Serbia’s international dialing code is +381. This complete guide explains how to use the +381 prefix when dialing from abroad, lists major area and mobile codes, gives real-world dialing examples, touches briefly on the historical background, and provides practical tips to save money and avoid common dialing mistakes.
What is the Serbia country code?
The Serbia country code is +381. It is used to route telephone calls to Serbia from other countries. The “+” stands for your country's international access prefix (for example, 011 from the U.S. or 00 from most European countries).
How to call Serbia from abroad — step-by-step
- Dial your country's international exit code (international call prefix). Examples:
- United States / Canada:
011 - United Kingdom, Germany, most of Europe:
00 - Australia:
0011
- United States / Canada:
- Dial Serbia's country code:
381. - Dial the area or mobile code without the leading zero.
- Dial the local subscriber number.
Example (calling a Belgrade landline number 011 234 5678 from the U.S.):
011 381 11 234 5678
Dialing format examples
Below are common calling formats you can copy:
- Calling a Belgrade landline (local:
011 234 5678):+381 11 234 5678 - Calling a Serbian mobile (local:
064 123 4567):+381 64 123 4567 - Clickable telephone link example for web pages:
<a href="tel:+381641234567">Call +381 64 123 4567</a>
Major Serbian area & mobile codes (handy reference)
The table below lists commonly used area and mobile codes. When dialing internationally drop the initial leading zero from the domestic format.
| Location / Type | Domestic Code (examples) | International Dialing (use after +381) |
|---|---|---|
| Belgrade (capital) | 011 | 11 |
| Novi Sad | 021 | 21 |
| Niš | 018 | 18 |
| Kragujevac | 034 | 34 |
| Subotica | 024 | 24 |
| Mobile networks (example prefixes) | 060 / 061 / 064 / 065 / 066 / 063 / 062 / 069 | 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 63, 62, 69 |
Short telecom history: how +381 came to be
Before the 1990s, much of the territory that is today separate countries used the former Yugoslav dialing series. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, telephone codes were reassigned and Serbia received +381, while other successor states received their own codes (for example, Croatia +385, Slovenia +386, Bosnia & Herzegovina +387, Montenegro +382, North Macedonia +389, Kosovo +383). The change enabled independent routing and administration of national telecom systems.
Practical tips for calling Serbia
- Drop the leading zero: Area codes in Serbia often start with 0 domestically (e.g., 011). When calling from abroad, remove the 0 and dial the code after +381 (e.g., 11).
- Timezone awareness: Serbia is in Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) when DST is active — check before calling to avoid early/late calls.
- Use VoIP or apps: For lower rates or free calls consider WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Signal, or other VoIP services if both parties have internet access.
- Local SIM for travelers: If you are visiting Serbia, consider buying a local prepaid SIM to avoid roaming fees and to get local numbers.
Mobile carriers & prefixes (notes)
Serbia has several mobile carriers; prefixes are often indicative of the original operator but may not guarantee current operator ownership due to number portability (users can keep numbers when switching carriers). Common mobile prefixes include 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dialing the zero from the domestic format: for example,
+381 011 ...is incorrect — drop the 0 and use+381 11 .... - Forgetting the international exit code or using the wrong one — verify what your country uses (011, 00, 0011, etc.).
- Assuming mobile prefixes always show carrier — number portability exists.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the full dialing format to call Serbia?
- A:
International Exit Code+381+Area/Mobile Code (no leading zero)+Local Number. Example:011 381 11 234 5678(from the U.S.). - Q: Can I call Serbia using internet apps?
- A: Yes — apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Signal, Skype and others allow voice and video calls over the internet and often are free or much cheaper than traditional international calls.
- Q: Will the prefix +381 ever change?
- A: Country calling codes are assigned by the international telecommunication authorities and are stable. While political changes can sometimes trigger reassignment, +381 has been assigned to Serbia and is expected to remain for the foreseeable future.
- Q: Is there a difference between +381 and 00381?
- A: No.
+381and00381represent the same dialing sequence; the plus sign is a shorthand for your country's international exit code (00, 011, etc.).
The Serbia country code +381 is simple to use once you understand the format: dial your international exit code, then 381, then the Serbian area or mobile code without its domestic leading zero, and then the subscriber's number. Use VoIP apps to save on costs, check time zones before calling, and if you travel to Serbia consider a local SIM to keep charges low.
Quick reference (tel format):
Landline (Belgrade): +381 11 234 5678
Mobile (example): +381 64 123 4567
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