Madagascar Calling Code: +261
Complete guide to calling Madagascar — international dialing code, step-by-step instructions, and FAQ.
How to Call Madagascar from Abroad
📞 Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
- Dial your country's exit code (e.g. 011 from US, 00 from most countries, + from mobile)
- Dial +261 — the country calling code for Madagascar
- Dial the local phone number (area code + subscriber number)
About Madagascar Calling Code
To reach Madagascar from another country, first dial the international calling code +261 — assigned by the ITU — followed by the local number. Madagascar is located in Africa, in Eastern Africa.
Madagascar is known locally as Madagasikara — Antananarivo is the capital. When saving an international contact, write the number in full international format with +261 so it works from any country.
International calling codes follow the ITU-T standards E.123 and E.164, which define how phone numbers are written and dialed across borders. The prefix you dial after the exit code tells the global telephone network which national network to route the call to.
Where the +261 Calling Code Is Used
The country code +261 is assigned to Madagascar, located in Eastern Africa, with the capital Antananarivo. This code is part of the international telephony numbering plan and is used for all calls made to Madagascar from outside the country.
When a number is written as +261 …, the +261 prefix directs your call to the Madagascar national network. After the prefix, dial the area code without its leading zero, then the subscriber number — the same pattern for landlines and mobiles.
ITU-T E.164 groups calling codes by world region; codes beginning with 2 cover the part of the world that includes Madagascar, in Eastern Africa. Storing numbers with +261 and omitting the domestic leading zero keeps contacts dialable from anywhere.
Madagascar Phone Number Formats
The ITU E.164 format for Madagascar numbers is +261 + area code + subscriber number, used for landlines and mobiles alike. Here is the general structure:
📱 Number Structure
- International format: +261 [area code] [subscriber number]
- From abroad: exit code + +261 + local number (drop the trunk prefix 0)
- Within Madagascar: dial the local number directly
Numbering plans vary: closed plans use fixed-length national numbers, while open plans allow variable lengths with a trunk prefix (usually 0) that is dropped for international calls. For calls to Madagascar, replace the trunk zero with +261.
Time Zone in Madagascar
The local time in Madagascar follows the Indian/Antananarivo time zone (UTC+03:00 UTC). Check the time difference before you dial so your call arrives during waking hours.
Time differences matter when calling Madagascar: if it is UTC+03:00 there, a morning call from Europe may reach Antananarivo in the afternoon, while callers in the Americas should check the offset to avoid late-night calls.
If Madagascar observes daylight saving time, its UTC offset shifts by an hour twice a year. Double-check the current offset before time-sensitive calls, especially in spring and autumn.
Emergency Numbers in Madagascar
If you need urgent help while in Madagascar, dial the local emergency numbers below. Note that these numbers are only for use inside Madagascar.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 117 |
| Fire | 118 |
| Ambulance | 124 |
Example: Calling Madagascar Numbers in Practice
Here is how a typical call to Madagascar works, depending on where you are calling from:
🌍 From the United States or Canada
- Dial the US/Canada exit code 011
- Dial the Madagascar country code +261
- Dial the local number (area code + subscriber number, without the trunk prefix 0)
Example: 011 +261 [area code] [number]
🌍 From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the international access code 00 (or use the + symbol on mobile)
- Dial the Madagascar country code +261
- Dial the local number
Example: 00 +261 [area code] [number], or +261 [area code] [number] from any mobile phone
If the local number begins with a trunk prefix (commonly 0), remove it when dialing internationally — +261 takes its place. The remaining digits are dialed exactly as written.
Calling Madagascar from Major Countries
International exit codes differ by country. Use this reference when dialing Madagascar (+261) from abroad:
| Calling From | Exit Code | Full International Dialing |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 011 | 011 261 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 261 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 261 [local number] |
| China | 00 | 00 261 [local number] |
| Japan | 010 | 010 261 [local number] |
| India | 00 | 00 261 [local number] |
| Germany | 00 | 00 261 [local number] |
| France | 00 | 00 261 [local number] |
On mobile phones, the + symbol replaces the exit code entirely — just dial +261 followed by the local number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calling code for Madagascar?
The international calling code for Madagascar is +261.
How do I call Madagascar from the United States?
Dial 011 (US exit code), then +261, then the local phone number.
How do I call Madagascar from the United Kingdom?
Dial 00 (UK exit code), then +261, then the local phone number.
Can I use the + symbol instead of the exit code?
Yes! On mobile phones you can dial +261 directly followed by the local number. The + symbol automatically replaces your country's exit code.
How do I call within Madagascar?
If you're already in Madagascar, simply dial the local number directly. You do not need to use the country code +261 for domestic calls.
What is the capital of Madagascar?
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo. When calling the capital from abroad, dial +261 followed by the local area code (without the leading 0) and the number.
What are the emergency numbers in Madagascar?
Police: 117, Fire: 118, Ambulance: 124. These numbers are only valid inside Madagascar.
Other Countries in Africa
Nearby countries and their calling codes:
Calling Madagascar from Egypt or South Africa works the same way: dial your local exit code first, then +261, then the local number. Within Africa, many callers simply use the + symbol on mobile to avoid exit-code differences.