Calling Codes For Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Quick Guide

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation rich in culture and history, has its own unique international calling code: +387. This code is a pivotal part of the telecommunication landscape, assigned following the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992, transitioning from the previous Yugoslav code of +38. Understanding the calling codes is essential for anyone looking to connect with the country, whether for personal or business reasons.

How to Dial Internationally

When making an international call to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the dialing process is straightforward. First, you must enter your home country’s international access code—this is often 011 for countries like the United States and Canada. Following that, you would dial Bosnia and Herzegovina’s country code, 387. After the country code, include the regional area code (dropped of the leading zero), followed by the local subscriber number.

For instance, if you are calling a number in Sarajevo, you would dial it in this format: +387 33 xxx xxx

Domestic Calling Instructions

While dialing within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the rules are slightly different. Here, you need to include a national prefix of 0 before the area code. For example, calling a local number in Sarajevo would require you to dial:

0 33 xxx xxx

This leading zero is a critical component for national calls and is mandated by the country’s national numbering plan, which is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Agency.

A Closer Look at Area Codes

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a well-structured numbering plan, and area codes vary by geographic region. Here are some key area codes for major cities:

• Sarajevo: 33

• Banja Luka: 51

• Tuzla: 35

• Mostar: 36

Notably, older area codes like 071 for Sarajevo and 078 for Banja Luka were part of the Yugoslav telecommunications system but have since been replaced under a standardized ITU-approved system.

Subscriber Numbers and Formats

The length of telephone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina varies, generally consisting of 6 to 9 digits, which includes the area code and subscriber number. Therefore, the complete international number format would be:

+387 (area code without 0) subscriber number

For mobile phones, the dialing sequence mirrors that of landline calls. When calling from outside the country, the leading zero is omitted, and the country code is prefixed. Typical mobile numbers will also follow a 9-digit format after the initial zero.

International Calls from Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you are located in Bosnia and wish to call abroad, the process remains elemental. You start by dialing the international prefix, which is 00, followed by the destination country code, area code (if applicable), and the subscriber number.

Summary of Key Points

To effectively navigate the telecommunications system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, keep the following key points in mind:

• Country Code: +387

• National Prefix (for domestic calls): 0

• International Prefix (to dial out): 00

• Area Codes: These correspond to geographic regions and are typically 2-digit codes following the 0 prefix.

• Subscriber Numbers: These vary, leading to a total numbering length between 6 and 9 digits.

For those seeking cost-effective and efficient ways to communicate internationally with Bosnia and Herzegovina, many operators offer VoIP options. These services utilize the +387 country code but use internet routing, making communication more accessible regardless of your location.

Armed with this guide, you can confidently navigate the calling codes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring seamless communication whether locally or internationally.