Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK can seem daunting at first. Many people wonder about the correct dialing codes, the best time to call, and the potential costs involved. Whether you are calling for personal reasons, planning a trip, or managing international business, understanding the process is key.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of making a successful call to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from the United Kingdom. We will cover everything from dialing codes to cost-effective solutions, including how services like Telfon can make your international communications seamless and affordable. For general information on international calling codes, you might find resources like CountryCode.org helpful. Let’s make calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK a simple task for you.
Understanding the Basics of International Calling
Making an international call always follows a standard structure. You need to tell your phone network that you are calling outside your current country. Then, you provide the destination country’s code, the specific area code within that country, and finally, the local phone number. This sequence ensures your call reaches the right person, thousands of miles away.
The Universal Dialing Formula
The basic formula for any international call is:
- UK Exit Code: This tells your phone system you are dialing out of the UK.
- Country Code: This directs your call to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Area Code: This specifies the region within BiH.
- Local Phone Number: This is the specific number of the person or business you want to reach.
Knowing this formula is the first step in calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK. We will break down each part specifically for BiH.
Calling from a Landline
Calling Bosnia from England or any part of the UK using a landline follows a specific sequence. Landlines typically require a specific exit code before the international number.
- Dial the UK Exit Code: For international calls from the UK, the exit code is
00
. You must dial this first. - Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Country Code: The country code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is
387
. - Add the Area Code: Find the specific area code for the city or region you are calling in BiH. Do not include any leading ‘0’ if the area code usually has one locally.
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Input the remaining digits of the local number.
So, a landline call format looks like: 00 387 XX XXX XXXX
. This process ensures your international calls UK to BiH connect correctly.
Calling from a Mobile
Dialing Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK using a mobile phone is very similar to a landline, but with a slight variation for the exit code.
- Use the Plus Sign (+) for Exit Code: On a mobile phone, you can often use the
+
symbol instead of00
. Press and hold the0
key until the+
appears. This+
symbol is a universal international access code. - Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Country Code: Again, the country code for BiH is
387
. - Add the Area Code: Input the relevant area code for your destination in BiH, omitting any initial ‘0’.
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Finish by dialing the rest of the local number.
The mobile format is typically: +387 XX XXX XXXX
. This method for calling Bosnia from England via mobile is convenient and widely used.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Calling Codes
To successfully dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK, you need to know the specific codes. This includes the country code and the various area codes within the country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Code
The international country code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is 387
. This code is essential. You must always use it when making international calls to BiH from any country outside its borders. Always remember to add 387
after your UK exit code (00
or +
).
Area Codes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses various area codes depending on the specific city or region. Here are some of the most common ones you might encounter:
City / Region | Area Code |
---|---|
Sarajevo | 33 |
Banja Luka | 51 |
Mostar | 36 |
Tuzla | 35 |
Zenica | 32 |
Bihać | 37 |
Doboj | 53 |
Prijedor | 52 |
Travnik | 30 |
Trebinje | 59 |
When you dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK, make sure you have the correct area code for the person you are contacting. Using the wrong area code means your call will not go through.
Phone Number Format
Once you have all the parts, assembling the complete number is straightforward. A typical Bosnian phone number, when dialed internationally, will look like this:
UK Exit Code + 387 + Area Code + Local Number
Example: If you want to call a landline in Sarajevo with a local number XXX XXXX
:
- From a landline:
00 387 33 XXX XXXX
- From a mobile:
+387 33 XXX XXXX
Mobile numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina generally start with 6
after the country code and do not have a separate area code like landlines. Instead, the 6
is part of a mobile network prefix (e.g., +387 6X XXX XXXX
). This difference is important to remember when you dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK. Always confirm if you are calling a landline or a mobile.
Select Number
Putting it all Together: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s summarize the process of how to call Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK in simple, actionable steps. Following these instructions will help you connect without issues.
Step 1: Dial the UK Exit Code
The very first action you take is to indicate you are making an international call.
- For landlines, dial
00
. - For mobile phones, use the
+
symbol (hold down the0
key).
This step is critical for your call to leave the UK network.
