North Korea Country Code + International Calling Guide
+850 · Pyongyang · KPW · ₩ · North Korean Won (tourists use foreign currency)
North Korea: The hermit kingdom — the world's most isolated nation, fascinating and restricted
📞+850Dial Code
🏛️PyongyangCapital
💰KPWCurrency
🚨119Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type C/FElectricity
The international dialing code for North Korea is +850, and its capital city is Pyongyang. For charging your devices, the sockets are 220V 50Hz · Type C/F. Don't miss tasting Kimchi, Cold noodles (naengmyeon), Rice with corn. Visitors pay in KPW · ₩ · North Korean Won (tourists use foreign currency). The local emergency number is 119. Regionally, North Korea lies close to South Korea, China, Russia, Japan.
🛂 North Korea passport: ranked #185 of 197 worldwide, with 38 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in North Korea:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial North Korea's country code: +850
Dial +850 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +850 1 [number]. From mobile: + +850 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling North Korea
How to Call Abroad from North Korea
To call another country from North Korea: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for North Korea numbers is +850 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +850 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to North Korea
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to North Korea to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +850 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in North Korea.
Common Questions About Calling North Korea
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +850 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in North Korea?
For a mobile: dial +850 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +850, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to North Korea from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +850 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call North Korea via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +850 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call North Korea?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +850 mean and where does it come from?
+850 is the international dialing code assigned to North Korea by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a North Korea number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +850 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for North Korea
Country Code
+850
Calling abroad from North Korea? Start with
99
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+850 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 850 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 850 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 850 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in North Korea
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from North Korea.
💬 WhatsApp
Officially blocked
🔵 Skype
Officially blocked
📹 FaceTime
Officially blocked
📲 Viber
Officially blocked
📲 How to Call North Korea from Other Countries
To reach North Korea, first dial your country's international exit code, then North Korea's country code +850, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 850local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 850local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 850local number
🇫🇷 France
00 850local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 850local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 850local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 850local number
🇮🇳 India
00 850local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +850 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call North Korea
North Korea uses UTC+9. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call North Korea from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
20:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–13:00
🇩🇪 Germany
07:00–14:00
🇫🇷 France
07:00–14:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
07:00–15:00
🇦🇪 UAE
07:00–16:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
07:00–15:00
🇮🇳 India
07:00–18:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to North Korea
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–850–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in North Korea
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for North Korea
Do I need a visa to visit North Korea?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter North Korea visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does North Korea offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether North Korea currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in North Korea?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether North Korea grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in North Korea on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a North Korea visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for North Korea using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a North Korea visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for North Korea using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter North Korea?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for North Korea on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
No US Embassy in North Korea | No diplomatic relations | Sweden acts as protecting power Swedish Embassy Pyongyang represents US interests
💳 Tipping Culture
Tipping not standard; follow guide's instructions.
🚄 Transport
Pyongyang Metro (show line for tourists) | Trolleybus | No private cars | Tours by state vehicle | Air Koryo (national airline) | No foreign access to rail
November–March is the dry season across most of North Korea with comfortable temperatures. Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain — cheaper prices but flooding risk. Cherry blossom (March–April) in Japan/Korea and autumn foliage (October–November) are peak photogenic seasons.
📶 SIM & Internet
Excellent connectivity. Local SIMs cheap and easy ($5–15 for 10–30GB) — buy at airport with passport. eSIM well-supported via Airalo/Holafly. 4G/5G coverage strong in cities, weaker rurally. Free Wi-Fi ubiquitous in cafés, hotels, and metro stations.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Conservative dress when visiting temples and shrines — remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing in rural areas. Light, breathable fabrics for tropical heat. In Japan/Korea, locals dress neatly; flip-flops only for beach. Always carry socks for temple visits in Japan.
🌍 North Korea: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in North Korea?
Some of the most famous foods in North Korea include: Kimchi, Cold noodles (naengmyeon), Rice with corn, Dog meat soup (bosintang), Steamed corn bread, Sweet potato dishes, Rice cakes, Soups with local vegetables, Simple stews, Kaoliang (sorghum spirit).
What are the best places to visit in North Korea?
Top places and landmarks to visit in North Korea include: Arirang Mass Games (seasonal), Pyongyang Grand Monument (Kim Il-sung statue), Korean Demilitarized Zone DMZ, Kumgangsan Diamond Mountains, Mausoleum of Kim Il-sung, Arch of Triumph Pyongyang, USS Pueblo (captured US spy ship), Juche Tower Pyongyang, Koryo Museum Kaesong, Mansudae Art Studio.
What are the main customs and traditions in North Korea?
Notable customs and traditions in North Korea include: All tourists must be accompanied by state guides, Photography strictly restricted, No free movement — structured tours only, Deep reverence for Kim family required in public, Military culture permeates daily life.
What is North Korea famous for?
North Korea is well known for: Juche ideology (self-reliance), Mass games & synchronized performances, Kim dynasty personality cult, DMZ (world's most heavily militarized border), Arirang Games spectacle.
Where in the world is North Korea located?
North Korea is located in Asia.
What countries are near North Korea?
Countries near North Korea include: South Korea, China, Russia, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Palau.
🚨 Emergency numbers in North Korea
Knowing the right emergency number in North Korea can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside North Korea. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
North Korea uses the KPW · ₩ · North Korean Won (tourists use foreign currency).
What is the dial code for North Korea?
The international dial code for North Korea is +850.
When is the best time to visit North Korea?
November–March is the dry season across most of North Korea with comfortable temperatures. Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain — cheaper prices but flooding risk. Cherry blossom (March–April) in Japan/Korea and autumn foliage (October–November) are peak photogenic seasons.
How much does a trip to North Korea cost per day?
Daily costs in North Korea range from $25 (budget) to $70 (mid-range) to $180 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many provinces does North Korea have?
North Korea has 9 provinces.
What is the emergency number in North Korea?
In North Korea you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 119. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType A,C,G,I · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping not customary in most of Asia. Higher-end venues may add 10% service charge.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyStick to bottled or filtered water; avoid ice from unverified sources.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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