How to Call Malaysia from the US

Calling Malaysia from a Landline or Cellphone

Dial the US exit code, “011.” This code tells your telephone provider that your call is going to be directed to another country, basically allowing you to “exit” the US through your phone. Your call to Malaysia will look like this at the beginning: 011-xx-xxx-xxxx.

Include Malaysia’s country code, “60.” This specifies to your telephone provider that you’re calling Malaysia. Depending on its size, some countries have multiple country codes, but Malaysia only has one that you need to remember. After dialing the country code, your call will look like this: 011-60-xxx-xxxx.

Input the 1- to 2-digit area code if you are calling a landline. Every region has its own area code (for example, the area code for Alor Setar is 4 and the area code for Kota Kinabalu is 88) and you have to include this after dialing the country code, otherwise your call won’t go through. Visit https://www.howtocallabroad.com/malaysia/ to view a comprehensive list of Malaysia’s area codes. If you were calling a landline in Muar, you call would look like this: 011-60-6-xxx-xxxx.

Place a “1” after the country code if you are calling a cell phone. Cell phones won’t have the 1- to 2-digit area code that landlines have. So, input the number "1," instead. If you were calling a cellphone in Malaysia, your call would go as follows: 011-60-1-xxx-xxxx.

Enter the 6- to 8-digit phone number after the area/cell phone code. You need to get the number from the person you are calling ahead of time. It will be either 6, 7, or 8 digits long. After dialing the number, wait for your call to be connected. Your call will look like a variation of this when you are finished: 011-60-x(x)-xxx-xxx(x)(x)

Using Alternatives to Place Your Call

Purchase a calling card if you don’t have an international calling plan. Depending on your cellphone or landline service, buying an international calling card may be more cost effective for your calls to Malaysia. Visit your local grocery store or shop online to compare prices and terms. Double check that the calling card includes calls to Malaysia. Check out what other fees might be included apart from the per-minute cost. Often times, minutes are rounded up in increments, and there may be a connection fee that is separate from the per-minute fee. When in doubt, stick with big names that you recognize and look up reviews online to see what others are saying.

Use social media apps to place calls for free. If you have a Facebook account and have downloaded the Messenger app, you can use it to call anyone else who also has that app—you just need to have access to WiFi. You can also use Facebook Messenger from your computer if you don’t have access to a phone. You could also send videos to someone in Malaysia using apps like Instagram and SnapChat. You won’t be able to talk back and forth like you would on a phone call, but it’s an easy and free way to send a quick message.

Download other smartphone apps to make video and voice calls. WhatsApp, Skype, Rebtel, Viber, and Google Voice are all popular and well-reviewed apps used to make international calls. The person you are calling just needs to have the same app and also be connected to WiFi. Many of these apps also allow you to text internationally for free. If you aren’t hooked up to a WiFi network, be aware of how much data you’re using to avoid overage charges!