How To Call Serbia From USA: Updated For 2025

Quick Answer

To call Serbia from the United States:

• Landline: 011 + 381 + Area Code (2-3 digits) + Local Number (6-7 digits)
• Mobile: 011 + 381 + Mobile Prefix (2 digits, e.g., 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69) + Subscriber Number (6-7 digits)

Examples:

• For a Belgrade landline (Area Code 11): 011 + 381 + 11 + XXX XXXX
• For a Serbian mobile phone (e.g., Yettel prefix 63): 011 + 381 + 63 + XXX XXXX

Serbia is on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2). This is generally 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET).

Understanding Serbian Phone Numbers

Serbian phone numbers use the country code +381. When dialing internationally, the leading 0 from a domestic area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix is dropped.

Landline Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 381 + Area Code (2-3 digits) + Subscriber Number (6-7 digits)
• The total National Significant Number (NSN) length after +381 for a landline is typically 8 or 9 digits. For Belgrade (area code 11), it's usually +381 11 XXX XXXX (8 digits total after +381).

Mobile Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 381 + Mobile Operator Code (2 digits) + Subscriber Number (6-7 digits)
• Serbian mobile numbers are usually 8 or 9 digits long after the country code +381, starting with a 2-digit operator prefix (e.g., +381 63 XXX XXXX).

Serbian Area Codes (Fixed Lines) - Major Cities/Regions

When calling a landline in Serbia from the US, dial 011 + 381, then the area code (dropping any leading '0' used for domestic calls), followed by the local subscriber number. Here is an extensive list of area codes:

Serbian Mobile Phone Prefixes

Serbian mobile phone numbers are usually 8 or 9 digits long after the +381 country code. They begin with a 2-digit mobile network operator prefix, followed by a 6 or 7-digit subscriber number.

*Mobile Number Portability is active in Serbia, so the prefix does not always guarantee the current service provider.

Time Difference

Serbia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 during standard time. During summer, it observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. This change typically occurs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

The time difference compared to the US East Coast (ET):

• When the US East Coast is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) and Serbia is on CEST (UTC+2): Serbia is 6 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EDT is 6 PM in Serbia).
• When the US East Coast is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Serbia is on CET (UTC+1): Serbia is 6 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EST is 6 PM in Serbia).

Serbia's Phone System

Serbia has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with ongoing modernization efforts. The sector is regulated by the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL). Telekom Srbija is the incumbent fixed-line operator and also a major mobile provider through its mts brand. Other significant mobile operators include Yettel Serbia and A1 Srbija. These operators offer extensive 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE coverage, with 5G services being gradually introduced. Fiber optic networks are expanding, particularly in urban areas, improving broadband internet access. Mobile number portability is available, allowing users to switch providers while keeping their phone numbers.

Best Times to Call

Considering Serbia is typically 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET):

• For business calls from the US East Coast, morning ET is generally suitable. For instance, 9 AM - 11 AM ET would correspond to 3 PM - 5 PM in Serbia.
• Typical business hours in Serbia are Monday to Friday, approximately 8:00/9:00 AM to 4:00/5:00 PM CET/CEST.