Saint Martin (French Part) Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Navigate Saint Martin's telecommunications system with confidence. Saint Martin (French Part) uses country code +590 and follows the French overseas territories numbering plan, with 10-digit phone numbers starting with prefixes 0590 (landlines) or 0690 (mobile). This comprehensive dialing guide covers everything you need: domestic and international calling procedures, emergency services (112, 15, 17, 18), mobile operators (Orange, Dauphin Telecom, Digicel, UTS Caraïbe), business communication best practices, and ARCEP-regulated number portability that completes within two working days.

Understanding Saint Martin's Telecommunications System

Saint Martin's telecommunications infrastructure integrates seamlessly with the French overseas territories network, overseen by the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques, des Postes et de la Distribution de la Presse (ARCEP). This integration delivers a robust and modern system with unique characteristics.

The Dual-Country Island Context

Saint Martin is geographically unique: the 87 km² island divides between French Saint-Martin (53 km², northern part) and Dutch Sint Maarten (37 km², southern part). The French side belongs to the European Union as an overseas collectivity of France, while the Dutch side operates as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands outside the EU. This creates important telecommunications implications:

• No Physical Border: Move freely between both sides without border controls, but telecom networks operate independently
• Different Country Codes: French side uses +590; Dutch side uses +1-721
• Roaming Between Sides: Crossing the invisible border switches networks. Most French operators (Orange, Dauphin Telecom) offer free roaming on the Dutch side through partner networks, but verify your specific plan
• EU Roaming Benefits: French side only. EU mobile users enjoy roam-like-at-home rates on French networks under EU roaming regulations

Key Telecommunications Elements

• Country Code: +590 (shared with Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy, and other French overseas territories). Example formats:
  • International format: +590 590 29 12 34 (from abroad)
  • Alternative format: +33 590 29 12 34 (using French metropolitan code +33, then territory code 590)
  • Domestic format: 0590 29 12 34 (when calling within French territories)
• National Prefix: 0 (used for domestic calls within Saint Martin and other French overseas territories)
• Standard Number Length: 10 digits (including the prefix)
• Regulatory Body: ARCEP ensures fair competition and consumer protection. In November 2024, ARCEP authorized four operators (Dauphin Telecom, Digicel AFG, Orange, and UTS Caraïbe) to participate in frequency auctions for the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.1 GHz bands, with new licenses effective May 1, 2025

SIM Card Purchase for Visitors

Obtain local SIM cards easily to avoid high roaming charges:

Where to Buy:

• Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (on Dutch side) and Grand Case Airport have mobile kiosks
• Operator Stores: Digicel and Dauphin Telecom stores in major towns like Marigot (French side) and Philipsburg (Dutch side)
• UTS/Chippie Stores: Available on both sides in Marigot and Philipsburg
• Retail Outlets: Many independent shops and supermarkets sell prepaid SIM cards and top-up vouchers

Requirements:

• Valid passport or government-issued ID for registration
• No visa required for SIM purchase
• Complete registration within 15 days of purchase at an operator store

Typical Costs (as of 2025):

• SIM card: $10-$18 USD (€10-€16 EUR), usually includes initial credit
• Basic prepaid data plans: $15-$30 USD for 1-3 GB with validity of 7-30 days
• Specific examples: Digicel charges approximately €12 EUR ($12.80 USD), Dauphin Telecom €15-€35.90 EUR depending on package, UTS/Chippie $18 USD with $11 credit included

How to Make Domestic Calls and Local Dialing in Saint Martin

Make calls within Saint Martin by following these standard dialing patterns:

Landline to Landline

Dial 0590 followed by the six-digit subscriber number. For example, 0590 29 12 34. This is the most common format for business calls within Saint Martin.

Landline to Mobile

Dial 0690 followed by the six-digit subscriber number. For example, 0690 12 34 56. This format is consistent across all mobile operators in Saint Martin.

Mobile to Mobile

The format remains the same as landline-to-mobile: 0690 followed by the six-digit subscriber number. For example, 0690 12 34 56. This consistency simplifies dialing regardless of the originating device.

Pro Tip: Store frequently dialed numbers in their full 10-digit format, including the 0590 or 0690 prefix, to ensure accurate dialing every time.

Cross-Border Calls: A Special Case

Saint Martin's shared island status introduces a unique wrinkle: calls to the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) are treated as international calls, even though there's no physical border.

