How to Call Madagascar from the United States
Country code +261 — Dial 011-261 from a US landline or +261 from a mobile phone.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
Dial 011
This is the US international access code. It tells your carrier you are making an international call.
Dial +261
This is Madagascar's country code. Every call to Madagascar requires this code.
Dial the Area Code
Dial the city or area code for the region in Madagascar you are calling (if applicable).
Dial the Local Number
Dial the remaining local phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach.
Visual Dialing Example
Here is how a complete call to Madagascar looks from a US landline:
Exit Code
Country Code
Area Code
Local Number
Calling from a Mobile Phone
When calling Madagascar from a US cell phone, you can replace 011 with the + symbol. This is simpler and works worldwide.
Calling Tips for Madagascar
Best Time to Call
Early morning US time (7 AM - 10 AM EST) works best to reach people during their business hours.
Madagascar is UTC+3, which is +8 hours from US Eastern Time (EST).
Cost Saving Tips
- Use VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, or Vonage for rates as low as $0.01/min.
- WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
- Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.
- Avoid calling from hotel phones; they charge premium rates.
Time Difference
Frequently Asked Questions
| Country Code | +261 |
|---|---|
| ISO Code | MG |
| Capital | Antananarivo |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 |
| Exit Code (US) | 011 |