The user searching for the 996 area code is looking for a geographic location, but this number sequence is outside the North American system.
The direct answer is that the number 996 is the international Country Calling Code for Kyrgyzstan (+996), a nation located in Central Asia. It is not a valid area code in the United States, Canada, or any other country participating in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
If you see a phone number starting with +996, it originated from Kyrgyzstan. This article details the location, the dialing format, and the relevant time zone for the +996 code.
Location of +996: The Country Code for Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan (officially the Kyrgyz Republic) is a landlocked country known for its mountainous terrain, situated along the historic Silk Road.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code (Not a NANP Area Code) |
| Country: | Kyrgyzstan |
| Continent: | Asia (Central Asia) |
| Capital and Largest City: | Bishkek |
| Time Zone: | Kyrgyzstan Time (KGT), which is UTC/GMT +6 hours. |
Time Zone Comparison
Kyrgyzstan Time (KGT) means that the nation is significantly ahead of North American time zones:
- 11 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- 13 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
How to Dial Kyrgyzstan Using the +996 Code
Kyrgyzstan uses a closed national numbering plan where the national number (NSN) is 9 digits long after the country code. The first few digits of the 9-digit number indicate the area or mobile operator.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Kyrgyzstan Country Code: Enter 996.
- Dial the Full National Number: Enter the remaining 9 digits (this includes the area/operator code).
International Exit Code+996+XXX XXX XXX
Example (Calling Bishkek from the US):
Note: 312 is the common code for Bishkek landlines. Mobile numbers typically start with operator codes like 7XX or 5XX.
Potential Scams and Safety Advice
The +996 country code is not a high-risk code associated with “one-ring” scams, unlike some other international numbers. However, any unexpected international call should be treated with caution, especially if the caller is requesting personal information or demanding payment.
Safety Advice:
- Verify the Caller: If you receive an unexpected call or text from a +996 number, remember the vast time difference. A call in the middle of the night is a major warning sign.
- Do Not Call Back: Unless you have confirmed ties to Kyrgyzstan, do not return a missed call, as international calls can incur expensive per-minute charges from your carrier.
- Check Your Bill: Monitor your phone bill for any unauthorized international charges if you accidentally answer or return a call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is 996 not a US area code?
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) reserves all area codes that have repeating digits in the last two positions (like 99X or N9X) for future use, and traditionally only assigns codes starting from 201 up to 986.
How long is a complete phone number in Kyrgyzstan?
The total number of digits required for an international call to Kyrgyzstan is 12 digits (the country code plus the 9-digit national number).
What is the capital of Kyrgyzstan?
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, where landline codes often start with 312, is Bishkek.
Conclusion
The 996 area code is actually the Country Calling Code for Kyrgyzstan. To successfully call this Central Asian nation from North America, you must use the dialing prefix, followed by the full 9-digit national number. Always be aware of the large time difference and exercise caution with unsolicited international calls.
