How to Call Laos
Complete guide to dialing Laos (country code +856)
Making an international call can feel complicated, but learning how to call Laos is simpler than you might think. Whether you're connecting with family, coordinating business matters, or reaching out to friends in this beautiful Southeast Asian country, understanding the proper dialing procedure ensures your call goes through smoothly every time.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Laos from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes that prevent calls from connecting, share essential phone etiquette tips for communicating with Lao contacts, and provide useful phone numbers you might need during your interactions. By the end, you'll feel confident making calls to Laos whenever necessary.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding the International Dialing Format
When calling Laos internationally, you'll use this structure: Exit Code + 856 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while +856 is Laos's country code. If the local Laos number begins with 0, you must drop it when dialing internationally.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions by Country
From the USA or Canada:
Dial 011 (exit code) + 856 + area code + local number
*Example:* To call +856 21 123456 (Vientiane landline): 011-856-21-123456
From the UK or most European countries:
Dial 00 (exit code) + 856 + area code + local number
*Example:* To call +856 20 5555 1234 (Laos mobile): 00-856-20-5555-1234
From Australia:
Dial 0011 (exit code) + 856 + area code + local number
*Example:* To call +856 71 987654 (Luang Prabang landline): 0011-856-71-987654
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Laos phone numbers displayed locally often start with 0 (like 020 5555 1234 for mobiles or 021 123456 for landlines). Always remove this leading zero when dialing internationally.
Incorrect: 011-856-021-123456
Correct: 011-856-21-123456
Three Specific Examples
- Vientiane landline (021 234567) from USA:
Dial 011-856-21-234567
- Laos mobile number (020 9876 5432) from UK:
Dial 00-856-20-9876-5432
- Savannakhet landline (041 555666) from Australia:
Dial 0011-856-41-555666
Quick Reference
- Laos mobile numbers start with 20
- Vientiane landlines use area code 21
- Other cities have different area codes (41, 61, 71, etc.)
- Most mobile phones allow using + instead of exit codes: +856-20-5555-1234
Always verify the complete number with your contact to ensure successful connection.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Laos, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Laotian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 020 1234 5678, dial +856 20 1234 5678 instead.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing different codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the universal "+" symbol, which works from any country.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
The country code +856 must come first, followed by the area/mobile code (without the zero). Don't accidentally dial the city code as if it were the country code.
4. Including unnecessary spaces or dashes
While spaces help readability, entering them incorrectly into your phone can cause dialing errors. The standard format is: +856 XX XXX XXXX.
5. Not checking mobile vs. landline prefixes
Laotian mobile numbers typically start with 20, while landlines use geographic codes (21 for Vientiane). Ensure you're using the correct prefix for your recipient.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Laos, understanding local customs helps build respectful communication. Lao people value politeness and gentle interactions, which extends to telephone conversations.
Greetings and Tone
Begin calls with "Sabaidee" (hello) followed by appropriate honorifics. Address older people or those in senior positions as "Lung" (uncle) or "Pa" (aunt) to show respect. Keep your voice soft and calm—loud or aggressive tones are considered rude.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be more formal, using proper titles and polite language. Personal calls can be relaxed but maintain respectfulness. Always introduce yourself clearly, as caller ID may not be reliable everywhere.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:30 PM) or late evenings after 9:00 PM. Early mornings before 8:00 AM are also inappropriate unless urgent. Weekends are reserved for family time, so non-urgent business calls should wait until weekdays.
Voice Messages
Lao people may not regularly check voicemail, as this practice is less common than in Western countries. If someone doesn't answer, try calling back later or send a text message instead.
Cultural Considerations
Patience is essential—conversations may include extended pleasantries before addressing the main topic. Don't rush or seem impatient. If discussing sensitive matters, face-to-face meetings are strongly preferred over phone calls, reflecting the Lao emphasis on personal connection and avoiding direct confrontation.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 191
Fire Department: 190
Ambulance: 195
Tourist Police: 1560 (available in major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang)
Important Notes:
These emergency numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Laos. However, be aware that English-speaking operators are limited, and services may be slower outside major urban areas. Calls to emergency numbers are free of charge.
Given language barriers and varying response times, particularly in rural regions, it's highly advisable to have your hotel or guesthouse staff assist with emergency calls when possible. They can communicate effectively in Lao and help coordinate appropriate services.
For medical emergencies, expats and tourists often contact their embassy or insurance provider first, as they can arrange transportation to better-equipped facilities in Thailand if necessary.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Assistance: 16 (local number inquiries)
- International Operator: 100 (assistance with overseas calls)
Tourist Services
- Tourism Police Helpline: 1219 (assistance for travelers, available 24/7)
- Lao National Tourism Administration: +856-21-212-248
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy (Vientiane): +856-21-267-000
- Australian Embassy: +856-21-353-800
- British Embassy: +856-21-267-708
- Canadian Consulate: +856-21-352-500
Utilities & Services
- EDL (Electricity): 2318 (power issues and inquiries)
- Lao Telecom Customer Service: 1515
- Weather Information: 1204
Banking
- BCEL Bank Hotline: 1555 (major local bank)
These numbers provide essential support for navigation, communication, and problem-solving during your stay in Laos. Save them before traveling to remote areas where internet access may be limited.
Tips for Calling Laos
When calling Laos (UTC+7), timing is crucial for successful connections. The country is 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 7 hours ahead of UTC, so plan accordingly to avoid midnight calls.
Best calling times: Aim for early morning or late afternoon your time to catch standard Laos business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM.
Off-peak advantages: Call during Laos evenings (after 6:00 PM) for cheaper rates and reaching people at home, though business matters should stay within work hours.
Business calls: Always schedule important calls in advance via email, providing date, time, and agenda. This shows respect and ensures availability.
Days to avoid: Be mindful of Buddhist holidays (Lao New Year in April, Boun That Luang in November) and weekends when offices are closed.
Communication tips: Speak slowly and clearly, as English proficiency varies. Confirm details via email afterward. Poor connections are common in rural areas, so patience helps. Consider using internet-based calling apps for better quality and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Laos is +856. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Laos from anywhere in the world. It's an essential prefix for connecting your call to the Lao telephone network.
To dial Laos from your cell phone, start with the international access code (typically + or 011 from the US), then dial 856 (Laos country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. For example: +856-20-XXXX-XXXX.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from the Laotian area code when calling from abroad. For instance, if a local number is 020-1234-5678, you would dial +856-20-1234-5678, removing the initial zero after the country code.
The cheapest way to call Laos 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 Laos.
In Laos, the main emergency numbers are: 191 for police, 190 for fire services, and 195 for ambulance/medical emergencies. These numbers can be dialed locally within Laos. Response times may vary depending on your location, particularly in rural areas.
Yes, you can easily call Laos directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Laotian phone number you want to reach, and make your call instantly without downloading any software or apps.
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