Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Quick Reference

• Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Country Code: +387
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

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Overview

This comprehensive guide offers a detailed look at the telephone numbering system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It delves into the structure, formats, and dialing rules for various phone numbers, including landline, mobile, toll-free, and premium rate numbers. This resource is essential for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators working with Bosnia and Herzegovina's telecommunication systems.

Number Structure

General Number Format

The standard format for phone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina includes:

• Country Code: +387
• National (Significant) Number: 8 to 9 digits, including area code.
• Area Codes: 1 to 2 digits.
• Subscriber Number: 6 to 7 digits.

Number Formats by Type

Type	Format	Example
Landline	0X XXXXXX to 0XX XXXXXX	033 123456
Mobile	06X XXXXXX	061 234567
Toll-Free	0800 XXX XXX	0800 123 456
Premium Rate	09X XXX XXX	090 123 456
Shared Cost	08X XXX XXX	081 123 456

Numbering Scheme Regular Expressions

Below are regex patterns for common phone number formats:

• Landline:
  ^0[3-5][0-9]{1,2}[0-9]{6}$
  

• Mobile:
  ^06[1-9][0-9]{6}$
  

• Toll-Free:
  ^0800[0-9]{6}$
  

• Premium Rate:
  ^09[0-9]{1}[0-9]{6}$
  

• Shared Cost:
  ^08[1-2][0-9]{6}$
  

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the national prefix 0, followed by the area code and subscriber number.
  • Example: 033 123456
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the national prefix 0, followed by the mobile network code and subscriber number.
  • Example: 061 234567
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the mobile network code and subscriber number directly.
  • Example: 061 234567

International Calls

• Outgoing International Calls: Dial the international prefix 00, followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and subscriber number.
  • Example: 00 44 20 12345678 (calling the UK)
• Incoming International Calls: The caller should dial +387, followed by the area code (without the leading 0) and the subscriber number.
  • Example: +387 33 123456

Number Portability

• Mobile Number Portability: Available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing users to retain their mobile numbers when switching between operators.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Operator	Mobile Number Ranges
BH Telecom	061, 062, 060
M:tel	065, 066
HT Eronet	063

ITU Standards and Recommendations

Bosnia and Herzegovina adheres to the [ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan](https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-E.164/en), ensuring interoperability and standardization across global telecommunications networks.

Number Allocation and Management

The allocation and management of phone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are overseen by the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RAK). They ensure efficient use of numbering resources and compliance with international standards.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

• Golden Numbers: Certain "golden" or vanity numbers may be available at a premium cost, typically used for business purposes.
• Number Blocking: Specific number ranges may be blocked or reserved for special services, emergency use, or future allocation.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When developing systems or applications that handle phone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, consider the following:

1. Validation: Implement regex-based validation to ensure numbers conform to expected formats.
2. Portability: Be aware of number portability when designing systems for routing or billing.
3. Internationalization: Ensure systems can handle the full E.164 format for international calls.
4. Localization: Consider local dialing rules and number formats when designing user interfaces or input forms.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the telephone numbering plan in Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering everything from number formats to dialing procedures and regulatory considerations. By following the guidelines and technical details provided, telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators can ensure accurate and efficient handling of phone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.