The +960 country code is for Maldives. If you see an incoming call starting with +960 or need to dial a Maldivian number from abroad, this guide covers the format, carriers, and what to expect when calling this island nation.
Maldives is an archipelago of about 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, with a population of around 500,000. Most people live in Malé, one of the world's most densely populated cities. Tourism dominates the economy, so many resorts and businesses are accustomed to international calls.
Quick answer: Dial +960 followed by the 7-digit local number. No trunk prefix to drop. Mobile numbers start with 7 or 9. Landlines start with 3 (Malé) or 6 (atolls). Maldives uses UTC+5 year-round.
How to call Maldives: quick reference
Most international calls to Maldives come from tourists, business contacts, or family of the large expat worker population. All local numbers are 7 digits.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| India | 00-960-[7-digit number] |
| Sri Lanka | 00-960-[7-digit number] |
| UK | 00-960-[7-digit number] |
| Germany | 00-960-[7-digit number] |
| China | 00-960-[7-digit number] |
| US/Canada | 011-960-[7-digit number] or +960 |
Understanding Maldives phone numbers
Maldivian phone numbers are 7 digits with no trunk prefix. The first digit indicates whether it's mobile or landline.
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers start with 7 or 9:
- Format: 7XX XXXX or 9XX XXXX (7 digits)
- International: +960 7XX XXXX or +960 9XX XXXX
Dhiraagu mobiles typically use 7, Ooredoo uses 9.
Landline numbers
Landlines start with 3 (Malé) or 6 (outer atolls):
| Location | Prefix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Malé | 3 | +960 3XX XXXX |
| Outer atolls | 6 | +960 6XX XXXX |
No trunk prefix
Maldives does not use a trunk prefix. The 7-digit number you dial locally is the same internationally, just add +960.
Mobile carriers in Maldives
Two operators serve Maldives, a duopoly that covers both inhabited islands and resort islands.
Dhiraagu
The older and larger operator, partially state-owned. Dhiraagu has been operating since 1988. Mobile numbers typically start with 7. Coverage extends to most inhabited islands and all resort islands.
Ooredoo Maldives
Entered the market in 2005 (originally as Wataniya). Mobile numbers typically start with 9. Competitive with Dhiraagu on coverage and pricing.
Both carriers provide 4G coverage in Malé and populated areas. Resort islands have good coverage since connectivity is essential for tourism. Remote uninhabited islands may have no signal.
Don't confuse +960 with nearby codes
Maldives sits in the Indian Ocean between India and Sri Lanka. The +96X range includes several Middle Eastern countries:
| Code | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +960 | Maldives | This article |
| +94 | Sri Lanka | Closest neighbor to the northeast |
| +91 | India | Closest large country |
| +961 | Lebanon | Similar code, different region |
| +962 | Jordan | Similar code, different region |
| +968 | Oman | Similar code, different region |
The +96X codes are mostly Middle Eastern countries. Maldives (+960) is the exception, located in South Asia.
Time zone considerations
Maldives uses Maldives Time (MVT), UTC+5 year-round. No daylight saving time.
| Location | Time difference from Maldives |
|---|---|
| London | -5 hours (winter) / -4 hours (summer) |
| New York | -10 hours (winter) / -9 hours (summer) |
| India | -30 minutes (India is UTC+5:30) |
| Sri Lanka | Same time (both UTC+5:30, but Maldives is UTC+5) |
| Dubai | -1 hour |
Best times to call
From Europe, late afternoon (4-6 PM) reaches Maldives in the evening (9-11 PM). From North America, morning calls (8-10 AM Eastern) reach Maldives in the evening.
Note: Some resorts operate on their own "island time" (often +1 hour) to maximize daylight for guests. Check with the specific resort if timing is critical.
Communication in Maldives
Business hours
Government offices work Sunday to Thursday (Friday-Saturday is the weekend, following Islamic tradition). Business hours are typically 8 AM to 3 PM for government, longer for private businesses. Resorts operate 24/7 and staff are accustomed to guests in different time zones.
Languages
Dhivehi (Maldivian) is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourism, business, and government. Resort staff speak English fluently. In local islands, English proficiency varies.
Network quality
Coverage is good in Malé and resort islands. Both carriers invest in resort connectivity since tourists expect reliable service. Outer atolls have variable coverage. Internet speeds are decent but can be slow on remote islands.
Who calls Maldives
Tourists and travel industry
Maldives receives over 1.5 million tourists annually. Many calls come from travel agents, tour operators, and guests making reservations or contacting resorts.
Expat workers' families
Maldives has a large expat workforce, mainly from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, working in construction, tourism, and services. These workers' families call regularly from home countries.
Maldivians abroad
The Maldivian diaspora is small given the country's population of 500,000. Students and professionals live in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, UK, and Australia. Many return home after studies or maintain close family ties.
Dialing examples
Calling a Malé landline
Local number: 332 1234
From abroad: +960 332 1234
Calling a Maldivian mobile (Dhiraagu)
Local number: 778 1234
From abroad: +960 778 1234
Calling a Maldivian mobile (Ooredoo)
Local number: 991 2345
From abroad: +960 991 2345
Calling a resort
Most resorts have landlines starting with 66:
+960 664 1234
Common mistakes to avoid
Adding a trunk prefix
Maldives has no trunk prefix. Don't add a 0 before the number. If someone gives you 778 1234, dial exactly +960 778 1234.
Confusing with Middle East codes
+960 is Maldives, +961 is Lebanon, +962 is Jordan. The +96X block is mostly Middle Eastern countries. Double-check you have the right code.
Wrong number of digits
All Maldivian numbers are exactly 7 digits. If you have 6 or 8 digits, something is wrong.
Resort vs staff numbers
Resort reception numbers (landlines) are different from staff mobile numbers. Make sure you have the right type of number for who you're trying to reach.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country uses +960?
Maldives. Any phone number starting with +960 is Maldivian.
How many digits are in a Maldives phone number?
7 digits. Mobile numbers start with 7 or 9, landlines start with 3 (Malé) or 6 (atolls/resorts).
Does Maldives have a trunk prefix?
No. Dial the same 7-digit number locally and internationally. Just add +960 for international calls.
What time zone is Maldives in?
UTC+5 year-round. No daylight saving time. Some resorts use their own "island time" offset.
Do people in Maldives speak English?
Yes, especially in tourism and business. Resort staff speak English fluently. In local islands, Dhivehi is the main language but many people know basic English.
Why are calls to Maldives expensive?
Maldives is a small island nation with limited infrastructure. International call rates tend to be higher than larger countries. WiFi calling or VoIP may be more economical for long conversations.
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