Croatia Phone Number Format: A Complete Guide

Struggling to call Croatia due to confusion about area code, prefix, and correct format?

Whether you are a business trying to establish your business in Croatia or just trying to call someone from Croatia for personal reasons, understanding the Croatia phone number format is crucial.

Calling a Croatian phone number follows a clear process, whether you are calling from outside or inside the country. 

In this article, we will discuss the Croatia phone number format, its structure, types, area code, how to dial Croatia’s phone number, and the best time to call Croatia. 

So, let’s dive into it. 

What is Croatia’s Phone Number Format?

Croatian phone numbers follow an international format, making it easy to stay connected across borders. Whether you’re reaching out to friends in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, buying a Croatian virtual phone number, setting up a business call, or simply curious about how Croatian numbers are structured, here is a Croatia phone number format. 

Structure of the Croatia Phone Number Format

Croatia’s phone number format has three key parts designed to keep things simple and organized. Here’s a closer look at each part:

1. Country Code: +385

The country code is like Croatia’s “international address.” When you’re calling from another country, dialing +385 directs your call to Croatia’s phone network. Think of it as the first step in connecting you to the right place.

• Example: If you’re calling a Croatian number from outside the country, you will start with +385 before dialing the area or mobile code and then the local number.
• Format: +385 1 234 5678

2. Area Code or Mobile Prefix

The next part of the number is the area code or mobile prefix, which usually has 1–2 digits. Here’s where we can tell if we’re calling a landline in a specific region or a mobile phone on a particular network.

• For Landlines: Area codes identify specific regions in Croatia. For instance, 1 is the code for Zagreb, 21 is for Split, and 51 is for Rijeka. If you’re dialing a landline, the area code connects you directly to that location.

       Example: To call a landline in Zagreb, your number  format will look like this: +385 1 234 5678

• For Mobile Phones: Mobile prefixes, on the other hand, identify the phone carrier. This is helpful if you want to know which network someone is on. For example, 91 is the prefix for Hrvatski Telekom, while 95 is for Tele2. So, if you’re dialing a mobile number, the prefix lets you know which network it’s on.

Example: For a mobile call, the number format will look like this: +385 91 123 4567

3. Subscriber Number

The final part of the Croatian phone number is the subscriber number, usually 6–7 digits long. This is the unique part of the phone number that belongs to the specific person or business you’re calling. The exact length can vary a bit based on the area or mobile provider, but it generally sticks to this range.

• Example for Landlines: +385 1 234 5678
• Here, 1 is the area code for Zagreb, and 234 5678 is the unique subscriber number.
• Example for Mobile Phones: +385 95 234 5678

In this case, 95 represents the mobile carrier (Tele2), and 234 5678 is the subscriber’s number.

Example of a Croatian Phone Number

Let’s look at a few complete examples to make things clearer:

Calling a Landline in Zagreb from Abroad

Imagine you’re calling a friend’s landline in Zagreb. The number you’d dial might look like this:

• +385 1 234 5678
• +385 — Country code for Croatia
• 1 — Area code for Zagreb
• 234 5678 — Subscriber’s number

Calling a Croatian Mobile Number from Abroad

Let’s say you want to call a Croatian mobile phone from another country. You might see a number like this:

• +385 95 123 4567
• +385 — Country code for Croatia
• 95 — Mobile prefix (Tele2 network in this case)
• 123 4567 — The unique mobile subscriber’s number

Both formats follow the same structure but use different prefixes based on whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile phone.

Types of Croatian phone number

Croatia’s phone numbers use specific formats for both domestic and international calls. Here’s a professional guide on how to dial Croatian landline and mobile numbers.

1. Mobile number

Mobile numbers in Croatia have a unique format that includes the country code, network provider prefix, and the subscriber’s 7-digit number. Mobile prefixes, such as 091, 092, and 095, identify the network provider.

I. Domestic Calls to Croatian Mobile Numbers

For calls within Croatia, only the network provider prefix and the subscriber’s number are needed.

Steps for Domestic Mobile Calls:

1. Dial the network provider code (e.g., 091 for Hrvatski Telekom).
2. Follow with the 7-digit subscriber number.

Example: To call a Croatian mobile number 091 123 4567:

• Dial: 091 123 4567

II. International Calls to Croatian Mobile Numbers

When calling a Croatian mobile number from outside the country, you’ll need to include the exit code, Croatia’s country code, and the network provider prefix.

Steps for International Mobile Calls:

1. Dial the exit code of your country (e.g., 011 in the U.S.).
2. Dial 385 for Croatia’s country code.
3. Dial the network provider prefix (e.g., 91).
4. Finish with the 7-digit subscriber number.

