Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Guyana is +592. This code is required when dialing to Guyana from any other country. Remember to precede the country code with the appropriate international prefix (e.g., 011 from the USA).
Always store Guyanese phone numbers in the international E.164 format (+592XXXXXXX). This standardized format ensures compatibility across different systems and simplifies integration with telecommunication services. Storing additional metadata like number type can also be beneficial.
To make international calls from Guyana, use the international prefix 001 followed by the country code and the local number. For example, to call the USA, dial 001 1 212 555 0123.
Guyana does not have a national prefix. You dial the 7-digit National Significant Number (NSN) directly for local calls.
All Guyanese phone numbers have a 7-digit National Significant Number (NSN), regardless of whether they are landlines or mobile numbers. There are no area codes within Guyana.
Guyana utilizes a closed numbering plan, meaning there are no separate area codes within the country. This simplifies dialing, as you only need the 7-digit NSN for any call within Guyana.
The E.164 format for Guyana numbers is +592XXXXXXX, where X represents the seven digits of the National Significant Number (NSN). It's the internationally recommended format for storing phone numbers.
Use the regular expression /^2[1-9]\d{5}$/ to validate a Guyana landline number. This regex ensures the number starts with 2, followed by a digit from 1 to 9, and then five more digits.
Guyanese mobile numbers can be validated using the regex /^(6\d{6}|7[0-5]\d{5})$/. This checks for numbers starting with 6 followed by six digits, or starting with 70 to 75 followed by five digits.
For local display, format numbers as XXX-XXXX. For international display, use the full E.164 format (+592 XXX XXXX) for better clarity and recognition.
You should always store phone numbers in E.164 format (+592XXXXXXX) for consistency and interoperability with various systems and services. It's best practice for database storage and data exchange.
Guyana's phone numbers use prefixes to indicate service type: '2' for landlines, '6' and '7[0-5]' for mobile, '8' for toll-free, and '9' for premium-rate numbers.
Refer to the Telecommunications Agency's official website (https://telecoms.gov.gy/) for the latest regulations and licensing information in Guyana's telecommunications sector.
Dial the 7-digit number directly. No area codes or prefixes are needed for local calls within Guyana.
Guyana Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
This comprehensive guide covers Guyana's phone numbering system, providing developers with everything needed for seamless integration with applications and services. Whether you're building telecommunications software, validating user input with phone number validation, or managing international SMS communications, this resource covers number formats, dialing procedures, validation techniques, best practices, and regulatory considerations specific to Guyana's +592 country code.
Quick Reference
Best Practice: Always store phone numbers in the international E.164 format (+592XXXXXXX) for optimal compatibility and interoperability.
Guyana's Telecommunications Landscape
Guyana's telecommunications sector has undergone significant liberalization since October 2020, fostering competition and growth. The market is primarily served by major operators including GT&T (Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company) for landline and mobile services, and Digicel Guyana for mobile services.
Developer Impact: When implementing validation or carrier-specific routing:
Number Formats and Structure
NSN (National Significant Number): The subscriber number portion excluding the country code, consisting of all digits needed to route a call within the country. For Guyana, this is always 7 digits.
Guyana uses a closed numbering plan with a uniform 7-digit NSN structure across the country. No area codes are used within Guyana, simplifying both domestic and international dialing.
The first digit of the 7-digit number indicates the service type:
2[1-9]XXXXXX
(e.g., 2221234)20XXXXX
range is reserved and not allocated for public use6XXXXXX
or7[0-5]XXXXX
(e.g., 6123456, 7012345)800XXXX
(e.g., 8001234)9008XXX
(e.g., 9008123)Reserved/Unallocated Ranges:
Validation logic should reject numbers starting with these prefixes to prevent false positives.
How to Dial Guyana Phone Numbers
Domestic Calls
International Calls to and from Guyana
Outgoing from Guyana: Dial
001 + Country Code + Number
Examples:
001 1 212 555 0123
001 44 20 7946 0958
001 1 416 555 0199
Incoming to Guyana:
011 + 592 + 7-digit number
011 592 222 1234
00 + 592 + 7-digit number
00 592 222 1234
0011 + 592 + 7-digit number
0011 592 222 1234
00 + 592 + 7-digit number
00 592 222 1234
Check your originating country's international dialing prefix if not listed above.
Phone Number Validation for Guyana (+592)
Why Validation Matters:
Use regular expressions to validate Guyanese phone numbers effectively:
Implementation Best Practices
Storage: Always store numbers in E.164 format (+592XXXXXXX). This ensures consistency and facilitates integration with various systems. Consider storing the original user input alongside the E.164 version for auditing and troubleshooting. Adding metadata about the number type (landline, mobile, etc.) can also be beneficial.
Database Schema Recommendations:
Display: Format numbers appropriately for display based on user locale. For local display within Guyana, consider formats like
XXX-XXXX
. For international display, use the full E.164 format (+592 XXX XXXX).Validation Pipeline: Implement a comprehensive validation pipeline that includes format checking, length verification, prefix validation, and potentially connectivity testing. Regularly review and update your validation rules to accommodate any changes in the numbering plan.
Timezone Considerations: Guyana operates on UTC-4 year-round (no daylight saving time). When scheduling calls or SMS:
Python Implementation Examples
Regulatory Compliance and SMS Guidelines
Telecommunications Act of 2016
The Telecommunications Act of 2016 governs Guyana's telecommunications sector. Key compliance considerations for developers:
Data Storage and Processing:
International Data Protection:
GDPR Compliance (if serving EU users): Phone numbers are considered personal data under GDPR. Ensure:
Cross-border data transfers: If storing Guyana phone numbers outside the country, ensure adequate safeguards (standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions).
SMS/Voice Communication:
Record Retention:
For current regulatory requirements, consult the Telecommunications Agency and legal counsel, especially if processing phone numbers at scale or for sensitive purposes. For SMS delivery best practices, see our SMS compliance guide.
Error Handling and Edge Cases
Common Edge Cases to Handle
Enhanced Error Handling Implementation
Performance Considerations for Bulk Validation
When validating large batches of phone numbers (>1000 records):
Optimization Strategies:
This comprehensive guide equips developers with the knowledge and tools to handle Guyana phone numbers effectively. By following the best practices and staying informed about regulatory updates, you can ensure seamless integration and reliable communication within your applications.