The search for the +37 country code leads to a significant historical note in global telecommunications: The international dialing code +37 is retired and is not in active use by any sovereign country today.
This prefix was deleted from the world telephone numbering plan following a major geopolitical shift. This comprehensive guide details the historical user of +37, identifies the European nations that now use the successor codes (+37X), and offers crucial consumer support regarding scam calls often associated with this block.
History of the +37 Country Code
The prefix +37 was originally assigned to the German Democratic Republic (GDR), commonly known as East Germany.
- Assignment: The code was assigned in 1966 when the country had its own separate telecommunications network, distinct from West Germany (which used +49).
- Retirement: Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the East German telephone system was fully integrated into the West German system, and the country code +37 was officially decommissioned and withdrawn in 1992. The entire country of Germany now uses +49.
The Successor Codes: The +37X Block
The retirement of the two-digit +37 code freed up a range of new, three-digit international codes, +370 through +379. These codes were quickly allocated to nations that were emerging from the former Soviet Union (which previously used +7) or to European microstates seeking telecommunications independence from neighboring countries.
If you receive a call that begins with ’37’, it is almost certainly from one of the countries listed below:
| Country Code | Country / Territory | Region |
| +370 | Lithuania | Eastern Europe |
| +371 | Latvia | Eastern Europe |
| +372 | Estonia | Eastern Europe |
| +373 | Moldova | Eastern Europe |
| +374 | Armenia | Caucasus/Western Asia |
| +375 | Belarus | Eastern Europe |
| +376 | Andorra | Southern Europe (formerly shared France’s code) |
| +377 | Monaco | Southern Europe (formerly shared France’s code) |
| +378 | San Marino | Southern Europe (formerly shared Italy’s code) |
| +379 | Vatican City | Southern Europe (assigned, but often uses Italy’s +39) |
Consumer Scam Warning: Calls from the +37X Range
While these codes are legitimate, numbers from the former Soviet bloc nations (especially in the +370, +371, +375 range) are frequently used by scammers.
- Wangiri Scams: These are common “one-ring” scams. The phone rings once and hangs up, hoping the recipient returns the call out of curiosity.
- The Trap: Returning the call connects you to a high-cost premium-rate international line, often disguised as a standard call. You are charged exorbitant per-minute fees, of which the scammer receives a cut.
Safety Tip: Never return a missed call from any international number you do not recognize. If the call was legitimate, the person will leave a voicemail or contact you through a known channel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which country used the +37 country code historically?
The country code +37 was used by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) until its reunification with West Germany in 1990.
What is the time difference when calling the +37X countries?
Most countries in this block, like Lithuania, Latvia, and Belarus, are in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is typically 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Always check the local time before calling.
Are calls to these countries (+37X) considered safe?
The dialing codes are safe, but the calls themselves require caution. Because these countries are far from the US and Canada, any unsolicited call is highly likely to be a fraudulent attempt to exploit international calling fees or to run a phishing scheme.
Conclusion
The +37 country code is a retired prefix, succeeded by the +37X block now used by various European nations like Lithuania and Belarus. To avoid high costs and scams, confirm the intended recipient before returning any calls to an unfamiliar number in this international range.
