The number +85 is not a country code on its own, but rather the beginning of a series of country codes assigned to several countries and territories in East and Southeast Asia. To identify the specific location of a call, you need to look at the third digit that follows the +85 prefix.
If you’ve seen a phone number starting with +85, this guide will help you identify its origin by breaking down the specific three-digit codes, and it will provide instructions on how to dial these numbers correctly.
The +85 Country Code Block Explained
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages global telephone codes, often assigns them in blocks to specific regions. The +85 prefix is the start of a block of codes primarily for East and Southeast Asia. You must use the full three-digit code to connect to the correct country.
Countries and Territories Using the +85 Prefix
Here is the complete list of assigned country codes that start with +85:
- +850 – North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
- +852 – Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
- +853 – Macau (Special Administrative Region of China)
- +855 – Cambodia
- +856 – Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic)
For example, a call from Hong Kong will appear on your caller ID as +852, while a call from Cambodia will appear as +855.
How to Dial a Number in the +85 Range
To make an international call to any of these locations, you need to use the international dialing format, which includes an “exit code” for the country you are calling from.
Dialing from the USA or Canada
- Dial the exit code: 011
- Dial the full three-digit country code (e.g., 852 for Hong Kong).
- Dial the local phone number.
Example (calling Hong Kong): 011 + 852 + [Local Hong Kong Number]
Example (calling Cambodia): 011 + 855 + [Local Cambodian Number]
Dialing from the UK or Europe
- Dial the exit code: 00
- Dial the full three-digit country code (e.g., 855 for Cambodia).
- Dial the local phone number.
Example (calling Cambodia): 00 + 855 + [Local Cambodian Number]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is +85 a country?
No, +85 is the start of a block of country codes. You need the third digit to identify the specific country or territory, such as +852 for Hong Kong or +855 for Cambodia.
Is it possible to call +850 (North Korea)?
Calling North Korea is extremely difficult and heavily restricted. Most consumer and business phone providers in North America and Europe do not offer direct dialing services to the +850 country code.
How do I add a Hong Kong (+852) number to WhatsApp?
To add a number from any of these locations to your contacts for apps like WhatsApp, save it in the full international format. Start with the plus sign (+), followed by the full country code and the local number (e.g., +852 XXXXXXXX).
Are calls to the +85 range expensive?
Yes. Calls to any of these country codes are international long-distance calls and will be charged at a higher rate than domestic calls. Always check with your phone service provider for their specific rates to avoid unexpected charges on your bill.
Conclusion
In summary, +85 is not a standalone country code but a prefix for five locations in East and Southeast Asia: North Korea (+850), Hong Kong (+852), Macau (+853), Cambodia (+855), and Laos (+856). When making an international call to this region, you must use the correct three-digit code along with your country’s exit code. As with any international call, be mindful of the cost and be cautious of unsolicited calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
