How to Call Indonesia from Malaysia​? A Step-By-Step Guideline

When calling from Malaysia to Indonesia, you must understand the key components of the Indonesian phone number format - the international access code, country code, the area code/mobile prefix, and the subscriber’s number.

1. International Exit Code: The international access code, also known as the exit code, signals that you’re dialing outside the country. Malaysia’s exit code is ‘00’.
2. Country Code: The country code directs your call towards the specific country. Each country has a unique country code, and it's 62 for Indonesia.

3. Area Code: Area code routes your call to the specific geographic region in the country. Indonesia has approximately 643 area codes. Each code is 1 to 3 digits long.
   
   Popular Cities and their Area Codes in Indonesia

   City/Region	Area Codes
   Jakarta	021
   Surabaya	031
   Medan	061
   Bandung	022
   Yogyakarta	0274
   Manado	0431
   Jayapura	0967
   Kupang	0380
   Padang	0751
   Denpasar (Bali)	0361

4. Mobile Prefix: The Mobile prefix in the Indonesian phone number represents the specific telephone carrier within the country. Indonesian mobile numbers always start with ‘8XX’, where XX can vary depending on the mobile carrier.

   Operator	Common Prefix
   Telkomsel	811, 812, 813, 821, 822, 823, 851, 852, 853
   Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison	814, 815, 816, 855, 856, 857, 858, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899
   XL Axiata	817, 818, 819, 859, 877, 878, 831, 832, 833, 838
   Smartfren	881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889

5. Subscriber Number: The subscriber number is the unique phone number assigned to each user. In the international phone number format, it typically follows the area code or mobile prefix.

To call Indonesia from Malaysia, dial the Malaysian exit code, followed by Indonesia's country code, the area code, and the local number.

However, the process varies slightly for dialing landline and mobile numbers.

To call an Indonesian landline from Malaysia, dial the Malaysian exit code ‘00’, the Indonesian country code ‘62’, the area code, and the local landline number.

1. Dial the Malaysia exit code, i.e., 00.
2. Enter the Indonesia country code, 62.
3. Key in the area code of the specific region.
4. Key in the area code of the specific region.

Final Dialing Sequence: 00 + 62 + Area Code + Local Number.

To call an Indonesian cell phone from Malaysia, dial ‘00’ Malaysian international exit code, ‘62’ Indonesian country code, followed by the mobile prefix (beginning with the digit ‘8’), and local number.

1. Dial the exit code for Malaysia - ‘00’.
2. Dial the country code of Indonesia - ‘62’.
3. Enter the three-digit mobile prefix beginning with ‘8’.
4. Dial the subscriber’s cell phone number.

Final Dialing Sequence: 00 + 62 + Mobile Prefix + Mobile Number.

To call an Indonesian toll-free number from Malaysia, dial the Malaysian exit code (00), the Indonesian country code (62), the toll-free prefix (usually beginning with 800), followed by the local number.

1. Dial 00, the international access code for Malaysia.
2. Enter 62, the country code for Indonesia.
3. Dial the Malaysian Toll-Free Prefix, typically starting with 800.
4. Dial the local subscriber number.

Final Dialing Sequence: 00 + 62 + Toll-Free Prefix + Local Number.

To save costs when dialing Indonesia from Malaysia, consider using calling cards, virtual phone numbers, or internet-based apps like WhatsApp and Viber. These services often offer cheaper international call rates compared to traditional carriers.

Virtual phone numbers are online numbers that allow you to make calls over the internet. Cloud telephony service providers offer these numbers at lower international call rates than traditional carriers. Not only do they provide cheaper rates, but they also save on costs by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure. You can easily configure virtual phone numbers on your existing mobile.

You can save costs when dialing abroad using internet-based international calling apps like Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Viber. These apps are often free. However, both parties must be using the same app for a call. You’d need a stable and strong internet connection for flawless call quality.

A calling card is a prepaid card that offers lower rates for international calls. You can purchase them from online or convenience stores. To use calling cards, simply dial the access number, PIN number, and your receiver’s phone number.

The best time to call Indonesia from Malaysia is between 8 AM and 5 PM Indonesian time, which is the official business hours in the country.

However, Indonesia has 3 time zones, while Malaysia operates in just one time zone. This makes it important to consider the time zone differences when making a call. What might be a convenient time for you in Malaysia may not be suitable for your receiver in Indonesia.

For example, if you call Malaysia at 8 AM (Malaysia time), it will be 7 AM in Papua (Eastern Indonesia), which might be too early for some receivers. So, always keep the time zone differences in mind to avoid calling at inconvenient times.

Here’s the best time to make business calls from Malaysia to Indonesia in different time zones:

To make a successful call from Malaysia to Indonesia, ensure the correct number format, check roaming charges, and test your connection. Also, try to avoid calling during peak hours to prevent network congestion.

Ensure the phone number you're dialing is in the correct international format for Indonesia. Double-check the country code, area code, and local number to avoid mistakes. Missing or incorrect numbers can lead to failed connections or reaching the wrong people.

Check with your service provider about international roaming charges before making the calls. Roaming charges can be high. To save money, consider using cloud telephony services for more affordable rates.

Before making an important call, test your connection to ensure good voice quality and signal strength. A weak connection can cause miscommunication. To improve VoIP call quality, make sure your internet connection is stable.

Try to avoid making calls during peak hours when the internet or phone lines might be congested. Calling during these times can cause delays or poor connection quality. Instead, opt for off-peak hours to maintain a reliable connection.

Calling Indonesia from Malaysia is straightforward once you understand the dialing process and consider factors like time zones and connection quality. By following the right steps, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your call goes smoothly.

However, besides the dialing format, it’s also important to consider costs. International calls are typically expensive with traditional carriers. Calling cards, internet-based apps, and virtual numbers offer more affordable alternatives. Virtual phone numbers, especially, can be a better option, allowing you to make international calls from your laptop, mobile, or tablet, whichever is accessible.