Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call North Korea from Abroad
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.
⏰ 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
--:--
—
🌐 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. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
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 on the official IATA Travel Centre.
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 the official IATA Travel Centre 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 on the official IATA Travel Centre.
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 on the official IATA Travel Centre.
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 on the official IATA Travel Centre.
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 the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
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.
🛡️ Safety Advice
North Korea is one of the world's safest regions for travelers — very low violent crime. Scams target tourists (overcharging taxis, fake tour guides) in major cities. Traffic is chaotic; cross roads with locals. Solo female travel is generally safe but exercise standard precautions.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
Routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most of North Korea. Japanese Encephalitis advised for rural stays in SE Asia. Malaria prophylaxis needed for certain rural regions — consult travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Rabies pre-exposure shots wise if hiking remote areas.
📶 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 in the same region as North Korea include: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Georgia, India, Indonesia.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
119 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
What currency is used in North Korea?
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.
Is North Korea safe for tourists?
North Korea is one of the world's safest regions for travelers — very low violent crime. Scams target tourists (overcharging taxis, fake tour guides) in major cities. Traffic is chaotic; cross roads with locals. Solo female travel is generally safe but exercise standard precautions.
How many provinces does North Korea have?
North Korea has 9 provinces.
🧳 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.
Copy the code below and paste it into your site's HTML. The widget updates automatically and always credits CodeDialer — it will not work if our credit is removed.