The search query “country code 37” is often an attempt to identify the geographic location of an unfamiliar number, which requires understanding the history of international dialing codes.
The country code +37 is currently an obsolete code that was formerly assigned to East Germany. It was formally retired after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Today, the code is part of a reserved block, and the numeric sequence has been adopted by several smaller European nations as part of a new 37X series of country codes.
If you received a call beginning with a +37 code, it most likely originated from one of the currently active codes in the +370 to +379 range, such as Lithuania (+370) or Andorra (+376).
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The History of Country Code 37
The three-digit country codes starting with 37 have a unique history rooted in post-Cold War telecommunications restructuring.
The Original Assignment
- East Germany (Retired): The two-digit code +37 was originally assigned to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Following German reunification, the country code was phased out in 1992, and the region was integrated into the West German system (now using +49).
The Modern 37X Block
After the retirement of +37, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) opened up the +37X numbering block for assignment to new or re-assigned countries, particularly those that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union or those looking to establish independent dialing sovereignty.
| Country Code | Nation | Notes |
| +370 | Lithuania | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +371 | Latvia | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +372 | Estonia | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +373 | Moldova | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +374 | Armenia | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +375 | Belarus | Former Soviet Republic. |
| +376 | Andorra | Previously shared the French numbering plan (+33). |
| +377 | Monaco | Previously shared the French numbering plan (+33). |
| +378 | San Marino | Previously shared the Italian numbering plan (+39). |
| +379 | Vatican City | Used by the Vatican, though often shares Italian numbers (+39 06). |
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How to Dial the +37X Country Codes
To place a call to any of the countries using the 37X block, you must first dial the international exit code of your country.
International Dialing Format
- Dial Your Exit Code: Use the + sign (on a mobile phone) or 011 (if calling from the U.S. or Canada).
- Dial the Country Code: Use the full three-digit code (e.g., 370 for Lithuania).
- Dial the Local Number: The remaining digits of the local number.
Example (Calling Lithuania): +370 XX XXX XXX
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Scam and Fraud Warning
While the +37X codes are legitimate, any unexpected call from a country you do not recognize should be treated cautiously.
- Wangiri Scams: The most common international phone fraud involves the “one-ring” scam (Wangiri). Scammers call from an international number, let it ring once, and then hang up, hoping to trigger a callback out of curiosity. Returning the call can result in expensive international premium-rate charges.
- Spoofing Risk: Scammers may also use VOIP services to deliberately display numbers starting with obscure international codes to bypass spam filters.
Actionable Tip: If you receive a missed call from a number beginning with any of the +37X codes that you are not expecting, do not call it back. If the caller is legitimate, they will leave a voicemail or contact you via a verifiable method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference when calling the +37X codes?
Most of the countries in the +37X block are in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which is UTC+2 (the same as Egypt, and most of Eastern Europe).
Is there an area code 37 in the US or Canada?
No. Area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (US/Canada) are always three digits and do not begin with a ‘3’ followed by a ‘7’ in the hundreds position.
Do I need to pay extra to receive a call from a +37X country code?
No. You do not incur charges for receiving an international call on your cell phone while you are within your home service area. You only incur international charges if you answer or call the number back.
