How to Call Guadeloupe
Complete guide to dialing Guadeloupe (country code +590)
Learning how to call Guadeloupe doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts in this beautiful French Caribbean territory, understanding the proper dialing procedures will ensure your calls go through smoothly every time. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Guadeloupe from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your call from connecting, share essential phone etiquette tips for communicating with locals, and provide a handy list of useful numbers you might need during your stay or when planning your visit. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Guadeloupe with ease.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Guadeloupe
Calling Guadeloupe requires understanding the proper international dialing format. This French Caribbean territory uses country code +590, and the process varies slightly depending on your location.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Guadeloupe is: Exit Code + 590 + Local Number (9 digits)
Guadeloupe's local numbers always begin with 590, making the complete number appear as 590-590-XX-XX-XX when dialed internationally.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 590 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
Example: To call 590 25 12 34: dial 011-590-590-25-12-34
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 590 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
Example: To call 590 83 45 67: dial 00-590-590-83-45-67
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's specific code (commonly 00), then follow with 590 and the local number.
Calling Different Number Types
Landline Example:
Fixed lines start with 590 2X or 590 8X
From USA: 011-590-590-26-78-90
Mobile Example:
Mobile numbers begin with 590 69 or 590 690
From USA: 011-590-590-690-12-34
Another Mobile Example:
From UK to mobile 590 690 56 78: 00-590-590-690-56-78
Important Notes About Leading Zeros
Unlike many countries, Guadeloupe numbers do not have a leading zero to drop. The local numbers already begin with 590, which must be included when dialing internationally. When calling within Guadeloupe, you simply dial the 10-digit number starting with 0590.
For mobile phones using the + symbol, save numbers as: +590 590 XX XX XX. This automatically adjusts for international dialing from any location.
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Common Mistakes
Forgetting to drop the leading zero from local numbers
When calling Guadeloupe from abroad, many people dial the local number exactly as written, including the initial zero. This is incorrect. Local numbers in Guadeloupe start with 0590, but when dialing internationally, you must drop the first zero and dial +590 590 followed by the six remaining digits.
Using the wrong exit code for your country
Different countries use different exit codes (011 for the US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Failing to use your country's correct exit code means your call won't connect. Always verify your location's international dialing prefix or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing old and new dialing formats
Guadeloupe's dialing system changed in 2017. The old format required dialing +590 followed by a nine-digit number. Now you dial +590 590 plus six digits. Using outdated information causes connection failures.
Not accounting for the time difference
Guadeloupe operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC-4) year-round. Calling during your business hours might mean reaching someone at 3 AM local time, resulting in unanswered calls or frustrated recipients.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Guadeloupe, understanding local customs helps create positive connections. The French Caribbean culture values politeness and personal warmth in communication.
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. Say "Bonjour" (good morning/afternoon) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) before stating your purpose. Jumping straight to business is considered rude. Take a moment to ask "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you?) even in professional settings.
For business calls, maintain a respectful tone and use formal address ("Monsieur" or "Madame") until invited to be casual. However, Guadeloupean culture is generally warmer than mainland France, so conversations may become friendlier quickly. Personal calls are typically more relaxed, often including family news and social pleasantries.
The best times to call are between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, or 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:30 PM), as this is sacred family time. Evening calls after 8:00 PM should be reserved for close friends and family.
When leaving voice messages, keep them brief but include a polite greeting and your full name. Speaking clearly is important, as many Guadeloupeans switch between French and Creole.
Remember that relationships matter deeply in Guadeloupean culture. Building rapport through courteous phone interactions strengthens both business and personal connections. Patience and warmth go much further than rushing through conversations.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- 15 - SAMU (Medical emergencies/Ambulance)
- 17 - Police (Gendarmerie)
- 18 - Fire Department (Pompiers)
- 112 - European emergency number (all services)
- 196 - Sea rescue (CROSS Antilles-Guyane)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible 24/7 from any phone, including mobile devices and phone booths without a card. The 112 number works throughout the European Union and will redirect to appropriate services.
Important Notes:
Operators primarily speak French, though some may have basic English capabilities. For marine emergencies around the islands, 196 connects directly to maritime rescue coordination. It's advisable to have basic French emergency phrases prepared or a translation app ready. Medical services via 15 can dispatch helicopter evacuation when necessary between islands.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services:
- 118 712: Directory inquiries for local numbers and addresses
- 3212: Universal directory assistance (French telecom services)
International Services:
- 00 33 + number: International operator access for placing calls abroad
- 3103: International directory assistance
Tourist Information:
- Tourist Office Hotline: +590 (0)590 82 09 30 for general visitor inquiries and activity information
Embassy Contacts:
- US Consular Agency (Martinique): +596 596 31 70 03
- British Consulate (Martinique): +596 596 60 73 34
- Canadian Consulate (Martinique): +596 596 60 00 90
Other Helpful Services:
- Météo France (Weather): 08 99 71 02 71 for forecasts and storm warnings
- Lost/Stolen Credit Cards: Contact your bank's international number
- Pharmacy Information: 3237 for nearest on-duty pharmacy locations
Tips for Calling Guadeloupe
When calling Guadeloupe (UTC-4), timing is crucial for successful communication. The archipelago is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time and doesn't observe daylight saving time, making it consistent year-round.
For business calls, aim for weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM local time, when offices are most receptive. Standard business hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Always schedule important business calls in advance to ensure availability.
Avoid calling during major French holidays, as Guadeloupe observes these alongside local celebrations including Bastille Day (July 14), Abolition Day (May 27), and Carnival season in February. Weekends and the extended lunch period are generally unsuitable for business matters.
For personal calls, evenings and weekends offer off-peak rates from many carriers. Consider calling after 6:00 PM when recipients are likely home from work.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and consider that French is the official language. If you don't speak French, confirm beforehand that your contact is comfortable with English. Always confirm the connection quality at the call's start and verify any important details before ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Guadeloupe is +590. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Guadeloupe from anywhere in the world.
To dial Guadeloupe from your cell phone, start with the + symbol (or your country's international access code), then dial 590 (Guadeloupe's country code), followed by the 9-digit local phone number.
Guadeloupe phone numbers don't typically start with a leading zero. Simply dial +590 followed by the 9-digit local number, which usually begins with 590 or 690 for mobile numbers.
The cheapest way to call Guadeloupe is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Guadeloupe.
In Guadeloupe, dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. You can also dial 112, the European emergency number, which works throughout Guadeloupe.
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