How to Call Malaysia from the US? Dialing Steps & Cost

Malaysia is a key trading partner for the U.S. in Southeast Asia. That's why people from the USA frequently call Malaysia for business purposes and to connect with loved ones. But calling Malaysia isn’t always as easy as it seems.
Many people face issues in connection due to incorrect use of dialing codes, leading to failed calls. To connect accurately, you must know the correct dialing sequence that involves different unique prefixes and codes.
In this blog, we’ll learn how to call Malaysia from the US and explore the cost-effective alternatives to reaching Malaysia from the US at the right time.
Key Highlights:
- To call Malaysia from the US, dial the USA exit code (011), the Malaysian country code (60), the area code, and the local phone number.
- The best time to call from the US to Malaysia is between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm (MYT). Avoid calling early morning or late evening to ensure an appropriate time for your receiver.
- VOIP applications and international calling apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype offer cost-effective alternatives to calling Malaysia.
- Virtual numbers are a great option to make international calls from different devices from anywhere with an internet connection.
Things to Remember When Calling Malaysia from the USA
To make an international call from the US to Malaysia, consider the US exit code, Malaysia’s country code, and the area code. Each prefix plays a role in routing your call to the appropriate recipient.
- Exit code: The Exit code directs your call to the international network from your home country. The US exit code is “011.” You can replace “011” with “+” when calling the US from a cell phone.
- Country code: The country codes follow the exit code in the international phone number format. They are special codes that route your call to a specific country. For Malaysia, it's “60”.
Area codes: Area codes route calls to a particular geographic location within the country. Area codes in Malaysia usually start with a ‘0’, called a trunk code. When calling from outside Malaysia, do not dial this ‘0’.
Here are some popular Malaysian cities with their respective area codes:
City
Area Codes
Kuala Lumpur 03 George Town of Penang 04 Ipoh 05 Johor Bahru 07 Melaka 06 Kota Kinabalu 088 Kuantan 09 Sibu 08 Muar 06 Kuching 082 Seremban 06 Kuala Terengganu 09 Labuan 087
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How to Call Malaysia from the US?
To call Malaysia from the US, enter the US exit code (011), followed by the Malaysian country code (60), area code, and local phone number.
The dialing process differs slightly from landline to mobile numbers.
How to Dial a Malaysian Landline Number from the US?
To dial a Malaysian landline from the US, dial the US exit code, followed by the Malaysian country code, the area code, and the local landline number.
- Dial the US exit code, i.e., “011”.
- Enter the Malaysian country code, i.e., “60”.
- Dial the Malaysia area code (Omit initial ‘0’).
- Dial the local landline number.
Your final number would be 011 + 60 + Area code + Local Number.
For Example, to call a Kuala Lumpur landline number 03-123-456X from the US, you’d dial 011-60-3123-456X. Here, 3 represents the area code of Kuala Lumpur.
How to Call a Malaysian Cell Phone from the US?
To call a Malaysian cell phone from the US, dial the US exit code (011), the Malaysian country code (60), and the mobile number. You don’t need to enter the area code when calling a mobile.
- Enter 011, the US exit code.
- Dial 60, the Malaysian country code.
- Enter the mobile prefix, ‘1'.
- Enter the mobile phone number.
The final dialing sequence would be: 011 + 60 + Mobile Prefix + Mobile Number.
For example, to call a Malaysian cell phone number of “012-345 XXXX” from the US, you would dial “011 60 12 345 XXXX”
What is the Best Time to Call Malaysia From the USA?
The best time to call Malaysia from the US is from 9 AM to 5 PM for business calls. In case of personal calls, you can call at an appropriate time for the recipient. Late mornings or early evenings in Malaysia are usually the most suitable times.
But be mindful, the US and Malaysia have a 12-16 hour time difference. So, the best time for you in the US may not be ideal for your recipient in Malaysia.
Explore the best time to call from the US to Malaysia, considering the time differences from the different time zones in the United States:
US Time Zone | Time Difference with (MYT) | Best US Time to Call Malaysia (Morning) |
Eastern (EST) | +12 hours | 9 PM - 6 AM (EST) |
Central (CST) | +13 hours | 8 PM - 5 AM (CST) |
Mountain (MST) | +14 hours | 7 PM - 4 AM (MST) |
Pacific (PST) | +15 hours | 6 PM - 3 AM (PST) |
Alaska (AKST) | +16 hours | 5 PM - 2 AM (AKST) |
How Much Does it Cost to Call from the US to Malaysia?
The cost of calling Malaysia from the USA can differ widely, depending on the method you use and the pricing structure of your service provider. Traditional phone carriers typically charge high rates, ranging from $0.15 to $2.50 per minute. These charges can accumulate quickly if you make regular or long calls.
What are the Cost-effective Alternatives to call Malaysia from the USA?
When calling from the US to Malaysia, consider using virtual phone numbers, calling cards, and online calling apps. These solutions typically offer low-cost international calling rates compared to the traditional carriers.
1. Online Calling Apps
Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Talk360 let you call Malaysia for little or no charge over the internet. However, both parties must be registered users and use the respective apps for calls.
While some apps allow you to make a call for free, others charge a minimum fee. WhatsApp, for instance, allows you to make international calls for free, whereas Viber Out charges $0.021/min. The fee, however, is much lower than the international carrier fees.
2. Calling Cards
International calling cards are a great way to save on international calls. The popular calling card providers for cheap international calls include KeepCalling, Rebtel, Toolani, and OSS Revolution. You can use these cards on both landlines and mobiles. To use the card, enter the access code and PIN code printed on the card. Then, enter your recipient's phone number.
3. Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number allows you to make calls over the internet. VoIP service providers offer these online numbers at low international call rates. Not only this, you can use these numbers on your existing devices - mobiles, laptops, or tabs. So, you don’t need to spend on the additional hardware, either.
Conclusion
Calling Malaysia from the US is simple once you know the proper process. Make sure you dial the correct number format, involving different phone prefixes and codes. Also, check the time difference so your call reaches the recipient at an appropriate time.
Additionally, consider the calling cost, as international calls typically cost more. However, there are a few ways to save on international calls.
Among the alternatives, Calilio stands out as the best virtual numbers provider. They’re super affordable and offer flexibility by allowing you to make calls from anywhere and any device with internet access. Get a virtual phone number from Calilio today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Call Malaysia from the US for Free?
Online apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and FaceTime enable you to call from the USA to Malaysia for free. However, it’s only applicable when both parties use the same app via an internet connection.
How to Call Penang, Malaysia from the US?
To call Penang, Malaysia, from the US, dial 011 + 60 + 4 + Local number. Here, 4 is the area code of Penang.
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