How to Call Serbia
Complete guide to dialing Serbia (country code +381)
Planning to connect with someone in Serbia? Whether you're reaching out to family, friends, or business contacts, knowing how to call Serbia correctly ensures your call goes through without hassle. Calling Serbia from abroad might seem complicated at first, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the proper dialing format. Many people make simple mistakes that prevent their calls from connecting, costing them time and money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step dialing instructions for calling Serbia from various countries, highlight the most common dialing errors to avoid, explain Serbian phone etiquette so you can make a great impression, and provide essential phone numbers you might need during your stay or when contacting Serbian organizations. Let's get you connected!
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Serbia from abroad, you need to understand the international dialing format:
[Exit Code] + [381] + [Local Number without leading 0]
- Exit Code: Varies by country (011 for USA, 00 for most European countries)
- 381: Serbia's country code
- Local Number: Drop the leading "0" from Serbian phone numbers
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the United States:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 381 (Serbia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From the United Kingdom and Europe:
- Dial 00 (exit code for UK/most European countries)
- Dial 381 (Serbia country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From Other Countries:
Check your country's international exit code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow the same pattern.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Belgrade Landline:
Serbian number: 011 123 4567
- From USA: 011-381-11-123-4567
- From UK: 00-381-11-123-4567
Example 2 - Serbian Mobile Number:
Serbian number: 064 123 4567
- From USA: 011-381-64-123-4567
- From UK: 00-381-64-123-4567
Example 3 - Novi Sad Landline:
Serbian number: 021 555 6789
- From USA: 011-381-21-555-6789
- From UK: 00-381-21-555-6789
Important Tip About Leading Zeros
Serbian local numbers begin with "0" when dialing domestically (like 011 for Belgrade or 064 for mobiles). Always remove this leading zero when dialing internationally. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Serbia.
Mobile vs. Landline Identification
Serbian mobile numbers typically start with 06X (060, 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 069), while landline area codes include 011 (Belgrade), 021 (Novi Sad), and 018 (Niš).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Serbia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Serbian phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically, but you must remove this zero when calling from abroad. For example, dial +381 11 instead of +381 011 for Belgrade numbers.
Using the wrong exit code - Many people dial 011 (US exit code) when calling from countries that use different codes. Always use 00 from most European countries, or simply use the + symbol which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes - Serbia's country code is +381, not to be confused with city codes like 11 (Belgrade) or 21 (Novi Sad). The complete format is: +381 + city code + local number.
Including unnecessary spaces or dashes - While formatting like +381-11-234-5678 looks organized, some phone systems reject calls with improper spacing. Use the format +381112345678 for most reliable connections.
Not accounting for mobile numbers - Serbian mobile numbers start with 6 and require the same format: +381 6X XXX XXXX (dropping the domestic 06 prefix).
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Serbia, understanding local customs helps create positive interactions and shows cultural respect.
Greetings and Formality
Serbians typically answer with "Molim" (please) or "Halo." For business calls, use formal address with titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Personal calls among friends are casual and warm, but maintain formality with elders and new acquaintances.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls should be direct but polite. State your purpose clearly after initial greetings. Personal calls often involve longer conversations with genuine interest in the other person's wellbeing. Don't rush—Serbians value taking time to connect.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling between 2-5 PM when many people rest or have lunch, especially on weekends. Business calls work best between 9 AM-12 PM and after 3 PM. Evening calls to friends are acceptable, but avoid calling after 9 PM unless it's urgent or previously agreed upon.
Voice Messages
Serbians commonly use voice messages but may not always leave detailed voicemails on landlines. If someone misses your call, they'll likely return it rather than wait for a message.
Cultural Considerations
Serbian phone conversations tend to be warmer and more personal than in some Western cultures. Small talk before business matters is expected and appreciated. Speaking too quickly or abruptly may seem rude. Patience and genuine warmth go far in Serbian phone etiquette.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 192
Ambulance: 194
Fire Department: 193
General Emergency Number: 112 (EU standard emergency number connecting to all services)
Country-Specific Services:
- Roadside Assistance: 1987
- Mountain Rescue: 194
All emergency numbers in Serbia are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobile devices and payphones, even without credit or a SIM card. The 112 number operates 24/7 with multilingual support, including English-speaking operators, making it the most reliable option for international visitors. Individual service numbers (192, 193, 194) connect directly to specific departments but may have limited English assistance. When calling, clearly state your emergency type and location. Response times are generally faster in major cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad compared to rural areas.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 988 – National directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses throughout Serbia
International Services
- 901 – International operator for assistance with overseas calls and collect calls
Tourist Information
- +381 11 635 0900 – National Tourism Organisation of Serbia helpline for travel information, attractions, and accommodations
Embassy Contacts
Keep your embassy's 24-hour emergency number saved. Find specific contact details through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your government's travel advisory portal.
Additional Useful Numbers
- 1185 – Weather forecast information
- 19802 – Road conditions and traffic information (especially useful for winter travel)
- 19808 – Belgrade public transport information
- 11 444 – Telephone repairs and technical support
Always save important numbers in your phone before traveling, as internet access may be limited in some areas.
Tips for Calling Serbia
When calling Serbia, remember the country operates on Central European Time (UTC+1, UTC+2 during daylight saving). To catch someone during business hours, typically 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For international calls, avoid peak hours (9 AM-11 AM Serbian time) when lines may be busy. Schedule business calls in advance—Serbians appreciate professionalism and punctuality. Email ahead to confirm availability and share an agenda.
Avoid calling during major holidays including New Year's (January 1-2), Orthodox Christmas (January 7), Orthodox Easter (dates vary), and Labor Day (May 1-2). Fridays after 2 PM often see reduced availability as people leave early.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid complex idioms—many Serbians speak English, but clarity helps. If using translation apps, verify key terms beforehand. Mobile connections are generally excellent, but landlines may have occasional quality issues in rural areas.
Consider using WhatsApp or Viber, which are extremely popular in Serbia and offer free calling alternatives. Always confirm receipt of important information via follow-up email to prevent misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Serbia is +381. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when calling Serbia from another country. It's an essential prefix that routes your call to Serbia's telephone network.
To dial Serbia from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 from the US), then dial 381 (Serbia's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local number. For example: +381 11 XXX XXXX for Belgrade.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Serbian area code when calling from abroad. For example, Belgrade's area code is 011 locally, but you dial +381 11 when calling internationally, omitting the initial zero.
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In Serbia, dial 192 for police, 193 for fire services, and 194 for medical emergencies. The European standard emergency number 112 also works and connects you to all emergency services. These numbers are toll-free and available 24/7.
Yes, you can easily call Serbia directly from your web browser using ZippCall. No downloads or installations required—simply visit ZippCall's website, enter the Serbian phone number, and start calling with crystal-clear quality at affordable rates.
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