Example: To call the Croatian mobile number 091 123 4567 from the U.S.:

• Dial: 011-385-91-123 4567

2. Toll-free number

Croatian toll-free numbers are free of charge for the caller, making them ideal for customer service and business support lines. These numbers start with the 0800 prefix, allowing easy identification. Toll-free numbers can be dialed domestically or internationally, though calls from abroad may not always be free.

Format: +385 80 123 456

How to Dial Croatian Toll-Free Numbers

• From within Croatia: Dial the 0800 prefix, followed by the 6-digit subscriber number.
• From outside Croatia: Dial the exit code for your country, then 385 (Croatia’s country code), followed by the 80x prefix and the subscriber’s number.

Example:

• Within Croatia: 0800 123 456
• From the U.S.: 011-385-800-123 456

3. Landline number

For landline numbers, dialing requirements vary depending on whether you are calling from within Croatia or from another country.

I. Domestic Calls to Croatian Landlines

When calling a Croatian landline domestically, simply dial the area code and then the subscriber’s 7-digit number.

Steps for Domestic Landline Calls:

1. Dial the area code (no need for the country code).
2. Follow with the 7-digit subscriber number.

Example: To call 01 23 88 029 (University Hospital Centre Zagreb) within Croatia:

• Dial: 01 23 88 029

II. International Calls to Croatian Landlines

When calling a Croatian landline from abroad, the format includes the exit code, Croatia’s country code, the area code, and the local number.

Steps for International Landline Calls:

1. Dial your country’s exit code (e.g., 011 for the United States).
2. Dial Croatia’s country code: 385.
3. Dial the area code (without any leading zeroes).
4. Finish with the 7-digit subscriber number.

Example: To call 01 23 88 029 (University Hospital Centre Zagreb) from the U.S.:

• Dial: 011-385-1-23 88 029

4. Premium rate numbers

Premium rate numbers in Croatia are used for specialized services, often charged at a higher rate than standard calls. They are frequently used for services such as paid customer support, voting lines, and donation hotlines. Premium rate numbers start with the 060 prefix, making them easily recognizable and alerting callers to potential extra charges.

Format:+385 60 123 456 

How to Dial Croatian Premium Rate Numbers

• From within Croatia: Dial the 060 prefix directly, followed by the 6-digit subscriber number.
• From outside Croatia: Dial your country’s exit code, then 385 (Croatia’s country code), followed by 60x and the subscriber’s number.

Example:

• Within Croatia: 060 123 456
• From the U.S.: 011-385-60-123 456

5. Emergency or special number

Emergency and special numbers in Croatia are short, typically three-digit numbers, designed for quick access. These numbers cover essential services and are free to dial. No prefix or area code is required, ensuring instant connection to emergency responders.

Common Emergency Numbers:

• 112 — General Emergency (covers police, fire, and ambulance services)
• 192 — Police
• 193 — Fire Department
• 194 — Ambulance

How to Dial Croatian Emergency Numbers

• From within Croatia: Dial the three-digit emergency number directly.
• From outside Croatia: Emergency numbers are typically accessible only within the country, so if you’re calling an emergency service in Croatia from abroad, dial the main contact numbers for Croatian emergency services, typically available through consulates or embassy services.

Area code for dialing Croatia phone number

Here are the area codes of some top cities of Croatia. 

Read more: UAE phone number format

How to dial Croatia’s phone number: step-by-step guide

Dialing Croatian numbers differs depending on whether you are calling from abroad or within the country.

Dialing Croatian numbers from abroad

When dialing Croatia from another country, you need to follow the international dialing format, which includes an international exit code, Croatia’s country code (+385), and the area or mobile code. Below is a step-by-step guide to dialing Croatian numbers internationally:

1. Dial the International Exit Code
   Start by dialing your country’s exit code (also called the international dialing prefix). This is typically 00 in most countries, but it can vary (e.g., 011 from the USA, 00 from most of Europe).
2. Dial Croatia’s Country Code
   After the exit code, dial Croatia’s country code: +385.
3. Dial the Area or Mobile Prefix
   Next, dial the area code or mobile prefix. The area code is usually one to two digits (e.g., 1 for Zagreb, 21 for Split), and mobile numbers typically begin with a 9 (e.g., 91 for Telekom, 95 for Tele2).
4. Dial the Local Subscriber Number
   Finally, dial the subscriber’s 6-7 digit phone number, depending on the type of service (landline or mobile).

Example:

• To call a landline in Zagreb: +385 1 234 5678
• To call a mobile number (e.g., from Telekom): +385 91 123 4567

Dailing within Croatia

When dialing a Croatian number from within the country, the process is simpler. You do not need to include the country code (+385) and can directly dial the area or mobile code along with the local subscriber number.

