How to Call Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Calling the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, can be challenging due to its unique telecommunications infrastructure and strict regulations. The country code for North Korea is +850. To successfully place a call, you'll need to follow the international dialing format, which generally consists of the International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix, the country code, the area code (if applicable), and the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a number in Pyongyang, you'd dial your country’s IDD prefix followed by 850 (the country code) and then the area code and local number. It's essential to verify the area code and number format, as North Korea has specific dialing requirements that differ from other countries. Understanding these nuances will help ensure that your call goes through, whether you are reaching out for personal or business purposes.

When calling North Korea from various countries, you must first know how to initiate an international call. Here's how to dial from the USA, UK, and other countries. - **From the USA:** Start with the international access code 011, followed by the country code 850, and then the local number. For example, to call a hypothetical number 123-4567 in Pyongyang, you would dial: 011-850-2-123-4567. The ‘2’ is the area code for Pyongyang. - **From the UK:** Begin with 00 as the international access code. The dialing format would thus be: 00-850-2-123-4567. - **From Australia:** The format is similar; you would dial 0011-850-2-123-4567. - **From Canada:** The dialing format mirrors the USA approach: 011-850-2-123-4567. - **From other countries:** Most European countries use 00 as the IDD prefix, while some countries in Asia may have their own variations, such as 001. Always check the local IDD prefix before proceeding. Each country's IDD prefix is crucial to initiating the call. Once you enter the country code and area code, you can then input the local number, ensuring you have the correct digits and formats.

North Korea's phone numbers typically consist of 8 digits, including the area code, which varies by region. The country uses a single-digit area code system, with the most notable area codes being: - **2** for Pyongyang - **21** for the North Pyongan Province (e.g., Sinuiju) - **22** for the South Pyongan Province (e.g., Kaesong) - **23** for the North Hamgyong Province (e.g., Chongjin) Mobile numbers in North Korea generally start with the prefix **19**, followed by six additional digits. The total digit count for both mobile and landline numbers is typically 8 digits, not including the area code. Note that while calling landline numbers, the area code must be included, whereas mobile numbers do not require a separate area code when dialing from within the country. Special number ranges are limited, and most calls are directed to conventional landline or mobile formats.

When considering whether to call a mobile or landline number in North Korea, it’s essential to understand the cost differences. Landline calls are generally less expensive than mobile calls, which can incur higher rates due to the limited mobile network coverage and infrastructure. To differentiate between mobile and landline numbers, look for the prefixes: landline numbers will typically follow the area codes mentioned earlier, while mobile numbers will start with the prefix **19**. In North Korea, landlines are more commonly used due to the country's limited mobile infrastructure. However, mobile phone usage is growing, particularly in urban areas, as the government has begun to allow more citizens access to mobile phones.

When looking to make calls to North Korea, several options can help you save money compared to traditional carrier rates. 1. **Traditional Carrier Rates:** Major telecom companies often charge high rates for international calls to North Korea, sometimes exceeding $5 per minute. 2. **Calling Cards:** Prepaid calling cards can offer better rates, but they often come with hidden fees and connection charges that can negate savings. 3. **VoIP Services:** Internet-based calling services, such as Skype or Google Voice, can significantly reduce costs. Rates can be as low as $0.10 per minute, depending on the service provider. 4. **Apps:** Mobile applications like WhatsApp and Viber can provide low-cost or free voice calling if both parties have internet access. However, the connectivity may be limited in North Korea. 5. **Browser-Based Calling:** Services like DialAnyone offer competitive rates for calling North Korea. These can be user-friendly and often provide the lowest rates, sometimes as little as $0.05 per minute on average compared to traditional carrier rates, which can lead to substantial savings for frequent callers. To maximize your budget when calling North Korea, compare the rates of various services and consider using VoIP or browser-based options for the best value.

Making calls to North Korea can lead to several common mistakes, especially for first-time callers. One frequent error is forgetting to drop the leading zero from the area code. For example, when calling Pyongyang, ensure you dial just ‘2’ and not ‘02’. Another mistake is using the wrong country code; the correct code for North Korea is +850. Time zone differences can also affect the timing of your calls, as North Korea operates on Pyongyang Time (UTC+9). Additionally, be mindful of local holidays and events that may impact phone availability, as communication can be disrupted during state observances. By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of successfully connecting with your intended recipient in North Korea.