Receiving a call from an unfamiliar international number can be confusing. If you’ve seen the +94 country code on your phone, you’re likely asking, “94 is which country code?” The direct answer is: the country code 94 belongs to Sri Lanka. This prefix, also seen as 0094 country code or with the plus sign as country code +94, is the essential first step for connecting a phone call to the island nation.
However, understanding this 94 calling code involves more than just identifying the country. In today’s world, a search for the 94 phone code can be driven by two very different needs: the desire to connect with family, friends, or businesses, and the urgent need for protection after receiving a suspicious, unsolicited call.
This guide is designed to serve both purposes. We will provide a complete breakdown of how to correctly dial a phone number 94, explain Sri Lanka’s phone numbering system, and give a critical warning about phone scams associated with the international code 94. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to about the 94 dial code.
The Core Explanation: All About the +94 Country Code
Understanding Country Code +94: Your Gateway to Sri Lanka
The country code +94 is the official international identifier assigned to Sri Lanka. This code acts as a global address, ensuring that any international call using this prefix 94 is routed to the correct national telecommunications network. So, if you’ve ever wondered “94 which country?” or “+94 which country?“, the answer is unequivocally Sri Lanka. This is the correct sri lanka country code, sometimes also searched for as the lanka country code or even the sir lanka country code.
All telecommunication services and numbering plans within the country, including the allocation of local area codes and mobile prefixes, are managed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).
Deconstructing Sri Lankan Phone Numbers
Within Sri Lanka, all standard telephone numbers for both landlines and mobile services use a 10-digit format. A frequent source of confusion and failed calls for those dialing from abroad is the incorrect handling of the “trunk prefix,” which is the leading ‘0’ used in the 10-digit domestic number. For any international call, this leading ‘0’ must be dropped.
How to Dial a Sri Lankan Landline
A domestic landline number in Sri Lanka is structured with an area code and a subscriber number. For example, the area code of sri lanka‘s capital, Colombo, is 011. When dialing from another country, the format changes. The leading 0 from the domestic area code is dropped. So, to call Colombo, you would use 11 after the sri lanka dialing code. A complete international call would look like +94 11 zzzzzzz.
How to Dial a Sri Lankan Mobile Number
The sri lanka mobile country code system is similar. Mobile numbers also consist of 10 digits and start with a three-digit prefix beginning with 07 (e.g., 070, 071, 077). Like landlines, this leading 0 must be removed when dialing from outside Sri Lanka. For instance, a domestic mobile number like 077-1234567 must be dialed as +94-77-1234567 from another country. This is the correct format for the international dialing code +94.
Sri Lankan Area Codes for Major Cities
Here is a quick reference for the area codes of major population centers. Remember to omit the leading 0 when using these for international dialing. Answering “what area code is 94?” is a common mistake; 94 is the country code, not an area code 94.
- Colombo: 11
- Kandy: 81
- Galle: 91
- Jaffna: 21
- Negombo: 31
The Deep Dive: How to Call Sri Lanka and The Risks Involved
Making an international call requires a precise sequence, while receiving one demands caution. This section provides both a step-by-step guide for calling Sri Lanka and a critical warning about scams that use the 94 code country prefix.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Sri Lanka from Abroad
The exact dialing sequence depends on where you are calling from.
Calling from the USA or Canada
- Dial the Exit Code (011): This signals that you are making an international call.
- Dial the Sri Lanka Country Code (94): Immediately after the exit code, enter the 94 telephone code.
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code (Without the ‘0’): For a landline, enter the two-digit area code (e.g., 11 for Colombo). For a mobile phone, enter the two-digit mobile prefix (e.g., 77).
- Dial the Subscriber Number: Finish by dialing the remaining local number.
- Example Call to a Colombo Landline: 011-94-11-2345678
- Example Call to a Sri Lankan Mobile: 011-94-77-1234567
Calling from Europe and Other Regions
For most countries, the process is similar but uses a different exit code.
