How to Call Laos (+856)
Country code, exit codes, phone number format, and common mistakes when calling Laos from abroad.
Dialing format
Calling Laos
011 856 XXXX XXXX
Exit code
Dial this first to exit US
Country code
Laos country code
Area code
City/region code
Local number
The subscriber number
From the US, dial 011 to place an international call, then 856 for Laos, then the area code (drop any leading 0), followed by the local number. With Telvio you dial the same format — no prefix change needed.
Exit codes by source country
The exit code depends on where YOU are calling from. On mobile phones and VoIP apps, use + instead.
| Calling from | Exit code | You dial |
|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | 011 | 011 856 ... |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 856 ... |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 856 ... |
| Most of Europe | 00 | 00 856 ... |
| Japan | 010 | 010 856 ... |
| From a mobile / VoIP app | + | +856 ... |
Laos phone number format
Common mistakes
- ✕ Keeping the leading 0 when dialing from abroad. Drop it — it is only for domestic calls within Laos.
- ✕ Using the wrong exit code. Each country has its own (US: 011, UK: 00). On mobile, just use +.
- ✕ Forgetting the country code +856. Without it, the call will fail or route locally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for Laos?
The country code for Laos is +856. Dial this after your exit code (or use + on a mobile) before the local number.
How do I call Laos from the US?
From a US landline: dial 011 + 856 + local number. From a mobile or VoIP app like Telvio: dial +856 + local number.
Do I need to drop the leading 0 when calling Laos?
Yes. Laos uses 0 as a trunk prefix for domestic calls. When dialing internationally, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
What is the exit code to call Laos from my country?
The exit code depends on where you are calling FROM, not the destination. The US uses 011, the UK and most of Europe use 00, Australia uses 0011. On any mobile phone or VoIP app, you can use + instead.
Can I call Laos mobile phones internationally?
Yes. Dial the country code +856 followed by the mobile number (without the leading 0). VoIP apps like Telvio make this easy — just enter the full number with country code.