• Calls to Dutch Sint Maarten: Dial 00 + 1 721 + the seven-digit local number. The +1-721 is the country code for Sint Maarten.
• Cost Implications: International rates apply when calling between French and Dutch sides. Typical costs range from €0.50-€1.50 per minute without a special plan. Many operators offer cross-island packages or free roaming to mitigate costs.
• Roaming Near the Border: Your phone might inadvertently connect to a Sint Maarten network, triggering international roaming charges. Mountainous terrain means coverage doesn't always respect the invisible border.

How to Disable Automatic Network Selection:

On iPhone (iOS):

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
2. Tap Network Selection
3. Turn off Automatic
4. Wait for available networks to appear
5. Manually select your preferred French network (Orange, Dauphin, Digicel, or UTS)

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network
2. Tap Advanced > Carrier (or Network Operators)
3. Turn off Automatically select network
4. Wait for the list of available networks
5. Manually select your preferred French network

Pro Tip: Some operators like Dauphin Telecom and UTS offer free roaming between both sides of the island, eliminating roaming concerns for their customers.

Saint Martin Emergency Services: Essential Numbers for Police, Fire, and Medical

In emergencies, quick access to help is paramount. Saint Martin's emergency numbers provide immediate connection:

• Toll-free: No charges apply.
• 24/7 Availability: Accessible around the clock.
• Prefix-free: Dial directly without any prefixes.
• Accessible from Locked Phones: Functional even if your phone is locked.

Here are the essential emergency numbers you should program into your phone upon arrival:

Additional emergency contacts from Saint Martin tourism office:

• Erick Ambulances: +590 590 29 29 34
• Ambulances des Îles du Nord: +590 690 29 XX XX

Language Support and What to Expect

• 112 (European Emergency): Operators handle calls in multiple languages including English and French. This is your best option if you don't speak French. Non-French speakers may experience a brief delay while connecting to an English-speaking operator.
• 15, 17, 18 (Local Numbers): Primary language is French, though some operators speak English. For fastest response, state your emergency clearly: "Emergency" ("Urgence"), your location, and type of help needed.
• What to Prepare: Have your location ready (address, landmark, or GPS coordinates), state the emergency nature clearly, and stay on the line until help arrives or you're told to hang up.

Important: Familiarize yourself with these numbers immediately upon arrival. Seconds can count in a crisis.

Business Communication and International Calling: Professional Number Formatting

Maintain effective communication for business success. Project a professional image in Saint Martin with these practices:

International Dialing FROM Saint Martin

To call other countries from Saint Martin, follow this format:

Exit Code: 00 (or + from mobile phones)

Dialing Format: 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number

Examples:

• To USA: 00 1 212 555 1234 (00 + country code 1 + area code 212 + number)
• To UK: 00 44 20 7123 4567 (00 + country code 44 + area code 20 + number)
• To France (Metropolitan): 00 33 1 42 34 56 78 (00 + country code 33 + area code without leading 0 + number)
• From Mobile Using +: +1 212 555 1234 or +44 20 7123 4567

Cost Considerations: International call rates vary by operator and destination, typically ranging from €0.50-€3.00 per minute. Consider international calling packages or VoIP services (WhatsApp, Skype) for frequent international communication.

Number Formatting

• Readability: Use spaces to enhance readability. For example, +590 590 29 12 34.
• International Format: Include the +590 country code on business cards and websites to facilitate international calls.
• Context-Specific Formatting:
  • Business cards: +590 590 29 12 34 (international format)
  • Websites: +590 590 29 12 34 with click-to-call functionality
  • Email signatures: Tel: +590 590 29 12 34 or Mobile: +590 690 12 34 56
  • Local materials: 0590 29 12 34 (domestic format)

Value-Added Services

• Premium Rate Numbers: Numbers starting with 089X for specialized services. Typical costs range from €0.15-€0.80 per minute plus connection fees.
• Toll-Free Numbers: Numbers beginning with 0800 are free from landlines and commonly used for customer service. Mobile calls may incur charges depending on your plan.
• Operator-Specific Codes: Contact your telecom operator for specific service codes, such as call forwarding or conference calling.

Best Practices for Business Users

• Consistency: Maintain consistent number formatting across all business materials.
• International Instructions: Provide clear dialing instructions for overseas clients: "To call from abroad: +590 590 [your number]"
• After-Hours Support: Consider setting up call forwarding or an answering service for after-hours support.

