How to Call Bosnia and Herzegovina
Complete guide to dialing Bosnia and Herzegovina (country code +387)
Learning how to call Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts, understanding the proper dialing process ensures your calls go through smoothly every time. Many people make simple mistakes when calling Bosnia and Herzegovina that can be easily avoided with the right information. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, explain common errors to avoid, share essential phone etiquette tips for communicating with Bosnian contacts, and provide a list of useful numbers you might need during your stay or while reaching out to the country. By the end, you'll be confidently making international calls to this beautiful Balkan nation.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need four essential components: your country's exit code, Bosnia and Herzegovina's country code (+387), the local area code, and the phone number. The format is: Exit Code + 387 + Area Code + Local Number.
Dropping the Leading Zero
When dialing internationally to Bosnia and Herzegovina, always remove the leading zero from the local area code. For example, if a Sarajevo landline shows as 033 123 456 locally, you'll dial it as 33 123 456 internationally.
Dialing From Different Countries
From USA:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011 + 387 + area code (without 0) + local number
- Example: 011-387-33-123-456
From UK:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00 + 387 + area code (without 0) + local number
- Example: 00-387-33-123-456
From Other Countries:
- Most countries use 00 as exit code (some exceptions: 810 for Russia, 0011 for Australia)
- Check your country's specific exit code
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Sarajevo Landline (033 area code):
- Local format: 033 123 456
- From USA: 011-387-33-123-456
- From UK: 00-387-33-123-456
Example 2 - Mobile Number (60-66 prefix range):
- Local format: 061 234 567
- From USA: 011-387-61-234-567
- From UK: 00-387-61-234-567
Example 3 - Banja Luka Landline (051 area code):
- Local format: 051 987 654
- From USA: 011-387-51-987-654
- From UK: 00-387-51-987-654
Quick Tips
- Mobile numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina typically start with 6
- Major area codes include: Sarajevo (33), Banja Luka (51), Mostar (36)
- Using + instead of exit codes works on most mobile phones (example: +387-33-123-456)
- Consider using VoIP services or international calling cards for cost savings
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Common Mistakes
When calling Bosnia and Herzegovina, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Bosnian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 033 123 456, dial +387 33 123 456, not +387 033 123 456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use incorrect exit codes for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries use different codes (00 for most of Europe, 0011 for Australia). Alternatively, use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
+387 is the country code, not an area code. Sarajevo's area code is 33, Banja Luka is 51, and Mostar is 36. You need both: +387 followed by the area code without the zero.
4. Incorrect spacing or formatting
Adding random spaces can cause dialing errors. Follow this format: +387 XX XXX XXX, where XX is the area code.
5. Not accounting for mobile prefixes
Bosnian mobile numbers use specific prefixes (60-66). These are longer than landline area codes but follow the same rule: drop the leading zero.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, understanding local customs helps build positive relationships and shows cultural respect.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with "Dobar dan" (Good day) or "Zdravo" (Hello). In business contexts, use formal address with titles and surnames until invited to be more casual. Personal calls among friends are warm and relaxed, but maintain formality with elders and new acquaintances.
Timing Your Calls
Avoid calling before 9 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship. Midday calls during traditional lunch hours (1-3 PM) are generally acceptable, though some may prefer earlier or later times. Business calls should occur during standard working hours.
Business vs. Personal Norms
Business calls are direct but polite. State your purpose clearly after brief pleasantries. Personal calls often include extended greetings and inquiries about family before discussing the main topic—rushing feels impersonal.
Voice Messages and Follow-up
Leaving voice messages is common and appreciated. Keep them clear and concise, stating your name, purpose, and callback number. If someone misses your call, they typically return it promptly.
Cultural Considerations
Bosnians value personal connection, so phone conversations may be longer than in some Western cultures. Don't interpret this as inefficiency—building rapport is important. Speaking clearly and at a moderate pace shows respect, especially when language barriers might exist.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 122
Ambulance: 124
Fire Department: 123
General Emergency Number: 112 (EU standard emergency number connecting to all services)
Country-Specific Services:
- Mountain Rescue Service: 1414
- Roadside Assistance: 1282/1285
All emergency numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones, including phones without SIM cards or credit. The 112 number operates 24/7 and connects you to English-speaking operators in major cities, though availability may vary in rural areas. Local emergency numbers (122, 123, 124) primarily serve Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian speakers. When calling from a mobile phone, your location can be tracked automatically when using 112, ensuring faster response times. Keep your location details ready when calling, especially in remote areas where GPS tracking may be limited.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1182 or 1188: Domestic directory assistance for finding local phone numbers and addresses
- 1181: International directory assistance for overseas numbers
International Operator
- 1201: Operator-assisted international calls and connection support
Tourist Information
- +387 33 580 999: BiH Tourism Board helpline for travel inquiries and assistance
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for consular services. Major embassies in Sarajevo include:
- US Embassy: +387 33 704 000
- UK Embassy: +387 33 282 200
- German Embassy: +387 33 565 300
Additional Services
- 1300: Weather forecast information
- 1302: Road conditions and traffic updates
- 987: Non-emergency police line for reporting minor incidents
Keep these numbers accessible while traveling throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tips for Calling Bosnia and Herzegovina
When calling Bosnia and Herzegovina (UTC+1, UTC+2 during daylight saving time), timing is crucial for successful connections. The country is 6-7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, so mid-morning EST works well for afternoon calls there.
For business calls, schedule appointments in advance and aim for weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM local time, with lunch breaks typically occurring from noon to 2 PM. Avoid calling on weekends and national holidays including New Year's Day, Independence Day (March 1), Labor Day (May 1-2), and religious holidays like Eid, Orthodox Christmas, and Catholic Christmas.
Peak hours (9 AM-11 AM and 2 PM-4 PM) are best for business matters, while off-peak times may offer lower rates if cost is a concern. International rates usually drop during evenings and weekends.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details. Many business professionals speak English, but learning basic greetings in Bosnian shows respect. Always verify the correct country code (+387) and local number format before dialing. Consider using internet-based calling services for better audio quality and reduced costs for lengthy discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Bosnia and Herzegovina from anywhere in the world.
To dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from your cell phone, start with + (or your country's exit code), then dial 387, followed by the area code and local number. For example: +387 XX XXXXXX.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally. For example, if the local number starts with 033, dial +387 33 instead of +387 033.
The cheapest way to call Bosnia and Herzegovina is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the main emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergency), 122 (police), 123 (fire department), and 124 (ambulance). These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone.
Yes, with ZippCall you can make calls to Bosnia and Herzegovina directly from your web browser. Simply log in to your ZippCall account, enter the number, and start calling—no additional software or apps required.
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