Area Code 82 – Paro

Overview of Bhutan's +975 82 Geographic Code

The international dialing code +975 82 is a geographic destination code assigned to the Paro District in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Paro is one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in Bhutan, home to the country's only international airport, Paro International Airport (PBH), and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang). The code 82 is part of Bhutan's national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Within Bhutan, the prefix 82 is used as the trunk prefix for landline numbers in the Paro area, distinguishing it from other districts such as Thimphu (2), Phuentsholing (5), and Bumthang (3).

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 82 code covers the entire Paro District, including the town of Paro and its surrounding administrative blocks (gewogs). Paro is located in the western part of Bhutan, approximately 22 kilometers west of the capital, Thimphu. The district is administered by the Paro Dzongkhag Administration, and the telephone network is operated by Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL), the incumbent state-owned operator, as well as Tashi InfoComm Limited (TICL), which also provides fixed-line services in select areas. Subscriber numbers under the 82 code typically have a length of 7 digits when dialed locally, including the area code. For example, a local number might be formatted as 82-XXXXX, where the subscriber number is 5 digits. However, the exact number length may vary; always verify with the local provider.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in Paro from within Bhutan, you must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and subscriber number. For instance, if the local number is 82 12345, you would dial 0 82 12345 from any other part of Bhutan. From outside Bhutan, you need to dial your country's international access code (typically 00 or +), then Bhutan's country code 975, followed by the area code without the leading trunk prefix, and then the subscriber number. Thus, the international format would be +975 82 12345. When calling from a mobile phone, you can use the plus sign (+) instead of the international access code. It is important to note that the trunk prefix '0' is only used for domestic calls within Bhutan and must be omitted when dialing from abroad.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest available data, there is no overlay code for Paro; the 82 code is exclusively assigned to the district. However, with the growth of telecommunications services, Bhutan has implemented number portability for mobile services, but fixed-line numbers are generally tied to the geographic area. For callers using VoIP services, ensure that you correctly enter the full international number, including the country code and area code, to avoid routing errors. For businesses in Paro, having a local geographic number enhances trust and local presence. For travelers and expatriates, using the correct dialing format ensures seamless connectivity to hotels, government offices, and local businesses in Paro.