Saint Martin Mobile Operators and Telecommunications Providers (2025)

Saint Martin offers a competitive telecommunications market with several major players. Consider coverage, services, and business support when choosing your provider.

Key Players in the Market

• Orange Caraïbe: Full-service provider offering mobile, landline, and data services with extensive 4G/LTE coverage and business solutions. Number ranges include 0590 29XXXX and 0690 6XXXX. Orange operates 3G/HSPA+ on 900/2100 MHz and 4G/LTE networks. Orange participated in ARCEP's 2024-2025 frequency auctions for 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.1 GHz bands, with new licenses effective May 1, 2025.

  • Coverage: Excellent coverage on French side with roaming agreements on Dutch side
  • Website: Orange Caraïbe
  • Tourist Plans: eSIM and prepaid options available for travelers

• Dauphin Telecom: Local operator founded in 1998, offering a full range of services including "Vivez Fibre" fiber optic internet. They operate on 900/1800 MHz 2G/GSM, 2100 MHz 3G/HSPA+, and 1800/2600 MHz 4G/LTE (bands 3 and 7). They maintain network continuity across both parts of the island through free roaming agreements with Dutch operator Telcell. This local presence can be a significant advantage for businesses operating in Saint Martin. Dauphin Telecom participated in ARCEP's 2024-2025 frequency auctions with licenses effective May 1, 2025.

  • Coverage: Strong coverage on both French and Dutch sides with free island-wide roaming
  • Store Locations: Marigot (French side) and Gustavia (Saint Barthélemy)
  • Website: Dauphin Telecom
  • Prepaid Options: "Easy" SIM cards from €14.90-€35.90 with data packages from €5 for 500 MB to €35 for 10 GB

• Digicel: Specializes in mobile services with a focus on Caribbean coverage. Number range is 0690 8XXXX. Digicel AFG participated in ARCEP's 2024-2025 frequency auctions for Saint Martin.

  • Coverage: Caribbean-wide network with roaming across multiple islands
  • Stores: Available at airport and major towns
  • Prepaid Cost: Approximately €12 EUR ($12.80 USD) for SIM card

• UTS Caraïbe (Chippie Brand): Regional telecommunications provider operating under two licenses (French UTS Caraïbe network ID 340-03 and Dutch UTS N.V. network ID 362-91). Offers 3G/HSPA on 850/2100 MHz and 4G/LTE on band 3 (1800 MHz). UTS participated in ARCEP's 2024-2025 frequency auctions for Saint Martin, receiving licenses in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.1 GHz bands effective May 1, 2025.

  • Coverage: Unified network on both sides of Saint Martin plus free roaming in "Chippieland" (Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barthélemy)
  • Store Locations: Marigot and Philipsburg
  • Website: UTS
  • Prepaid Options: $18 USD SIM with $11 credit included. Data packages: $2.25 for 500 MB/1 day up to $120 for 12 GB/30 days with calls and SMS

Customer Service Numbers:

• Orange: Check website or visit store for current support numbers
• Dauphin Telecom: Available at store locations
• Digicel: Customer service available at retail locations
• UTS/Chippie: Balance check #191#; Data balance send "4GVP VAL" to 3434

Note: Contact operators directly for current rates and business packages. All four operators received authorization to participate in ARCEP's frequency assignment procedures completed in March 2025. 5G availability: As of 2025, 5G networks are not yet deployed in Saint Martin. The 2025 frequency auctions focused on 2G/3G/4G spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.1 GHz bands.

Troubleshooting Common Dialing Issues

Dialing issues can arise even with a well-structured system. Tackle common problems with these solutions:

Number Format Issues

• Prefixes: Double-check that you've included the correct prefix (0590 for landlines, 0690 for mobiles, +1 721 for Dutch Sint Maarten).
• Spacing: Ensure proper spacing in number entry, especially when dialing internationally.
• International Format: When calling from outside Saint Martin, always use the international format (+590 followed by the 10-digit number).
• Error Message "Number Not Recognized": Verify you're using the correct country code. From abroad, dial +590 before the full 10-digit number (including the 0).

Cross-Border Challenges

• Country Code: Confirm you're using the correct country code (+1 721 for Dutch Sint Maarten).
• Location: Check your physical location relative to the border. Unexpected roaming can occur near border areas.
• Roaming Settings: Verify your roaming settings to avoid unintended charges.
• Network Priority: If you have free roaming, ensure your phone hasn't locked onto a Dutch network unnecessarily.

