Laos Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards -

Frequently Asked Questions

The country code for Laos is +856. This code is required when dialing Lao numbers from outside the country and is part of the E.164 international numbering standard. Always include the + symbol before the country code to denote an international number.
Always store Lao phone numbers in the E.164 format, which includes the +856 country code followed by the area/mobile code and subscriber number. This standardized format ensures data consistency and compatibility with various telecommunication systems and APIs. Avoid storing spaces, hyphens, or other formatting characters.
Use regular expressions for robust validation of Lao phone numbers, checking both international and domestic formats. Consider edge cases like non-standard formatting, new area codes, and the potential for number portability in the future. Remove non-digit characters and then apply regular expressions designed for Lao number structure.
Implement a display formatting function that presents the normalized E.164 number in a user-friendly way. You might include spaces, hyphens, or group numbers for readability while ensuring the underlying stored value remains in E.164 format. Consider local versus international display contexts and consider allowing spaces and hyphens for better user experience, but always normalize the number to E.164 format before storing or processing it
E.164 formatting ensures that Lao phone numbers are internationally compatible. This standardized format facilitates accurate call routing, messaging, and integration with various telecommunication APIs and services. Normalizing to E.164 simplifies data management and compatibility.
Lao landline numbers follow the pattern `2X{7}` or `3X{7}`, meaning a '2' or '3' followed by seven digits. An example would be 21234567. When storing, these should still be formatted according to E.164.
Mobile numbers typically start with `20[2-9]` followed by six or seven more digits, such as 2091234567. Remember to always store the full number including the +856 country code in E.164 format.
Laos uses Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7. Ensure your systems correctly convert times when scheduling calls or sending messages to Laos numbers. Use the 'Asia/Vientiane' time zone identifier for accurate conversions.
Validate user input in real-time, store numbers in E.164 format, and format numbers consistently for display. Handle time zones correctly (UTC+7) and consider potential future changes like number portability. Consult the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) for current regulations.
The emergency number in Laos is 199. This shortcode can be used for emergencies within the country similar to 911 in the United States.
It's recommended to allow users to input phone numbers with spaces, hyphens, and parentheses for usability. However, strip these characters and normalize the number to E.164 format for storage and processing. You should use a library or API for enhanced validation, such as the Twilio Lookup API.
Currently, carrier identification is possible based on number prefixes as number portability isn't implemented. However, be aware that this might change. Maintain an updated lookup table for carrier prefixes while acknowledging its potential future unreliability.
Consult the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) website for up-to-date regulations. Key areas include number format validation, consumer protection, and number blocking. Stay informed about regulatory updates and changes such as the 2021 Telecommunications Law.
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