Step 2: Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Country Code
Next, you need to direct your call towards BiH.
- Dial
387
immediately after the exit code.
This unique code routes your call to the correct country.
Step 3: Add the Area Code (or Mobile Prefix)
Now, specify the exact region or network within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- If calling a landline, enter the specific area code (e.g.,
33
for Sarajevo). Do not include any leading ‘0’. - If calling a mobile, the number usually starts with a
6
after387
(e.g.,+387 6X...
). This6
acts as the network prefix, replacing a traditional area code.
Confirming whether you are calling a landline or mobile helps determine this part of the number.
Step 4: Dial the Local Number
Finally, complete the dialing sequence with the unique number of your contact.
- Input the remaining digits of the local phone number.
Always double-check the entire number before pressing send. A small mistake can prevent your call from connecting. This clear guide helps you dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK effectively.
Best Time for Calling
Considering the time difference is vital for any international call. You want to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night or calling during peak business hours in their country when they might be busy. Planning your call ensures you reach your contact at a convenient time.
Time Zone Difference
Bosnia and Herzegovina operates on Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1.
- During British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, the UK and BiH have no time difference. So, if it’s 2 PM in London, it’s also 2 PM in Sarajevo. This makes calling Bosnia from England much simpler during summer months.
- During Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), when the UK is GMT+0, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one hour ahead (GMT+1). If it’s 2 PM in London, it will be 3 PM in Sarajevo.
Always confirm the current time zone difference, especially when daylight saving times change in either country. This will help you plan your international calls UK to BiH perfectly.
Practical Advice
To ensure you call at a convenient time, consider these points:
- For Personal Calls: Aim to call during morning or evening hours in BiH, generally between 9 AM and 9 PM BiH time. This avoids very early mornings or late nights.
- For Business Calls: Stick to standard business hours in BiH, typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Try to avoid calling during lunch breaks (usually around 12 PM to 1 PM local time).
A quick online search for “current time in Sarajevo” can confirm the local time before you dial. This simple check makes your calling experience much smoother for both parties.
Cost of Calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK
The cost of calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK can vary significantly depending on your service provider. Understanding these costs helps you choose the most economical option. Traditional phone services, mobile networks, and virtual number providers all have different pricing structures.
Traditional Carriers
Traditional landline providers in the UK often charge higher rates for international calls. These rates can be per minute, with additional connection charges.
- Hidden Fees: Some plans might have peak and off-peak rates, adding complexity. It is wise to check your specific landline provider’s international calling tariff.
- Billing Surprises: Without a clear understanding, you might face unexpected high bills for international calls UK to BiH.
Always review your contract or contact your landline provider for exact pricing before making extensive international calls.
Mobile Networks
Calling Bosnia from England using your mobile phone can also be expensive through standard network rates.
- Pay-As-You-Go: These rates are usually the highest, often several pounds per minute.
- International Bundles/Add-ons: Many mobile networks offer international calling bundles as an add-on to your existing plan. These can reduce the per-minute cost significantly. Always check if Bosnia and Herzegovina is included in such bundles.
- Roaming Charges: If you are physically in BiH and use your UK mobile number, roaming charges for calls, texts, and data will apply. These are usually very high.
For frequent international calls, relying on standard mobile rates is rarely the most cost-effective choice.
VoIP and Virtual Numbers: A Cost-Effective Solution
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and virtual phone number providers like Telfon offer a much more economical alternative.
- Lower Per-Minute Rates: VoIP services typically leverage the internet, leading to significantly lower international calling rates compared to traditional methods.
- Subscription Plans: Many providers offer monthly plans that include international minutes or unlimited calling to certain regions, reducing the per-call cost dramatically.
- No Roaming Charges: When you use a virtual number app like Telfon over Wi-Fi or mobile data, you avoid traditional roaming charges entirely, making it ideal for international travel.
This approach makes dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK much more affordable, especially for regular communication.
Why Call Bosnia and Herzegovina?
People connect with Bosnia and Herzegovina for a variety of compelling reasons. The country holds deep personal, cultural, and economic significance for many individuals and businesses in the UK. Understanding these motivations helps to appreciate the importance of reliable and affordable international calling options.
