The 963 country code belongs to Syria. Whether you're calling family in Damascus, friends in Aleppo, or contacts in the coastal city of Latakia on the Mediterranean, the +963 prefix connects you to this country in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Quick Answer: The country code +963 is for Syria. Syrian numbers use a leading 0 (trunk prefix) that you must drop when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 011 234 5678, dial +963 11 234 5678.

How to Call Syria: Quick Reference

When calling Syria, remember to drop the leading 0 from the local number. This is the most common mistake people make.

Calling From Dialing Format
US/Canada Mobile +963 [number without leading 0]
US/Canada Landline 011-963-[number without leading 0]
United Kingdom (UK) 00-963-[number without leading 0]
Germany 00-963-[number without leading 0]
Sweden 00-963-[number without leading 0]
Turkey 00-963-[number without leading 0]

Syria has a large diaspora, particularly in neighboring countries, Europe, and North America.

Understanding Syrian Phone Numbers

Syrian phone numbers have different formats for mobile and landline calls. The trunk prefix 0 must be dropped when calling from abroad.

The Trunk Prefix (0)

Like the UK and Lebanon, Syria uses a trunk prefix of 0 for domestic calls. When calling internationally:

  • Drop the leading 0 from any Syrian number
  • Local format: 011 234 5678 (Damascus)
  • International format: +963 11 234 5678

This is the most frequent mistake when calling Syria. If your call doesn't connect, check whether you accidentally included the 0.

Mobile Numbers

Syrian mobile numbers start with 9:

  • Local format: 09XX XXX XXX (10 digits including trunk prefix)
  • International format: +963 9XX XXX XXX (9 digits after +963)
  • Common prefixes: 093, 094, 095, 096, 098, 099
  • Example: Local 0944 123 456 becomes +963 944 123 456

Major mobile carriers in Syria include Syriatel and MTN Syria.

Landline Numbers

Syrian landlines use area codes that vary by city:

  • Local format: 0[area code] XXX XXXX
  • Damascus example: 011 234 5678 becomes +963 11 234 5678
  • Aleppo example: 021 345 6789 becomes +963 21 345 6789

Syria Area Codes

Here are the area codes for major Syrian cities:

City Area Code International Format
Damascus 11 +963 11 XXX XXXX
Aleppo 21 +963 21 XXX XXXX
Homs 31 +963 31 XXX XXXX
Hama 33 +963 33 XXX XXXX
Latakia 41 +963 41 XXX XXXX
Tartus 43 +963 43 XXX XXXX
Deir ez-Zor 51 +963 51 XXX XXXX
Idlib 22 +963 22 XXX XXXX

Mobile vs. Landline: How to Tell the Difference

You can tell mobile from landline by the first digits after dropping the trunk prefix:

  • Starts with 9: A mobile number
  • Starts with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5: A landline number with an area code

Mobile numbers in Syria are typically more expensive to call than landlines.

Dialing Examples

Here are practical examples showing how to dial Syrian numbers from various countries:

Example 1: Calling a Damascus Landline from the US

  • Syrian Local Number: 011 234 5678
  • From a US Mobile: +963 11 234 5678
  • From a US Landline: 011 963 11 234 5678

Example 2: Calling a Syrian Mobile from the US

  • Syrian Local Number: 0944 567 890
  • From a US Mobile: +963 944 567 890
  • From a US Landline: 011 963 944 567 890

Example 3: Calling Syria from the UK

  • Syrian Local Number: 021 876 5432 (Aleppo)
  • From the UK: 00 963 21 876 5432

Example 4: Calling Syria from Germany

  • Syrian Local Number: 0933 456 789 (mobile)
  • From Germany: 00 963 933 456 789

Best Times to Call Syria

Syria uses Eastern European Time with daylight saving:

Time Zone Name UTC Offset
EET Eastern European Time UTC+2
EEST Eastern European Summer Time UTC+3 (summer)

Time differences from major cities:

Your Location Syria Time Difference Call Syria 9 AM - 5 PM
US East Coast (EST) Syria is 7 hours ahead 2 AM - 10 AM your time
US West Coast (PST) Syria is 10 hours ahead 11 PM - 7 AM your time
UK (GMT) Syria is 2 hours ahead 7 AM - 3 PM your time
Germany (CET) Syria is 1 hour ahead 8 AM - 4 PM your time

Tip: The weekend in Syria is Friday-Saturday. Business hours are typically Sunday-Thursday.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent errors when dialing the 963 country code:

  • Keeping the leading 0: This is the most common mistake. Always drop the 0 when calling internationally.
  • Confusing +963 with +961: +963 is Syria, +961 is Lebanon. These neighboring countries have similar codes.
  • Wrong number length: After dropping the 0, Syrian numbers should be 8-9 digits after +963.
  • Confusing mobile and landline prefixes: Mobile numbers start with 9. Landline area codes start with 1-5.
  • Missing the area code: For landlines, you need the city area code after +963.

Cheapest Ways to Call +963 Numbers

International calls to Syria can be expensive through traditional carriers. Here are better options:

  • VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Syria. Check our Syria calling rates.
  • Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is used in Syria and allows free calls over WiFi or data when connectivity is available.
  • International Calling Plans: Some carriers offer Middle East calling bundles. Check our guide on how to make international calls.

Syria has a large diaspora population worldwide, so various providers offer rates for calls to Syria.

Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What country has the +963 country code?

The +963 country code is for Syria. This covers all of Syria including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Latakia.

How many digits is a Syrian phone number?

Syrian phone numbers are 8-9 digits when dialed locally (including the trunk prefix 0). When dialing internationally, drop the leading 0. Mobile numbers are 9 digits starting with 9. Landlines use area codes.

Does Syria have area codes?

Yes, Syria uses area codes for landline numbers. Damascus is 11, Aleppo is 21, Homs is 31, Hama is 33, and Latakia is 41. Mobile numbers do not use area codes.

How do I call Syria from the USA?

From a mobile phone, dial +963 followed by the Syrian number without the leading 0. From a landline, dial the US exit code 011, then 963, then the number without the leading 0.

Do I drop a 0 when calling Syria internationally?

Yes, drop the leading 0 when calling Syria internationally. If the local number is 011 234 5678 (Damascus), dial +963 11 234 5678 internationally.

Is +963 Syria or Lebanon?

+963 is the country code for Syria. The country code for Lebanon is +961. These neighboring countries have similar codes but are different.

Related Country Codes

Looking for other country codes in the region? Check out these guides:

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