How to Call the US from Malaysia? Steps, Cost & Cheaper Options

When calling the US from Malaysia, consider the major components of the US phone number format for international calls from Malaysia. These include the Malaysian exit code, the US country and area codes, and local numbers.

• Malaysia Exit Code: The exit code is mandatory for international calling—it signals that you’re making calls outside your country. It’s also referred to as a call prefix or international dialing code. For Malaysia, the exit code is 00. You can use + if you're calling from a cell phone.
• US Country Code: The US country code is +1. It identifies the US as the destination country for your calls.
• US Area Code: The area code routes the calls to a specific region in the country. In the US, there are approximately 335 area codes in total. These area codes are typically three digits long, each representing a specific region.

Some popular cities and their area codes in the United States:

• Subscriber’s Number: After the area code, you’ll need to dial the local subscriber number, usually 7 digits. This is the final part of a full US number. Subscriber numbers are local numbers and unique for each telephone user.

To call the US from Malaysia, dial the Malaysian exit code 00, the US country code 1, followed by the area code, and the 7-digit subscriber number.

• Step 1 - Dial Malaysia’s exit code ‘00’ or ‘+’.
• Step 2 - Dial the US country code, ‘1’.
• Step 3 - Dial the local area code of the region.
• Step 4 - Dial the 7-digit subscriber’s number.

To call a Chicago landline number, 312 123 45XX, from Malaysia, dial 00 1 312 123 45XX or + 1 312 123 45XX.

• 00 or ‘+’ - Malaysia’s exit code
• 1 - US country code
• 312 - Chicago’s area code
• 123 45XX - Local Landline number

To dial a Washington, D.C. mobile number, 202 254 67XX, from Malaysia, dial 00 1 202 254 67XX or + 1 202 254 67XX.

• 00 or ‘+’ - Malaysia’s exit code
• 1 - US country code
• 202 - Washington, D.C. area code
• 254 67XX - Subscriber’s mobile number

For calling a US toll-free number from Malaysia, dial the Malaysian exit code, followed by the US country code, the toll-free prefix (e.g., 800 or 888), and then the 7-digit toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial Malaysia’s exit code ‘00’ or ‘+’.
• Step 2: Dial the US country code, ‘1’.
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the 7-digit subscriber’s number.

Note: Not all US toll-free numbers are accessible internationally. Check with your service provider to confirm if you can call US toll-free numbers internationally.

The best time to call the US from Malaysia is during business hours in the US (9 AM to 5 PM). You can call at any time that is convenient for the recipient if the call is casual. However, it’s best to avoid calling too early in the morning or late at night.

Also, be mindful, Malaysia is 12 to 15 hours ahead of the US, depending on the USA's different time zones. You must consider the time differences between the two countries to ensure you call at a convenient time for your receiver.

Follow the timetable below to place a call to the USA from Malaysia at an appropriate time.

The cost of calling the US from Malaysia typically ranges from $0.019 to $2.50 per minute. Different providers have varying overseas calling charges, so always check your plan before dialing.

Here’s the cost of calling from Malaysia to the US with some popular telephone carriers:

For cost-effective alternatives to traditional carriers, consider using calling cards, online calling apps, or a virtual phone number. They often offer a low price for international calls compared to the traditional carriers.

Calling cards are prepaid cards that allow you to make international calls at lower rates. These cards are available at retail shops or online and typically offer rates from $0.05 to $0.15 per minute. To use it, simply dial a local access number, enter the PIN, and then enter the phone number.

Online calling apps help you make phone calls over the internet. Popular services like WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice offer affordable or even free calls to the US if both parties are using the same platform. However, you need a stable internet connection for uninterrupted calls.

Virtual phone numbers also allow you to make calls over the internet at low international rates. You can get them online from reputable VoIP service providers. Additionally, you don’t need extra hardware to use the number; you can simply configure it in your existing device. Simply, sign up with a service provider, purchase the number, and set it up on your device.

Takeaway: If you want a temporary solution, calling cards are easy. For frequent callers, VoIP apps or a virtual number are more reliable and cost-effective. And if you get a VoIP calling card, you will get the best of both worlds.

Calling the US from Malaysia is straightforward when you follow the right steps. The key is to use the correct phone number prefixes, including exit codes, country codes, and area codes. It’s also important to consider the time difference to ensure you call at the appropriate time for the receiver.