What does a Madagascar phone number look like?
- International format
+261 321234567- IDD format (caller ID)
00261 321234567- Mobile example
-
0321234567(local) →+261 321234567 - Landline example
-
0202123456(local) →+261 202123456
Received a call or message from +261?
A call or text from +261 (or 00261) originates from Madagascar.
If you don't know anyone in Madagascar, be cautious. Common patterns with unfamiliar international numbers:
- One-ring scams (Wangiri): The caller rings once and hangs up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number. Don't return calls to numbers you don't recognize.
- SMS phishing: Messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies. Legitimate organizations won't contact you from a +261 number unless you have an account in Madagascar.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +261 may not actually originate from Madagascar.
If you do know someone in Madagascar and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Madagascar from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+261 [local number]Example:
+261 32 12 345 67 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+261followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
261, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 261 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 261 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 261 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +261 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Yes. When calling Madagascar from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
For example, if the local number is 0XX XXX XXXX, dial +261 XX XXX XXXX.
What time zone is Madagascar?
Africa/Nairobi
Good time to call
07:02 PM local time · Weekend daytime
Good for personal calls.
Calling Madagascar
Direct calling to Madagascar isn't available yet. View available destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +261 from?
+261 is the international dialing code for Madagascar.
Is +261 a mobile or landline code?
+261 is the country code for all of Madagascar — both mobile and landline numbers use this code. The digits after the country code may indicate the number type, but this varies by country.
Is a call from +261 a scam?
Not necessarily. +261 is the legitimate country code for Madagascar. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Madagascar, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Madagascar connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +261 (not 00261 or just 261)
- Extra digits: Remove any trunk prefix (usually 0) from the start of the local number
- Missing digits: Ensure you have the complete local number after the country code
What does a Madagascar phone number look like?
A Madagascar number in international format starts with
+261 followed by the local number.
Example: +261 321234567
How do I save a Madagascar number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +261 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +261?
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers by opening your recent calls, tapping the number, and selecting "Block." To block all calls from a country code, check your carrier's international call blocking options or use a call-filtering app.