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How to Call Madagascar from the United States
Country code +261 — Dial 011 261 32 XX XXX XX from a US landline or +261 32 XX XXX XX from a mobile phone.
What to Dial
- 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
- 2Dial 261, the country code of Madagascar.
- 3Dial the number: 9 digits, without the leading 0 used for calls inside Madagascar.
| Calling a… | Written in Madagascar | From a US landline | From a cell phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 032 XX XXX XX |
011 261 32 XX XXX XX |
+261 32 XX XXX XX |
| Landline | 020 XX XXX XX |
011 261 20 XX XXX XX |
+261 20 XX XXX XX |
X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 032–039. More number types: Madagascar phone number format.
Mobile or Landline?
Madagascar had 75 mobile subscriptions and 0.0 landlines per 100 people in 2023. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to Madagascar mobiles.
Source: World Bank (ITU).
Calling Tips for Madagascar
Best Time to Call
To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Antananarivo, call between 1:00 AM–12:00 PM EST (10:00 PM–9:00 AM PST). Madagascar doesn’t change its clocks, so the gap moves by an hour when the US does.
Madagascar is on UTC+3, 8 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.
Cost Saving Tips
- VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
- 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.