Family and Friends
One of the most common reasons for calling BiH is to stay in touch with loved ones. Many people in the UK have family members, relatives, or friends living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Regular conversations help maintain these important personal connections. Sharing news, celebrating milestones, and offering support across borders strengthens these bonds. For these personal calls, an affordable and easy way to dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK is invaluable.
Business Opportunities
Bosnia and Herzegovina offers growing business opportunities. UK companies might engage with Bosnian partners for various reasons:
- Trade: Importing or exporting goods and services.
- Investment: Exploring investment opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, tourism, or IT.
- Collaboration: Working with Bosnian companies on joint ventures or projects.
- Talent Acquisition: Many UK companies are recognizing BiH as a source of skilled professionals, particularly in IT and engineering.
Effective communication is crucial for any successful international business relationship. Reliable international calls UK to BiH facilitate negotiations, project management, and daily operations.
Travel Planning
Many UK residents visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether it is exploring Sarajevo’s old town, hiking in national parks, or visiting historical sites, travel planning often requires phone calls.
- Hotel Bookings: Confirming reservations or making special requests.
- Tour Operators: Arranging local tours or activities.
- Emergency Contacts: Having a reliable way to call in case of unexpected situations during a trip.
For travelers, knowing how to call Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK before and during their trip ensures a smoother experience.
Telfon: Your Smart Solution for Calling Bosnia and Herzegovina
Telfon is a virtual phone calling app designed to simplify international communication. It offers cloud telephony solutions, virtual phone systems, and VoIP phone systems. Telfon is perfect for both individuals and businesses needing to connect globally, including making calls to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK.
Virtual Numbers for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Telfon allows you to purchase a virtual number from various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. This means you can have a local Bosnian number, even while you are in the UK.
- Local Presence: A virtual number makes it appear as if you are calling from within BiH. This can build trust and make local contacts more comfortable answering.
- Cost Savings for Callers: If someone in BiH calls your virtual Bosnian number, they pay local rates, rather than international rates.
- Easy Setup: Getting a virtual number is quick and straightforward through the Telfon app.
This feature is a game-changer for businesses establishing a presence in BiH or individuals who want to offer an easy, local way for contacts to reach them.
Benefits for Individuals
For individuals, Telfon makes staying connected with loved ones in BiH incredibly simple and affordable.
- Affordability: Enjoy low-cost international calls UK to BiH, significantly cheaper than traditional mobile or landline providers.
- Ease of Use: The app is intuitive. You can make calls directly from your smartphone using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Keeping in Touch: Frequent, clear calls strengthen personal relationships across borders without worrying about high costs.
- Multi-Country Numbers: If you have contacts in multiple countries, Telfon allows you to manage multiple virtual numbers simultaneously.
Telfon lets you focus on your conversation, not on your bill.
Benefits for Businesses
Businesses gain substantial advantages by using Telfon for their international communications with BiH.
- Professional Presence: Establish a local presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a virtual number, boosting credibility with clients and partners.
- Enhanced Customer Support: Offer a local number for Bosnian customers to reach your UK-based support team, improving customer satisfaction.
- Lead Generation: Local numbers encourage more inbound calls, potentially increasing leads and sales from the BiH market.
- Advanced Features: Telfon offers robust features essential for business communication:
- Call Recordings: Review important conversations for quality assurance, training, or compliance.
- WhatsApp Integration: Manage multiple WhatsApp accounts for business communication. Send broadcast messages.
- Call Forwarding: Never miss a call by forwarding to another number.
- Voicemail to Text: Get voicemail transcriptions for quick review.
- User Analytics & Management: For B2B clients, track call performance, manage users, and assign budgets.
- Bulk SMS: Send important messages to multiple contacts efficiently.
Telfon is a powerful tool for any business looking to expand its reach and improve communication efficiency with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It truly simplifies how businesses dial Bosnia and Herzegovina from UK.
How Telfon Makes Calling BiH Easier
Telfon streamlines the process of international calling with its user-friendly features:
- Simple Dialing: Just open the app, select your contact or dial the number, and connect.