- Dial the Exit Code (Often 00 or ‘+’): The most common exit code is 00. However, the easiest method on a mobile phone is to use the plus sign (+). The + symbol automatically replaces the correct exit code for whatever country using 94 you’re calling from.
- Dial the Sri Lanka Country Code (94): Enter 94 right after the exit code or + sign.
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code (Without the ‘0’): Drop the leading zero.
- Dial the Subscriber Number: Dial the final digits of the local number.
- Example Call from the UK: +94-11-2345678
WARNING: The +94 “Wangiri” Missed Call Scam
While the 94 international code is legitimate, it has been used by scammers in a fraud scheme. Receiving an unexpected missed call from a number with a +94 prefix requires extreme caution.
“Wangiri” is a Japanese term for “one ring and cut.” Scammers use automated systems to place thousands of calls that ring only once. The goal is to spark your curiosity, prompting you to call back. The number you call back is a premium-rate line that charges exorbitant fees, from which the scammer profits. They may play hold music or a long message to keep you on the line and maximize the charges.
The phone code 94 has been linked to waves of these attacks. This doesn’t mean the calls actually originate from Sri Lanka; scammers often “spoof” numbers to hide their true location.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do Not Call Back: Never return a call from an international number you don’t recognize.
- Check the Number: Search the full phone number online. Many forums report scam activity.
- Block the Number: Immediately block any suspicious international numbers.
Clearing Up Confusion: Myths About the 94 Code
The number 94 can appear in other contexts, leading to misunderstandings. Let’s clarify some common points.
Myth 1: Is 94 an Area Code?
No. The number 94 is a country code, not an area code. The dial code 94 directs a call to Sri Lanka. An area code, like 11 for Colombo, routes the call to a region within that country.
Myth 2: Does a Barcode Starting with 94 Mean “Made in Sri Lanka”?
This is false. A barcode prefix identifies the GS1 organization that issued the number, not the product’s country of origin. The barcode prefix 94 is assigned to the GS1 organization in New Zealand.
Myth 3: Are All Calls from a +94 Number Malicious?
Absolutely not. The +94 is which country code for over 21 million people. Legitimate personal and business calls are made from 94 code of which country numbers every day. The security warnings apply specifically to unsolicited, unexpected, single-ring calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Practical Advice: Calling Sri Lanka Smartly
Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues
If your call isn’t connecting, check these common errors:
- Did you drop the leading ‘0’? This is the most frequent mistake.
- Are international calls blocked? Check your phone plan to ensure they are enabled.
- Are you using the correct exit code? Use 011 from the US/Canada or the + sign on a mobile.
- Are you adding an area code to a mobile number? Mobile numbers use a mobile prefix, not a regional area code.
Finding the Cheapest Way to Call Sri Lanka
Traditional international calls can be expensive. For calls where both people have a smartphone and internet, apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber offer free app-to-app calls. For calls to a landline or mobile, dedicated international calling services and apps often provide much lower per-minute rates than standard carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which country code is 94? The 94 isd code and country calling code is for Sri Lanka.
- How do I call a Sri Lankan mobile number? Dial your country’s exit code (or +), then 94, then the two-digit mobile prefix (e.g., 77, dropping the 0), and finally the seven-digit number.
- Is a call from a +94 number a scam? Not always, as it is the legitimate sri lanka country phone code. However, be very cautious of unsolicited, single-ring missed calls from any number you don’t recognize, as this is a common scam tactic. Do not call back.
- What is the area code for Colombo, Sri Lanka? The area code for Colombo is 11. When calling from another country, you dial +94 11 followed by the local number.
- What country code is 0094? The 0094 which country code is another way of writing the international dialing code 94 for Sri Lanka. The 00 is a common international exit code.
Conclusion
The dialing code 94 is your connection to Sri Lanka. The most important rule to remember is to always omit the leading ‘0’ from the domestic area or mobile code when dialing from abroad.
Equally important is the need for vigilance. The association of the +94 area code (a common misnomer for the country code) with the “Wangiri” scam is a powerful reminder to never call back an unknown international number. By staying informed and cautious, you can connect with Sri Lanka safely and affordably.
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