Malawi +265
To call Malawi from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 265, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +265 991 23 45 67.
The country calling code for Malawi is +265. A number starting +265 or 00265 is a call to or from Malawi. From abroad: +265 991 23 45 67.
To call Malawi from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 265, then the local number without its leading 0. The +265 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Malawi from abroad
011 265 991 23 45 6700 265 991 23 45 670011 265 991 23 45 67+265 991 23 45 67991 23 45 67 is a real-format Malawi mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Malawi area codes
In Malawi, landlines usually include an area code after +265 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
01 234 567from abroad+265 1 234 5670991 23 45 67from abroad+265 991 23 45 67Landline numbers in Malawi have 7 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 9 digits and start with 111. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +265.
Calling abroad from Malawi
To call another country from Malawi, dial the exit code 00 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Malawi to the United States, for example: 00 1 201 555 0123.
A Malawi number in international format is written +265 …. 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 Malawi
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Malawi 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 +265?
Malawi has the country calling code +265.
How do I call Malawi from the United States?
Dial 011, then 265, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 991 23 45 67.
What does +265 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Malawi. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +265 mobile or landline?
The +265 code identifies the country, not the line type; Malawi landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Malawi
7 mobile network operators run their own networks in Malawi. The largest is Airtel, with about 3.50 million subscribers (September 2015). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
formerly Zain
Owned by Bharti Airtel
Owned by Malawi Telecommunications Limited, Telekom Malaysia
Malawi Telecommunications Limited
Owned by Press Corporation, NICO, Malawi Government
license revoked
Owned by Globally Advanced Integrated Networks, Beryl (South Africa)
Owned by La Cell Private Limited
Owned by Expresso Telecom Group Limited
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Malawi: 5G 3500, 5G 3700, LTE 1800, LTE 850. 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 Malawi
With 69 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, mobile coverage in Malawi 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.
Tanzania +255
Mozambique +258
Zambia +260