How to Call Malaysia
Complete guide to dialing Malaysia (country code +60)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Malaysia? Whether you're calling Malaysia for the first time or need a quick refresher, understanding the proper dialing format can save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to call Malaysia from anywhere in the world. We'll walk you through step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight the most common mistakes people make when calling Malaysia, and share essential phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth conversations. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Malaysia without any hassle, whether you're reaching mobile phones or landlines across this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Malaysia (+60)
International Dialing Format Structure
When calling Malaysia, follow this standard format:
[Exit Code] + [60] + [Area Code without 0] + [Local Number]
Malaysia's country code is +60, and you must drop the leading zero from local Malaysian numbers when dialing internationally.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the United States
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 60 (Malaysia country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From the United Kingdom
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 60 (Malaysia country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From Other Countries
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow the same pattern.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Kuala Lumpur Landline:
- Malaysian format: 03-2123 4567
- From USA: 011-60-3-2123-4567
- From UK: 00-60-3-2123-4567
Example 2 - Malaysian Mobile Number:
- Malaysian format: 012-345 6789
- From USA: 011-60-12-345-6789
- From UK: 00-60-12-345-6789
Example 3 - Penang Landline:
- Malaysian format: 04-123 4567
- From USA: 011-60-4-123-4567
- From UK: 00-60-4-123-4567
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Malaysian local numbers begin with zero (like 03, 012, or 04), but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. For instance, if you see 012-345-6789 listed in Malaysia, dial 60-12-345-6789 after your exit code.
Quick Reference
- Mobile codes: 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019
- Major city codes: Kuala Lumpur (3), Penang (4), Johor Bahru (7)
- Always drop the leading zero for international calls
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Common Mistakes
When calling Malaysia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Malaysian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, a Kuala Lumpur number 03-1234-5678 becomes +60-3-1234-5678, not +60-03-1234-5678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most European countries). Always check your country's international access code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
+60 is Malaysia's country code, not an area code. You still need to add the local area code after it (3 for Kuala Lumpur, 4 for Penang, etc.).
4. Incorrectly formatting mobile numbers
Malaysian mobile numbers start with 01, becoming 6-01 internationally. Don't add extra zeros or confuse mobile prefixes with landline area codes.
5. Including unnecessary spaces or symbols
While spaces help readability, incorrect placement can cause dialing errors. Follow the standard format: +60-X-XXXX-XXXX for consistency.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Malaysia, understanding local customs helps build stronger relationships and shows respect for the multicultural society.
Greetings and Language
Start calls with "Hello" or the Malay greeting "Selamat pagi/petang/malam" (Good morning/afternoon/evening). In business contexts, address people by their title and surname until invited to use first names. Malaysians appreciate when callers ask "Is this a good time to talk?" before launching into conversation.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be formal, especially with senior colleagues or clients. Use proper titles like "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Encik," or "Puan." Personal calls among friends are more relaxed, often mixing English with Malay or Chinese dialects.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling during prayer times, particularly on Fridays for Muslim colleagues. Generally, call between 9 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Evening calls after 9 PM are considered intrusive unless you have a close relationship.
Voice Messages and WhatsApp
Malaysians frequently use WhatsApp for both business and personal communication. Leaving voice messages is acceptable, but many prefer text messages for non-urgent matters. Keep voicemails brief and clear.
Cultural Considerations
Malaysia's diverse population means you might encounter various communication styles. Be patient with accents and language switching. Avoid overly aggressive or confrontational tones, as Malaysians value harmony and indirect communication. Always end calls politely with "Thank you" or "Terima kasih."
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 999
Ambulance & Fire Department: 994
General Emergency (All services): 999
Malaysia operates a unified emergency response system accessible throughout the country. The 999 number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services through a central dispatch.
Additional Important Numbers:
- Tourist Police: 03-2149 6590/6593
- Civil Defence: 991
- Disaster Management: 1-800-88-8999
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones, including phones without credit. Operators are available 24/7, with English-speaking staff readily available alongside Malay and other local languages. When calling, clearly state your emergency type, location, and contact number. Mobile callers should be prepared to provide their specific location, as GPS tracking may not always be immediately available to operators.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 103: Directory assistance for local phone numbers and general information inquiries
International Services
- 108: International operator for assisted overseas calls and collect call arrangements
Tourist Support
- 1-300-88-5050: Tourism Malaysia helpline for travel information, complaints, and assistance (24/7)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +603-8887-4000 for referrals, or search online for specific embassy numbers in Kuala Lumpur.
Additional Helpful Services
- 15454: Immigration Department hotline for visa and passport inquiries
- 1-800-88-2525: Consumer tribunal for complaints and disputes
- *135#: Quick USSD code to check your mobile phone balance and services
Keep these numbers saved for non-emergency situations requiring official assistance or information during your stay.
Tips for Calling Malaysia
When calling Malaysia, remember the country operates on Malaysia Time (UTC+8), eight hours ahead of UTC. To catch someone during business hours (typically 9 AM to 6 PM), calculate accordingly from your location. For instance, if you're on U.S. Eastern Time, that's a 12-13 hour difference.
For personal calls, late evenings your time often work well, hitting Malaysian mornings or early afternoons. Business calls should always be scheduled in advance—Malaysians appreciate professionalism and preparation. Avoid calling during Friday prayers (12:30-2:30 PM) in Muslim-majority areas, and be mindful of major holidays like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali when offices close.
Peak calling rates typically apply during Malaysian business hours, while off-peak rates activate evenings and weekends. Consider using VoIP services to reduce costs significantly.
For clear communication, speak slowly and articulate well—English is widely spoken but accents vary. Confirm important details via follow-up email. If calling mobiles, note that Malaysian numbers don't require area codes. Always introduce yourself clearly and state your purpose early. Allow extra time for potential connection delays on international lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Malaysia is +60. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Malaysia from anywhere in the world.
To call Malaysia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011), then 60 (Malaysia's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. For example: +60-3-XXXX-XXXX for Kuala Lumpur.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Malaysian area code when calling internationally. For instance, Kuala Lumpur's area code is 03 domestically, but you dial +60-3 when calling from abroad.
The cheapest way to call Malaysia is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Malaysia.
In Malaysia, dial 999 for police and ambulance emergencies, and 994 for the fire department. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones, even without credit.
Yes, you can call Malaysia directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, enter the Malaysian phone number, and start calling—no downloads or installations required.
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