The 60 country code belongs to Malaysia. Whether you're calling Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or anywhere else in Malaysia, the +60 prefix connects you to the country's 34 million residents.
Quick Answer: The country code +60 is for Malaysia. Mobile numbers have 9-10 digits after +60 (starting with 1). A Kuala Lumpur landline looks like
+60 3 2345 6789and a mobile like+60 12 345 6789.
How to Call Malaysia: Quick Reference
The dialing format for Malaysia depends on where you're calling from. Drop the leading 0 that Malaysian numbers use domestically.
| Calling From | Dialing Format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada Mobile | +60 [number without leading 0] |
| US/Canada Landline | 011-60-[number without leading 0] |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 00-60-[number without leading 0] |
| Australia | 0011-60-[number without leading 0] |
| Singapore | +60 [number without leading 0] |
| Indonesia | 007-60-[number without leading 0] |
Malaysia has close ties with Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. Calls between Malaysia and Singapore are particularly common since many Malaysians commute across the border daily for work.
Understanding Malaysian Phone Numbers
Malaysian phone numbers use a trunk prefix system. Domestically, all numbers start with 0. When calling internationally with +60, you drop that leading 0.
Mobile Numbers
Malaysian mobile numbers start with 01 domestically (1 after +60):
- Domestic format: 01X-XXX XXXX or 01X-XXXX XXXX (10 or 11 digits starting with 0).
- International format: +60 followed by 9 or 10 digits (drop the 0).
- Common prefixes: 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019.
- Example: Domestic 012-345-6789 becomes
+60 12 345 6789internationally.
The digit count varies by carrier. Numbers starting with 011 have 10 digits after +60 (8 digits after the 011 prefix). Most other mobile prefixes use 9 digits after +60.
Landline Numbers (Fixed Line)
Malaysian landlines use area codes, and the total length after +60 is 8-9 digits:
- Kuala Lumpur/Selangor: Area code 3 + 7-8 digit local number. Domestic: 03-XXXX XXXX.
- Other states (Peninsular): Single-digit area code (4-9) + 7 digit local number. Domestic: 0X-XXX XXXX.
- East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak): 2-digit area codes (80-89) + 6 digit local number. Domestic: 0XX-XXX XXX.
- Trunk Prefix: Always drop the leading 0 when dialing internationally.
Malaysia Area Codes Reference Table
Peninsular Malaysia uses single-digit area codes. East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) uses 2-digit codes. Here are the area codes for major Malaysian cities:
| City/State | Area Code | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur / Selangor | 3 | +60 3 XXXX XXXX |
| Penang | 4 | +60 4 XXX XXXX |
| Johor Bahru | 7 | +60 7 XXX XXXX |
| Ipoh (Perak) | 5 | +60 5 XXX XXXX |
| Melaka | 6 | +60 6 XXX XXXX |
| Kuantan (Pahang) | 9 | +60 9 XXX XXXX |
| Kota Bharu (Kelantan) | 9 | +60 9 XXX XXXX |
| Kuching (Sarawak) | 82 | +60 82 XXX XXX |
| Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) | 88 | +60 88 XXX XXX |
| Seremban (Negeri Sembilan) | 6 | +60 6 XXX XXXX |
Note: Malaysia is split into Peninsular Malaysia (West) and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo). The +60 country code covers both. Kuantan and Kota Bharu share area code 9. Melaka and Seremban share area code 6.
Mobile vs. Landline: How to Tell the Difference
You can tell whether a +60 number is mobile or landline by the first digit after the country code:
- Starts with 1: A mobile number (9-10 digits after +60).
- Starts with 3: A Kuala Lumpur/Selangor landline (8-9 digits after +60).
- Starts with 4-9: A regional landline (8 digits after +60).
- Starts with 8 (two digits): An East Malaysia landline (8 digits after +60).
This matters because calling rates to mobile and landline numbers often differ.
