne): +594 594 29 36 00
Banking
- Visa/Mastercard Lost Cards: 08 00 90 13 87
Tips for Calling French Guiana
When calling French Guiana, remember it operates on French Guiana Time (UTC-3) year-round with no daylight saving changes. To find the best calling time, calculate the three-hour difference from UTC for your location.
For personal calls, evenings between 6-9 PM local time work well, while avoiding early mornings before 8 AM. Business calls should target 9 AM-12 PM or 2-5 PM, Monday through Friday, as many businesses close for lunch.
Always schedule business calls in advance—French Guiana follows formal French business etiquette where unannounced calls may seem unprofessional. Email ahead to confirm availability and preferred calling times.
Avoid calling during major French holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May 1st (Labor Day), May 8th (Victory Day), Ascension Thursday, Whit Monday, July 14th (Bastille Day), August 15th (Assumption), November 1st (All Saints), November 11th (Armistice), and Christmas. Local Carnival season (February/March) also disrupts normal schedules.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm you have a stable connection, as remote areas may experience connectivity issues. If conducting business, basic French phrases demonstrate respect, though many professionals speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for French Guiana is +594. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to French Guiana from anywhere in the world.
To dial French Guiana from your cell phone, start with the '+' symbol or your country's international access code (like 011 from the US), then dial 594 followed by the 9-digit local phone number. The complete format is: +594-XXXXXXXXX.
French Guiana phone numbers don't typically start with a leading zero. Simply dial +594 followed by the 9-digit local number. All French Guiana numbers follow this standard format for international calling.
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In French Guiana, dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. These emergency numbers are free to call and don't require the country code when dialing locally within French Guiana.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to French Guiana directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credits to your account, and start calling—no downloads or special equipment needed.
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