LA
How to Call Laos from the United States
Country code +856 — Dial 011 856 20 XX XXX XXX from a US landline or +856 20 XX XXX XXX from a mobile phone.
What to Dial
- 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
- 2Dial 856, the country code of Laos.
- 3Dial the number: 9 or 10 digits for mobiles and 8 for landlines, without the leading 0 used for calls inside Laos.
| Calling a… | Written in Laos | From a US landline | From a cell phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 020 XX XXX XXX |
011 856 20 XX XXX XXX |
+856 20 XX XXX XXX |
| Landline | 021 XXX XXX |
011 856 21 XXX XXX |
+856 21 XXX XXX |
X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 020 or 030. More number types: Laos phone number format.
Mobile or Landline?
Laos had 65 mobile subscriptions and 16.1 landlines per 100 people in 2023. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to Laos mobiles.
Source: World Bank (ITU).
Calling Tips for Laos
Best Time to Call
To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Vientiane, call between 9:00 PM–8:00 AM EST (6:00 PM–5:00 AM PST). Laos doesn’t change its clocks, so the gap moves by an hour when the US does.
Laos is on UTC+7, 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.
Cost Saving Tips
- VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
- WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
- Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.