Dialing Examples
Here are practical examples for calling different types of Malaysian numbers from various locations:
Example 1: Calling a Kuala Lumpur Landline from the US
- Malaysian Number (domestic): 03-2345-6789
- From a US Mobile:
+60 3 2345 6789 - From a US Landline:
011 60 3 2345 6789
Example 2: Calling a Malaysian Mobile from the US
- Malaysian Number (domestic): 012-345-6789
- From a US Mobile:
+60 12 345 6789 - From a US Landline:
011 60 12 345 6789
Example 3: Calling a Penang Landline from the UK
- Malaysian Number (domestic): 04-234-5678
- From the UK:
00 60 4 234 5678
Example 4: Calling from Singapore
- Malaysian Number (domestic): Any mobile (e.g., 016-789-0123)
- From Singapore:
+60 16 789 0123
Best Times to Call Malaysia
Malaysia operates on Malaysia Time (MYT), which is UTC+8 year-round. Malaysia does not observe daylight saving time. This is the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China.
Here's how Malaysia's time relates to other major time zones:
| Your Location | Time Difference | Call Malaysia 9 AM - 6 PM |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Malaysia is 13 hours ahead | 8 PM - 5 AM EST (night before) |
| US East Coast (EDT) | Malaysia is 12 hours ahead | 9 PM - 6 AM EDT (night before) |
| US West Coast (PST) | Malaysia is 16 hours ahead | 5 PM - 2 AM PST (night before) |
| UK (GMT) | Malaysia is 8 hours ahead | 1 AM - 10 AM GMT |
| Australia (AEDT) | Malaysia is 3 hours behind | 12 PM - 9 PM AEDT |
Tip: The large time gap with the US makes scheduling tricky. Calling from the US East Coast in the early evening (around 8-9 PM) catches the start of the Malaysian business day. From Australia and Singapore, the overlap is much easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A simple error can prevent your call from connecting. Here are the most common mistakes when dialing the 60 country code:
- Keeping the leading 0: Malaysian numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must drop it when dialing +60. Dial +60 12 (not +60 012).
- Confusing country codes: Don't mix up +60 (Malaysia) with +62 (Indonesia), +65 (Singapore), or +63 (Philippines).
- Variable mobile length: Some Malaysian mobile numbers are 9 digits after +60, others are 10 digits. Numbers starting with 011 are longer than other prefixes. Both lengths are valid.
- East Malaysia area codes: Sabah and Sarawak use 2-digit area codes (80-89), unlike Peninsular Malaysia's single-digit codes. Make sure you have the right code.
Cheapest Ways to Call +60 Numbers
International calls to Malaysia don't have to be expensive. While traditional carriers can charge $1-$4 per minute, better options exist:
- VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Malaysia. Check our international calling rates.
- Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is widely used in Malaysia for free voice and video calls over data.
- International Calling Plans: Some carriers include Malaysia in their international bundles. Check our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What country has the +60 country code?
The +60 country code is for Malaysia. Any call from a number starting with +60 originates from Malaysia.
How many digits is a Malaysian phone number?
Malaysian mobile numbers have 9-10 digits after +60 (starting with 1). Landlines have 8-9 digits after +60: KL uses area code 3 + 7-8 local digits, other states use single-digit codes + 7 digits, and East Malaysia uses 2-digit codes + 6 digits.
What is the area code for Kuala Lumpur?
The area code for Kuala Lumpur (and Selangor) is 3. For international calls, dial +60 3 followed by the local number.
What is the area code for Penang?
The area code for Penang is 4. Internationally, dial +60 4 followed by the 7-digit local number.
How do I call Malaysia from the USA?
From a mobile phone, dial +60 followed by the Malaysian number without the leading 0. From a landline, dial the US exit code 011, then 60, then the number without the leading 0.
What time should I call Malaysia from the US?
Malaysia is on UTC+8 year-round, 13 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST). To reach Malaysian business hours (9 AM-6 PM), call between 8 PM and 5 AM EST.
Is +60 Malaysia or Indonesia?
+60 is the country code for Malaysia. The country code for Indonesia is +62.
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