1. Dial the Area or Mobile Prefix
   Start by dialing the area code or mobile prefix (without the country code).

• For landline numbers, you will dial the area code (e.g., 01 for Zagreb, 21 for Split).
• For mobile numbers, you will dial the mobile prefix (e.g., 091, 092, or 095).
• Dial the Local Subscriber Number
  After the area or mobile prefix, dial the 6-7 digit local number.

Example:

• To call a landline in Zagreb: 01 234 5678
• To call a mobile number (e.g., from Telekom): 091 123 4567

The best time to call Croatia

For Business Calls:

Best Time: 10 AM to 4 PM (Monday to Friday)
This is when most people are fully engaged in their work and are more likely to be available for a conversation.

• Optimal Days: Tuesday to Thursday
  • People are generally more focused and less likely to be busy with weekend catch-up tasks or Friday’s workload.
  • Monday mornings can be a bit hectic as people are just starting the week, and Fridays are often slower as people prepare for the weekend.
• Why: During this time, people are in “work mode” and have likely organized their schedules for meetings or calls.

For Personal Calls:

Best Time: 6 PM to 9 PM (Weekdays) or Weekends
Evenings are when most people are winding down from their workday and are more relaxed, making it an ideal time for personal calls.

• Weekends:
  • Weekends offer a great opportunity for a longer, more relaxed conversation. Many people are free and can engage without the pressure of work responsibilities.
• Why: After a busy day at work, people tend to be more open to catching up in the evening. Weekends allow more flexibility, so you can catch people when they’re not busy.

Remember Time Zones:

• Croatia is in Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 in the winter months and UTC+2 during Daylight Saving Time (March to October).
• Always double-check the time difference when calling internationally to avoid calling too early or too late. If you’re calling from outside of Croatia, make sure you’re aware of the time zone difference to ensure the call is at a convenient hour for both parties.

Avoid early mornings or late nights: Unless you’re sure that the person you’re calling is available during those hours, it’s best to avoid calling too early or too late. This helps you avoid disturbing them outside of normal hours.

Check for public holidays: Make sure you’re aware of any Croatian public holidays, as these may affect working hours or availability, especially for business calls.

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The most commonly used mobile number prefix in Croatia

Some of the top mobile number prefixes in Croatia are associated with different network providers. Here is a list of the most commonly used mobile number prefixes in Croatia. 

SIM card and roaming in Croatia 

Three main mobile carriers operate in Croatia: A1 Croatia, Hrvatski Telekom, and Telemach. Each of the three companies offers either prepaid or tourist SIM cards designed for tourists; they provide affordable rates for calls, texts, and high-speed data, but many plans now include EU roaming.

How to Buy a SIM Card in Croatia?

You can buy SIM cards in airports, in stores of particular mobile providers, from kiosks, or in supermarkets. Most providers require a valid ID for registration. Prices vary from €5 to €15, and most of them include some credit or data preloaded.

Tourist SIM Packages

Tourist SIM cards are for visitors who will be in Croatia for only a short time. Many tourist SIM card packages include really generous data packages. For example, A1 Croatia offers 10 GB for €10, while Hrvatski Telekom has 15 GB for €12, already including EU roaming.

Roaming in Croatia

Croatia has the “Roam Like at Home” policy for EU citizens, with no extra fees for using your home plan. For those coming from other countries outside the EU, it would be best to check with your carriers about roaming since it could get expensive. We really recommend buying a local SIM if you want more affordable connectivity.

Conclusion 

Understanding the correct format for Croatian phone numbers is crucial for effectively directing your calls to Croatia, whether it’s for expanding your business or engaging in effective business conversations. 

However, if you are not well-informed about the details, you might incounter issues such as wrong codes. Knowing about the phone number is not enough for the call. You also need to consider the factors like time zone differences to ensure connectivity. 

FAQs

How long is the phone number in Croatia?

Croatian phone numbers are typically 8 digits long for a landline and 9 digits long for a mobile number. 

What are the major mistakes that you should avoid when dialing a Croatian number?

Some of the major mistakes that you should avoid when dialing a Croatian number are: 

• Do not dial incorrect numbers, area codes, or prefix
• Don’t miss any important prefix and area code. 
• Remember the exit code when dialing an international call.

What is the country code of Croatia?

The country code of Croatia is +385. You need to dial this in first, then the area code and the phone number of the subscriber.

What prefixes do Croatian mobile numbers use?

Croatian mobile numbers mostly start with a 9x prefix. For example: 

• 91, 92- Hrvatski Telekom
• 95- Telemach
• 97, 98, 99- A1 Croatia