Madagascar +261
To call Madagascar from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 261, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +261 32 12 345 67.
The country calling code for Madagascar is +261. A number starting +261 or 00261 is a call to or from Madagascar. From abroad: +261 32 12 345 67.
To call Madagascar from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 261, then the local number without its leading 0. The +261 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Madagascar from abroad
011 261 32 12 345 6700 261 32 12 345 670011 261 32 12 345 67+261 32 12 345 6732 12 345 67 is a real-format Madagascar mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Madagascar area codes
In Madagascar, landlines usually include an area code after +261 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
020 21 234 56from abroad+261 20 21 234 56032 12 345 67from abroad+261 32 12 345 67Landline numbers in Madagascar have 9 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 9 digits. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +261.
Calling abroad from Madagascar
To call another country from Madagascar, dial the exit code 00 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Madagascar to the United States, for example: 00 1 201 555 0123.
A Madagascar number in international format is written +261 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 0.
Cheapest ways to call Madagascar
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Madagascar for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +261?
Madagascar has the country calling code +261.
How do I call Madagascar from the United States?
Dial 011, then 261, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 32 12 345 67.
What does +261 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Madagascar. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +261 mobile or landline?
The +261 code identifies the country, not the line type; Madagascar landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Madagascar
4 mobile network operators run their own networks in Madagascar. The largest is Airtel, with about 2.56 million subscribers (April 2013). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by Bharti Airtel
Owned by Distacom Group, Telma SA, Hiridjee group
Owned by Orange S.A. (40.01%)
Owned by Gulfsat
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Madagascar: 5G 3500, LTE 1800, LTE 2100. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Staying connected in Madagascar
With 76 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, mobile coverage in Madagascar is not universal — keep a landline number as a backup when you can. Only 19 % of people use the internet, so a plain phone call may reach more people than an app.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.