
In Laos, you'll find a unique telephone numbering system that can be a bit tricky to navigate. The country code for Laos is +856, which is a crucial piece of information to have when making international calls.
Laos uses a 9-digit numbering system, with the first 2 digits indicating the province. For example, Luang Prabang province starts with 02.
To make a call within Laos, you'll need to dial the 9-digit number, including the province code. This can be a bit of a challenge, especially for tourists who are not familiar with the system.
A good way to remember the province codes is to associate them with the corresponding provinces. This will make it easier to dial the right number when you need to make a call.
Broaden your view: Telephone Numbering Plan
Telephone Number Basics
Laos has a unique phone number system, and understanding the basics can help you navigate it with ease.
Laos phone numbers typically have 8 digits for landlines and 10 digits for mobile numbers, including the area code.
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The format varies depending on the type of service and the region.
Laotian phone numbers are designed to be easy to remember and use, even for those not familiar with the local culture.
If you're planning to visit or live in Laos, it's a good idea to learn the format of the phone numbers to avoid confusion.
Laos Telephone Numbers
A typical Laotian phone number has 8 digits for landlines and 10 digits for mobile numbers, including the area code.
The format of a Laos phone number varies depending on the type of service and the region. The country code for Laos is +856.
Here's a breakdown of a Laos phone number:
When calling within the same area code, you only need to dial the local phone number.
General Structure
A Lao phone number in E.164 format follows this structure: +[country code][area code][local phone number]. The country code for Laos is +856.
Laos phone numbers typically have 8 digits for landlines and 10 digits for mobile numbers, including the area code. The format varies depending on the type of service and the region.
On a similar theme: Mobile Dial Code
To dial a Laos phone number from abroad, you'll need to enter your country's exit code, followed by Laos' country code +856, then the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number.
A typical Laos phone number has the following structure: +856 (area code) (local phone number). For example, the Dharva Hotel's phone number in Vientiane is +856 (21) 222238.
Here's a breakdown of the different components of a Laos phone number:
Keep in mind that the area code format can vary depending on the region.
Local vs. Toll-Free
Local numbers in Laos are tied to a specific geographic area. This means that if you call a local number from a different area, you may incur charges.
A local number in Laos may incur charges for the caller. This is in contrast to toll-free numbers, which allow callers to reach businesses without being charged.
Toll-free numbers in Laos start with 1800. This is a key identifier that distinguishes them from local numbers.
Calling a toll-free number won't cost you a thing. This can be a big plus for customers who want to reach businesses without incurring extra charges.
Formatting and Validation
To verify a Laos phone number, check if it follows the correct format: +856 followed by the area code without the leading zero and the local number. Landlines have 8 digits, while mobile numbers have 10 digits.
You can use regular expressions to efficiently validate Lao phone numbers. Regular Expressions for Robust Validation is crucial for data integrity and preventing errors.
When implementing your validation logic, consider both domestic and international formats (with and without the +856 country code) to ensure your application handles user input correctly.
Here are some production-ready examples of regular expressions for validating Lao phone numbers:
Consistent formatting is essential for a professional user experience. You can implement two key functions to handle Lao phone numbers: normalization and display formatting.
The correct format for a Laos phone number is +856 followed by the area code without the leading zero and the local number. For example, a Vientiane number would be dialed as +856 21 XXXXXXX.
Calling and Dialing
Calling and dialing in Laos can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, you'll be a pro in no time. To ensure you're dialing the correct number, always include the correct country code and area code to avoid misdialing.
Make sure to call during business hours in Laos to increase the likelihood of your call being answered. This is crucial, as timing is everything when it comes to getting through to the person you're trying to reach.
An identifiable caller ID can significantly improve answer rates, as recipients are more likely to pick up calls from known numbers. This is especially important if you're calling someone you've met before or have a business relationship with.
To call Laos from abroad, you'll need to dial your country's exit code, followed by Laos' country code +856, then the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. This can be a bit of a mouthful, but trust me, it's worth the effort.