- Reliable Connection: Uses robust VoIP technology for clear call quality over internet connections.
- Cost Control: Transparent pricing means no hidden fees. You know exactly what you are paying.
- Accessibility: Make calls from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you are in your office, at home, or traveling.
By integrating these features, Telfon makes calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK not just possible, but incredibly convenient and affordable.
Stay connected with Bosnia and Herzegovina—try Telfon today!
Tips for a Smooth Calling Experience
Making an international call should be a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are some essential tips to help you connect effortlessly when calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK.
1. Check Time Zones Carefully
Always verify the current time in Bosnia and Herzegovina before you call. A quick search for “current time in Sarajevo” or “time in Bosnia and Herzegovina” will give you accurate information. This prevents inconvenient calls during late-night or early-morning hours for your contact.
2. Confirm the Number
Double-check the full phone number, including the country code, area code (if applicable), and local number. Even one incorrect digit can prevent your call from connecting or lead you to an unintended recipient. Ask your contact to confirm their full international number if you are unsure.
3. Consider the Cost of Calling
Understand the pricing structure of your calling method. If using a traditional landline or mobile, check their international tariffs. For frequent calls, explore cost-effective options like VoIP services or virtual numbers from providers like Telfon. Being aware of costs helps you budget and avoid bill shock.
4. Use a Reliable Service like Telfon
For consistent quality and affordability, consider using a dedicated international calling app. Telfon offers excellent call quality, competitive rates, and useful features like virtual numbers and call recording. Opting for a service built for international communication often provides a more reliable connection than standard carriers.
5. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection (for VoIP)
If you are using a VoIP service like Telfon, a strong and stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) is crucial for clear audio quality. A weak signal can result in dropped calls or poor sound. Ensure you are in an area with good network coverage or connected to reliable Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK.
Q1: What is the international dialing code for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The international dialing code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is 387
. You must dial this after the UK’s exit code (00
or +
).
Q2: How do I call a mobile phone in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK?
To call a mobile, dial +387
followed by the mobile number, which typically starts with 6
. For example, +387 6X XXX XXXX
.
Q3: Is there a time difference between the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, during Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the UK, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one hour ahead (GMT+1). During British Summer Time (BST), there is no time difference. Always confirm the current time before calling.
Q4: What is the cheapest way to call Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK?
Using a VoIP service or virtual phone number app like Telfon is generally the cheapest way. These services offer low per-minute rates or international calling plans over the internet, avoiding expensive traditional carrier charges.
Q5: Can I get a local Bosnian number while in the UK?
Yes, with services like Telfon, you can purchase a virtual number for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This allows people in BiH to call you at local rates, making your communication more accessible.
Q6: Do I need to dial an area code for Bosnian mobile numbers?
No, Bosnian mobile numbers do not use traditional area codes like landlines. After the country code +387
, the number usually starts with a 6
followed by the remaining digits.
Q7: What are the main benefits of using Telfon for calling BiH?
Telfon offers affordable international rates, virtual numbers for a local presence, call recording, WhatsApp integration, and user-friendly features, making it convenient and cost-effective for both personal and business calls.
Q8: What is the UK exit code for international calls?
The UK exit code is 00
for landlines. On mobile phones, you can simply use the +
symbol (by holding down the 0
key).
Q9: Can I send SMS messages to Bosnia and Herzegovina using Telfon?
Yes, Telfon allows you to send and receive SMS messages to and from international numbers, including those in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also supports bulk SMS for businesses.
Conclusion
Calling Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK is straightforward once you understand the simple steps: dial the UK exit code (00
or +
), followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s country code (387
), the relevant area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix, and finally, the local number. Remembering the time difference is also crucial for a considerate call.
While traditional calling methods can be costly, modern solutions like Telfon offer a significantly more affordable and feature-rich experience. Whether you are staying in touch with family, fostering business relationships, or planning your next adventure, Telfon provides a reliable platform for your international calls UK to BiH. Its virtual number capabilities, call recording, and seamless app interface make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to connect with Bosnia and Herzegovina efficiently and affordably. Why not simplify your international calling today and explore how Telfon can enhance your communication?