How to Call Martinique
Complete guide to dialing Martinique (country code +596)
Planning to reach someone in this beautiful Caribbean island? Learning how to call Martinique doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts, understanding the proper dialing procedure ensures your call goes through smoothly every time. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Martinique from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression. You'll also discover useful emergency and service numbers to keep handy during your communications. By following these straightforward guidelines, you'll be confidently placing calls to Martinique in no time, avoiding unnecessary charges and connection issues.
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Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Martinique: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Martinique requires understanding the proper international dialing format. This French Caribbean territory uses country code +596 for all telephone connections.
International Dialing Format Structure
The complete format follows this pattern:
Exit Code + 596 + Local Number (9 digits)
The exit code varies by country, while Martinique's local numbers are always 9 digits with no leading zero to drop.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions by Country
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 596 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 596 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
From Australia:
- Dial 0011 (exit code)
- Dial 596 (country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number
Specific Calling Examples
Example 1 - Martinique Mobile Number (696 XX XX XX):
- From USA: 011-596-696-XX-XX-XX
- From UK: 00-596-696-XX-XX-XX
- From mobile phones worldwide: +596-696-XX-XX-XX
Example 2 - Fort-de-France Landline (596 XX XX XX):
- From USA: 011-596-596-XX-XX-XX
- From UK: 00-596-596-XX-XX-XX
Example 3 - Business Landline (596 YY YY YY):
- From USA: 011-596-596-YY-YY-YY
- From mobile internationally: +596-596-YY-YY-YY
Important Notes About Martinique Numbers
Unlike many countries, Martinique numbers have no leading zero to remove. All local numbers are exactly 9 digits beginning with either 596 (landlines) or 696/976 (mobile phones). When you see a Martinique number written locally, simply add your country's exit code plus 596 before dialing.
Mobile phones can typically use + instead of exit codes, making +596 the universal dialing prefix regardless of your location.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Martinique, avoid these common mistakes:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Many people dial the leading zero from local Martinique numbers when calling internationally. If a local number is 0696 XX XX XX, drop the zero and dial +596 696 XX XX XX. The leading zero is only used for domestic calls within Martinique.
Using the wrong exit code: Travelers often forget their country's exit code. US and Canada use 011, while most European countries use 00. Always dial your exit code first: 011-596 or 00-596, or simply use the + symbol which automatically applies the correct exit code.
Including extra country codes: Since 2007, Martinique merged its area codes into the main country code. Don't dial +596-596 twice—this is outdated. Simply use +596 followed by the 9-digit local number.
Incorrect spacing of numbers: Martinique uses a specific format: +596 6XX XX XX XX for mobile or +596 5XX XX XX XX for landlines. Proper spacing helps avoid dialing errors.
Not checking the number type: Mobile numbers start with 696 or 697, while landlines begin with 596. This helps verify you're calling the correct type of line.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Martinique, understanding local customs helps ensure respectful communication. The island blends French formality with Caribbean warmth, creating unique telephone etiquette.
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. Use "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) before stating your purpose. This politeness is essential and skipping it may seem rude. In business contexts, address people formally using "Monsieur" or "Madame" unless invited to use first names.
For business calls, contact offices between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, avoiding the lunch period from 12:30 to 2:00 PM when many businesses close. Personal calls are best made after 6:00 PM on weekdays or during weekend afternoons, respecting meal times and early mornings.
Business conversations should remain formal initially, maintaining professional distance. Personal calls can be warmer but still start politely. Martiniquans appreciate taking time for pleasantries rather than rushing immediately to business matters.
When leaving voice messages, speak clearly in French if possible, state your name, purpose, and contact information. Messages should be concise yet courteous, maintaining the same formality as direct conversations.
Important cultural considerations include speaking at a moderate pace and volume. Loud or aggressive tones are considered disrespectful. Also, be patient if conversations include small talk—this relationship-building is valued in Martiniquan culture. Mobile phone usage is widespread, but always ask if it's a convenient time when someone answers.
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Emergency Numbers
Police (Gendarmerie): 17
Ambulance (SAMU): 15
Fire Department (Pompiers): 18
European Emergency Number: 112 (connects to all services)
Sea Rescue (CROSS): 196
Coast Guard: +596 596 70 92 92
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible 24/7 from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Martinique. The 112 number is particularly useful for tourists as it works across all French territories and EU countries.
Important Note: Operators primarily speak French, though some may speak basic English, especially on the 112 line. In remote areas, mobile coverage may be limited. It's advisable to have your location details ready in French or ask your accommodation to assist with emergency calls if you're not comfortable speaking French. Save these numbers immediately upon arrival.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory inquiries (Martinique): 12 12
- International operator assistance: 00 33 12
Tourist Information
- Martinique Tourism Office: 0596 61 61 77 (guidance on attractions, accommodations, and activities)
- Tourist helpline for complaints/assistance: 0596 60 27 73
Diplomatic Contacts
- U.S. Consular Agency (Fort-de-France): +596 596 54 95 61
- Canadian Consulate (honorary): +596 596 63 08 34
- British Honorary Consul: Contact through French emergency services
Useful Services
- Pharmacy on-call information: 15 (SAMU can direct you)
- Weather information: 08 99 71 02 72
- Airport information (Aimé Césaire International): 0596 42 16 00
- Ferry services (Express des ĂŽles): 0825 35 90 00
Keep these numbers accessible when traveling throughout Martinique for convenient assistance beyond emergency situations.
Tips for Calling Martinique
When calling Martinique (UTC-4), plan your calls carefully to ensure you reach contacts during appropriate hours. Business hours typically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. For international callers in Europe, early afternoon works well, while US East Coast callers should aim for morning or early afternoon.
Schedule business calls in advance, especially for important matters. This demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:00 PM) when many businesses close temporarily.
Be mindful of French holidays, as Martinique observes both French national holidays and local celebrations. Key dates to avoid include Bastille Day (July 14), All Saints' Day (November 1), and Carnival season (February/March). Additionally, avoid calling on Sundays when most businesses are closed.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and consider that French is the official language. Many businesspeople speak English, but confirming language preference beforehand helps. Mobile and landline connections are generally reliable, but having a backup contact method proves useful. Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for personal calls to benefit from potentially lower rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Martinique is +596. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Martinique from anywhere in the world.
To dial Martinique from your cell phone, start with '+' or your country's international access code, then dial 596 followed by the 9-digit local number. For example: +596 XXX XXX XXX.
Martinique's phone numbers don't typically start with a leading zero. Simply dial +596 followed by the full 9-digit local number. All numbers follow the same format without area codes.
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In Martinique, dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The European emergency number 112 also works and will connect you to appropriate emergency services.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Martinique directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start calling without downloading any software or apps.
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