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Here's a quick rundown of the steps to call Laos from abroad:
If you're calling within Laos, things are a bit simpler. If you're calling between different area codes, you'll need to dial the trunk prefix '0' before the area code. But if you're calling within the same area code, you can skip the trunk prefix and just dial the local phone number.
International Calls
Dialing a Laotian phone number from abroad is simple if you follow the correct steps. To start, you need to know the Laos international dialing code, which is 856. This code can be represented in different ways, including +856, 00856, 00 856, and more.
The Dharva Hotel lists its phone number in Vientiane as +856 (21) 222238, showing how a Laotian phone number is typically formatted. You can use this as a reference when dialing a Laotian phone number from abroad.
To dial a Laos phone number from abroad, you need to enter your country's exit code, followed by Laos' country code +856, then the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. This ensures that you include the correct country code and area code to avoid misdialing.
Here's a summary of the steps to dial a Laotian phone number from abroad:
Timing is crucial when making international calls, so make sure to call during business hours in Laos to increase the likelihood of your call being answered.
Area and Prefix
In Laos, area codes help identify specific regions within the country for telephone calls. They ensure efficient communication by accurately routing calls to the correct local area.
Laos area codes vary by region, such as 21 for Vientiane or 71 for Luang Prabang. You can find the complete list of area codes in Laos in the table below.
To add the area code, simply dial the one- or two-digit area code of the person you are calling.
Laos Telephone Number Examples
To call someone in Vientiane with a landline, simply dial the local phone number, which is just the 7-digit number without any prefix.
If you're calling from within the same area code, you can dial only the local phone number, which is the 7-digit number without any prefix.
If you're calling from a mobile phone to a landline in Vientiane, you can dial the full 7-digit number as is.
To call a mobile phone in Laos, you can dial the full 10-digit number, including the 3-digit mobile prefix.
Here's a breakdown of how to dial a phone number in Laos:
Note that for international calls, you'll need to dial the exit code of the country you're calling from, followed by Laos' country code of 856, and then the area code and local phone number.
Business and Technical
Establishing a local phone presence in Laos can significantly boost your business's credibility and accessibility. A Laos Local Phone Number allows customers to reach you directly, making it easier for them to do business with you.
Having a Laos Toll-Free Number enables nationwide reach, allowing customers to call your business at no charge, which can improve service and project a professional image.
Here's a summary of the key types of phone numbers in Laos:
- Laos Local Phone Number: provides accessibility and builds trust
- Laos Toll-Free Number: achieves nationwide reach and projects a professional image
- Laos Vanity Number: boosts brand recognition with customized digits or phrases
Choosing the Right for Business

Establishing credibility is crucial for any business, and having a local phone number can help you do just that. A Laotian local phone number provides accessibility without the need for a traditional call center, making it easier for customers to reach you.
A Laotian toll-free number can help you achieve nationwide reach by allowing customers to call your business at no charge. This convenience can improve your service and project a professional image.
If you want to boost brand recognition, consider using a Laotian vanity number. These customized digits or phrases can make your number more memorable, like a restaurant using 020-FOOD-1234.
Here are some options to consider:
Technical Challenges & Solutions
Implementing VoIP solutions in Laos can be tricky due to technical challenges. Reliability issues and poor call quality are common problems.
VoIP services in Laos face several technical challenges, including issues with reliability and call quality. Compliance with local regulations is also a concern.

The quality of internet connections can affect VoIP services in Laos. This can be a drawback compared to more stable landline and mobile networks.
However, understanding these challenges is crucial for businesses looking to implement VoIP solutions in the region. By being aware of the potential issues, you can take steps to mitigate them.
Here are some key technical challenges to consider:
Time Zone Handling
When dealing with international business, it's essential to consider the time zone differences. Laos observes the Indochina Time (ICT) zone, which is UTC+7.
This means you need to account for a 7-hour difference when scheduling calls or sending SMS messages to Lao phone numbers. You should ensure your system correctly handles time zone conversions.
For example, if it's 10am in your local time, it would be 5pm in Lao time. This can significantly impact the timing of your operations.
To avoid confusion, make sure to use a reliable time zone conversion tool or library in your programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country code is +1 856?
The country code +856 corresponds to Laos. This code is used for international calls to Laos.
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