The keyword Country Code 85 (or +85) refers to a block of three-digit International Country Calling Codes used for a group of nations in East and Southeast Asia.
The simple two-digit prefix +85 does not belong to any single country. Instead, it is the initial prefix for codes ranging from +850 through +856 (with several unassigned in between). If you receive a call starting with +85, you must examine the fourth digit to determine the exact nation of origin.
This guide provides the complete list of assigned +85x country codes, the correct international dialing procedure, and a warning about potential scams common in this region.
The Complete List of +85x Country Codes
The +85x block covers various countries and special administrative regions in Asia.
| Country Code | Country or Territory | Capital City |
| +850 | North Korea (DPRK) | Pyongyang |
| +851 | Unassigned | N/A |
| +852 | Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| +853 | Macau | Macau |
| +854 | Unassigned | N/A |
| +855 | Cambodia | Phnom Penh |
| +856 | Laos | Vientiane |
Note: Other codes in the range (like +86 for China and +880 for Bangladesh) belong to the wider Zone 8 and Zone 9 international numbering plans.
How to Dial a +85x Phone Number Internationally
To successfully place a call to any country in the +85x block, you must follow the standard international dialing sequence.
Example: Calling Cambodia (+855)
| Step | Action | Example |
| 1. Dial Exit Code | Your country’s international access code (e.g., 011 for US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Use + on a mobile phone. | 011 or + |
| 2. Dial Country Code | The full 3-digit country code. | 855 |
| 3. Dial Area/City Code | The city or mobile prefix (varies by country; e.g., 23 for Phnom Penh). | 23 |
| 4. Dial Subscriber Number | The remaining local number. | XXX XXX |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Mobile): | +855 23 XXX XXX |
Safety Warning: Scams from the +85x Block
Due to the rise of international telemarketing and fraud, unsolicited calls or messages from the +85x block should be treated with extreme caution.
Types of Scams to Be Aware Of
- Digital Arrest/Government Impersonation: Scammers often use VoIP technology to mask their location and impersonate government agencies (like police or immigration) in the target country, often making calls that display prefixes like +85x or even spoofing codes like +86 (China). They demand immediate payment to resolve a fabricated legal or immigration issue.
- Wangiri/Missed Call Scams: Calls that ring once and hang up (the Wangiri scam) are designed to trick you into calling back a premium-rate international number, resulting in high charges on your bill.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Do Not Answer: Never answer a call from an unfamiliar +85x number, especially if you are not expecting international contact.
- Never Call Back: Do not return a missed call from any number you do not recognize.
- Refuse Payment: Never send money, cryptocurrency, or gift card codes based on an urgent, unsolicited call from an international number.
- Block and Report: Use your phone’s security features to block the number and report the call to your carrier to help curb international fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary time zone for the +85x block?
Most countries in the +85x block, including Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, and Laos, operate in the UTC+7 or UTC+8 time zones. This means they are typically 12 to 13 hours ahead of the US Pacific Time Zone (PST).
Why do some scam calls show my own country code instead of +85x?
Scammers use “neighbor spoofing” to make international calls look domestic. If a scam originates from Asia but shows a U.S. number (e.g., 212), this is intentional fraud. Always be cautious, even if the number looks familiar.
Is +851 a valid country code?
No. The code +851 is currently unassigned by the ITU. If you receive a call from this prefix, it is likely a spoofed or non-standard number.
Conclusion
The Country Code 85 serves as the collective prefix for several East Asian nations, including +852 (Hong Kong), +855 (Cambodia), and +856 (Laos). Always use the full three-digit code when dialing, remember the significant time difference, and exercise caution to protect yourself from global phone scams.
