The number sequence “375” is often mistaken for a standard US area code, but it is actually the international country calling code for the Republic of Belarus in Eastern Europe. If you see a phone number beginning with +375, it is an international call originating from or destined for Belarus, and not a domestic US or Canadian area code.
This article will clarify the function of the +375 code, explain how to properly dial a Belarusian number, and address common consumer questions about unexpected calls from this region.
+375: The Country Code for Belarus
The telephone code +375 is the top-level country code assigned to Belarus by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This code must be used whenever you are dialing a landline or mobile number in Belarus from any other country worldwide.
In the North American Numbering Plan (which includes the U.S. and Canada), area codes are three digits (e.g., 212, 404, 702). While some non-geographic codes start with ‘3’, the sequence 375 is not currently assigned as a domestic area code in the United States or Canada.
Key Details for the +375 Country Code
| Feature | Detail |
| Code Type | Country Calling Code (International) |
| Country | Belarus (ISO Code: BY, BLR) |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital City | Minsk (Local Area Code: 17) |
| Dialing Format Example | +375 (City Code) XXX-XX-XX |
Major Geographic Codes within Belarus
Within the country, the international code +375 is followed by a shorter city or regional code (also sometimes referred to as an “area code” locally). The city codes for major regions typically have two or three digits.
| Major City/Region | City Code | Example Landline Format |
| Minsk (Capital) | 17 | +375 17 XXX-XX-XX |
| Gomel | 232 | +375 232 XXXXXXX |
| Mogilev | 222 | +375 222 XXXXXXX |
| Brest | 162 | +375 162 XXXXXXX |
| Vitebsk | 212 | +375 212 XXXXXXX |
Mobile phones in Belarus use specific two-digit codes after the +375 country code, such as 25, 29, 33, or 44.
How to Call a Phone Number in Belarus
To successfully complete an international call to Belarus, you need three key components in the correct sequence: the Exit Code, the Country Code, and the Local Number (including its city or mobile operator code).
Dialing Steps from the U.S. or Canada
- Dial the U.S./Canada Exit Code: Start with 011 (the international access code to exit the North American network).
- Dial the Belarus Country Code: Enter the 375 country code.
- Dial the Local Code and Number: Enter the regional area code (e.g., 17 for Minsk) and the local subscriber number.
Example: Calling a Minsk Landline from the U.S.
Note: If you are using a mobile phone, you can often simply replace the exit code (011) with the plus symbol (+), as in +375 17 XXXXXXX.
Why You May Be Receiving Calls from the +375 Code
If you see an incoming call or receive a missed call notification starting with +375 but are not expecting an international call, you should exercise caution.
The Risk of International Scams
Calls from unfamiliar international codes, including the +375 country code, are sometimes associated with a common international telephone scam known as the “One Ring” scam or “Wangiri” scam.
How the Scam Works:
- A fraudster calls your phone and hangs up after just one or two rings.
- The goal is to trick you into calling the number back out of curiosity or concern.
- If you call back, the number is usually a premium rate service, and you will be charged an extremely high per-minute rate by your phone carrier for the duration of the call, with the scammer collecting a portion of the fee.
Actionable Advice:
- Do not call back any unfamiliar number with the +375 country code if you were not expecting an international call.
- If you are genuinely expecting a call from Belarus, confirm the number with the caller through an alternative secure method (like email or text message).
- Check your carrier’s international calling rates. Reputable carriers will charge significant rates for calls to international numbers, even if it is not a scam number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 375 a legitimate US or Canadian area code?
No. 375 is not a legitimate area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. It is exclusively the international country calling code for Belarus.
What time zone is the +375 country code in?
Belarus, which uses the +375 country code, observes Minsk Time (GMT+3). This is generally 7 to 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT), so be mindful of the time difference when placing a call.
How many digits are in a full phone number in Belarus?
A full national phone number in Belarus, when called internationally, consists of the +375 country code, followed by a two-to-four digit city/mobile code, and then the subscriber number. The total number of digits (excluding the country code) is typically nine digits (e.g., 17 + 7 digits for Minsk) for landlines and mobile numbers.
Can a call from +375 be a text message?
Yes, you can receive text messages (SMS) from numbers using the +375 country code, particularly from Belarusian mobile numbers. However, be cautious of any text message that asks you to click a suspicious link or call a number back.
Conclusion
The “375 area code” is definitively the +375 international country calling code for Belarus. While not a domestic North American code, it is an essential part of the international dialing system. When dealing with this code, remember to prioritize safety: confirm the identity of any unexpected caller and avoid returning calls to unfamiliar international numbers to prevent falling victim to premium-rate scams.
