Area Code 31 – Uzice

Geographic Overview

The +381 31 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Užice region in western Serbia. This administrative area encompasses the city of Užice and its surrounding municipalities, including Bajina Bašta, Kosjerić, Požega, and Čajetina. The region is known for its mountainous terrain and the Zlatibor tourist area, which is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. As a geographic code, +381 31 is used for fixed-line PSTN services, and the numbering plan follows the ITU-T E.164 standard.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in the Užice area from abroad, you must dial the international prefix (00 or +), followed by the country code 381, the area code 31 (without the leading 0), and the subscriber's 6- or 7-digit local number. For example, a local number in Užice might be formatted as 031 123 456 when dialed domestically. To reach this number from another country, you would dial +381 31 123 456. From within Serbia, but outside the Užice area, you would dial 031 123 456. When calling from a phone within the same area code, you can often omit the trunk prefix and area code, dialing only the local subscriber number, though this practice may vary depending on the operator and specific number range.

Numbering Plan and Overlays

Serbian fixed-line numbers are typically 9 to 10 digits long when including the country code. The area code 31 is not an overlay; it is the sole geographic code for the Užice region. However, number portability allows subscribers to retain their numbers when switching operators, which means that a number with the +381 31 prefix might be served by any fixed-line operator, not just the incumbent Telekom Srbija. This does not affect the geographic significance of the code.

Caller Instructions

For international callers, it is essential to replace the leading zero of the area code with the country code 381. For example, if the local number is 031 123 456, the international format is +381 31 123 456. When calling from a mobile phone, you can use the plus sign (+) instead of the international access code. For domestic callers outside the region, the trunk prefix 0 must be dialed before the area code. For callers within the region, local dialing may be possible without the area code, but for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to always use the full national format (031 123 456) when calling from any Serbian fixed or mobile line.

Practical Examples

• Calling from the United States to Užice: Dial 011 381 31 123 456.
• Calling from a Serbian mobile phone to a Užice fixed line: Dial 031 123 456.
• Calling from the United Kingdom to a Užice business: Dial 00 381 31 123 456.