The country code 38 (+38) is not currently in use by any single country. Historically, this two-digit code was assigned to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. After the breakup of the federation in the early 1990s, the code was systematically broken down and reallocated to the various successor states.
If you encounter an international number that appears to begin with +38, it will always include an additional digit, such as +381 (Serbia) or +385 (Croatia), to designate the specific country. Understanding the legacy of country code 38 is essential to correctly identify the origin of a call from the Balkans region of Europe.
The Legacy of Country Code 38
The +38 code is a historical artifact in telecommunications. Its decommissioning and subsequent redistribution mark a unique moment in international phone numbering history, directly reflecting the geopolitical changes in the Balkan Peninsula.
The Original User: Yugoslavia
Prior to 1993, all telephone numbers within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia used the country code +38. When the republic dissolved, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) re-designated the numbering block, integrating the third digit of the former regional area codes into the new three-digit country codes for the newly independent nations.
Successor Countries and Their New Codes (+38X)
The former Yugoslav numbering space has been largely reallocated. Today, numerous nations in the region use a three-digit country code starting with +38.
| Country | Current Country Code | Former Yugoslav Republic |
| Ukraine | +380 | (Not part of Yugoslavia) |
| Serbia | +381 | Serbia |
| Montenegro | +382 | Montenegro |
| Kosovo | +383 | Kosovo (disputed territory) |
| Unassigned | +384 | (Currently Reserved) |
| Croatia | +385 | Croatia |
| Slovenia | +386 | Slovenia |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | +387 | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Discontinued/Reserved | +388 | European Telephony Numbering Space (ETNS) |
| North Macedonia | +389 | North Macedonia (formerly Macedonia) |
Note on +380 (Ukraine): While geographically and historically separate from the former Yugoslavia, Ukraine was assigned +380 in the same numbering block as part of the wider breakup of the Soviet Union’s inherited +7 country code space.
International Dialing: How to Call the +38X Countries
Since +38 is not a valid destination, you must use the full three-digit country code (e.g., +381, +385, +387) when attempting to place an international call to any country in this block.
Steps for Calling from the U.S. or Canada:
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): This code is required to dial out of the North American network.
- Dial the Specific Country Code (38X): Enter the full three-digit code (e.g., 385 for Croatia).
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the regional area code (if applicable) and the local subscriber number.
Example: Calling a Croatian Number from the U.S.
Tip: Using the plus sign (+) on a mobile phone often replaces the need to dial the exit code (011). Simply dial +385 followed by the rest of the number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +38 a current country code?
No. The code +38 was officially discontinued and broken down into the block of three-digit codes (+380, +381, +382, etc.) used by Ukraine and the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. There is no longer any number you can dial using only +38.
If I receive a call starting with +384 or +388, what does it mean?
- +384: This code is currently unassigned and is reserved for future use. Any incoming call displaying +384 should be treated as suspicious, as legitimate carriers should not be routing calls through this code.
- +388: This code was previously assigned to the European Telephony Numbering Space (ETNS), a non-geographic service that was eventually discontinued. While technically allocated for European use, it is rarely, if ever, used for standard consumer calls today.
Can I be charged for missed calls from the +38X block?
You should not be charged for simply receiving a call from any international code, including the +38X block. However, if you see a missed call from an unknown +38X number and call it back, you risk falling victim to the Wangiri (One Ring) scam. These return calls connect you to premium-rate services that result in extremely high international charges on your bill. Never return calls to unknown international numbers.
Do any U.S. states use 38 as an area code?
No. U.S. area codes are always three digits, and the prefix “38” is not a valid designator within the North American Numbering Plan.
The history of the country code is visually explained in The Fall of Yugoslavia Area Code.