Service Access Problems

• Support Line: Contact your provider's support line for assistance.
• Service Activation: Confirm that your service is active and properly provisioned.
• Network Coverage: Check for network coverage issues in your area. Mountainous terrain can create coverage gaps.
• No Signal: Try manually selecting a different network or restarting your device.

Keep your provider's customer service number readily accessible for quick assistance.

How to Switch Carriers: Mobile Number Portability in Saint Martin

Saint Martin boasts a streamlined mobile number portability (MNP) system, regulated by ARCEP. This allows you to switch providers while retaining your existing mobile number. The process is designed to be consumer-centric, with porting completed within two working days (as of the system improvements implemented in September 2012 for Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy).

Step-by-Step Porting Process

1. Obtain Your RIO (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur): Call 3179 from your current mobile phone (available 24/7 from any operator, toll-free). This automated service provides your unique portability code, which is valid for 3-59 days.

2. Choose Your New Operator: Visit your desired new provider's store or website to select a plan.

3. Provide Required Information:

   • Your current mobile number
   • Your RIO code
   • Valid ID (passport or government-issued identification)
   • Desired porting date (between 3 and 59 days from request)

4. New Operator Handles Transfer: Your new provider manages the entire porting process with your old operator. You don't need to contact your old provider.

5. Porting Completion: The switch occurs within two working days from the requested porting date, typically with only 1-2 hours of service interruption.

6. Activation: Once complete, your old SIM card stops working, and your new SIM activates with your existing number.

Key Features of Saint Martin's MNP System

• Accelerated Processing: Porting completes within two working days (improved from the previous 10-day system).
• Simplified Procedures: The RIO system streamlines portability by encoding all necessary account information in a single code.
• Service Continuity: Minimal downtime during the transition (typically 1-2 hours).
• Consumer Protection: Strict validation protocols ensure a secure and reliable transfer.
• Unified System: The portability system is harmonized across French overseas territories including Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Fees and Contract Obligations

• Porting Fees: Number portability itself is typically free. However, check with your new operator for any activation fees.
• Contract Obligations: If you're on a postpaid contract, you may need to pay early termination fees to your old operator. Prepaid customers can port freely once their service is active.
• Outstanding Balances: Settle any outstanding bills with your old operator before or immediately after porting.

Potential Complications

• Incorrect RIO Code: Double-check the RIO code when providing it to your new operator. Errors will delay the process.
• Account Discrepancies: Ensure your account details match your ID. Mismatches can block porting.
• Timing Conflicts: Choose your porting date carefully to avoid service gaps during important periods.

Quick Reference Card

Essential Numbers

• European Emergency: 112
• Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15
• Police (Gendarmerie): 17
• Fire (Pompiers): 18
• Number Portability RIO: 3179

Dialing Codes

• Country Code: +590
• National Prefix: 0
• Exit Code (International): 00 or +
• Dutch Sint Maarten: +1 721

Number Formats

• Landline: 0590 XX XX XX
• Mobile: 0690 XX XX XX
• International: +590 590 XX XX XX
• From abroad (alternative): +33 590 XX XX XX

Operator Prefixes

• Orange: 0590 29XXXX, 0690 6XXXX
• Digicel: 0690 8XXXX
• Dauphin Telecom: Various ranges
• UTS Caraïbe: Various ranges

Resources and Official Links

Regulatory Authority

• ARCEP (French Telecom Regulator) - Official telecommunications regulator
• ARCEP Frequency Auctions 2024-2025 - Details on operator licenses

Operator Websites

• Orange Caraïbe - Full service telecommunications
• Dauphin Telecom - Local operator with island-wide coverage
• UTS Caraïbe/Chippie - Regional Caribbean operator
• Digicel - Visit retail locations for information

Travel Resources

• Saint Martin Tourism Office - Official visitor information including emergency contacts
• EU Roaming Regulations - Information about roam-like-at-home benefits

Number Portability

• ARCEP Number Portability Information - Official portability procedures
• French Number Porting Guide - Detailed RIO system explanation

To recap, this guide has equipped you with the essential knowledge to navigate Saint Martin's telecommunications system. From dialing procedures and emergency services to business best practices and number portability, you now have the tools to communicate effectively and confidently.