Malta Phone Number Format: Local & International Codes

“Dialing in the dark” is how many people feel when trying to contact someone in Malta for the first time. Navigating phone codes can be tricky!

Ready to solve the mystery of Malta’s phone number format? Whether you’re planning a holiday, starting a business, or simply need to call a friend, knowing the proper codes makes all the difference.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Malta’s phone system in simple terms.

By the end of this blog, you’ll be dialing Maltese numbers like a local! With some easy tips and examples, you’ll master dialing in no time.

What is Malta Phone Number Format?

The Malta phone number format follows a straightforward structure that’s easier to understand than many other European countries. Once you know the pattern, calling Malta becomes simple, whether you’re dialing locally or internationally.

Malta phone numbers consist of three main components:

Country code: +356 (used only when calling from outside Malta)

Area code: None (Malta doesn’t use separate area codes like larger countries)

Subscriber Number: 8 digits (typically formatted as XXXX XXXX)

Unlike the United Kingdom or the United States, Malta, due to its small size, does not require regional area codes. Instead, the first digit of the subscriber number indicates the type of service (landline, mobile, etc.).

Example: To call a Maltese mobile number, you might dial:

+356 7712 3456

Types of Malta Phone Number Format

Navigating Malta’s phone system is simple once you understand the different number types. Whether you need to reach a business landline, call a friend’s mobile, contact a toll-free customer service line, or remember a catchy vanity number, each format serves a specific purpose in Malta’s telecommunications network.

1. Landline Numbers

Landline numbers in Malta are super easy to spot – they always start with the number 2! These are the phones you’ll find in homes, offices, hotels, and shops across the islands.

The calling format of the landline number is:

Country Code: +356

Total Digits: 8 (after the country code)

Format: +356 21XX XXXX or +356 22XX XXXX

For example:

• 2123 4567 might be someone’s home phone
• 2290 5678 could be a restaurant or hotel
• 2340 9876 might be a government office

When you’re calling from outside Malta, you need to add the country code first: +356 2123 4567

Unlike big countries where different cities have different area codes, Malta keeps things simple. No matter if you’re calling Valletta, Sliema, or Gozo, all landlines start with 2!

2. Mobile Numbers

Malta mobile numbers are also 8 digits long, but they usually start with 7 or 9 instead of 2. These are the numbers for cell phones that people carry around.

The accurate format of a Mobile Number for Malta is:

Country Code: +356

Total Digits: 8 (after the country code)

Format: +356 77XX XXXX or +356 79XX XXXX

The first two digits actually tell you which phone company the person uses:

• 79XX XXXX is typically for GO customers
• 77XX XXXX is usually for Melita users
• 99XX XXXX is another common mobile prefix

When writing down a complete Malta mobile number, it looks like this: +356 79XX XXXX

A real example: +356 79 123456

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers in Malta are the ones you can call without paying anything – they’re free!

These numbers usually start with 800, followed by five more digits.
The detailed format for the toll-free number is as follows:

Country Code: +356

Total Digits: 8 (after the country code)

Format: +356 800X XXXX

For example:

• 800 12345 might be a bank’s customer service line
• 800 54321 could be a hotel booking hotline

When calling from outside Malta, you’d dial: +356 800 XXXXX

Businesses use these numbers to make it easy for customers to contact them without worrying about call costs. They’re especially common for customer service departments, helplines, and booking services.

4. Vanity Numbers

Vanity numbers are unique phone numbers that are super easy to remember. They might spell out words or have patterns that stick in your mind.

In Malta, vanity numbers follow the same 8-digit format as regular numbers but are picked specially to be memorable.

The format of vanity Number:

Country Code: +356

Total Digits: 8 (after the country code)

Common Prefixes:

• 800X XXXX – Toll-Free Vanity Numbers
• 50XX XXXX – Premium Service Numbers

For example:

• 2123 1234 (a simple counting pattern)
• 2777 7777 (repeating the same digit)
• 2100 2100 (an easy-to-remember pattern)

Businesses value these numbers for their advertising potential. Imagine a TV commercial ending with ‘Call us at 2777 7777’ a number easy to remember!

Many companies pay extra to get these unique numbers because they help customers remember how to reach them. You might see vanity numbers on billboards, business cards, or websites.

Just like regular numbers, if you’re calling from outside Malta, add the country code: +356 2777 7777

Codes for Dialing Malta Numbers

When calling Malta from abroad, you’ll need to use the proper international dialing format. This typically involves:

1. Your country’s international access code (such as 011 from the USA or 00 from most European countries)
2. Malta’s country code: 356
3. The 8-digit Maltese phone number

For example, if you’re calling a Maltese number 2123 4567 from the United States:

• Dial 011 (US international access code)
• Then 356 (Malta country code)
• Finally, 2123 4567 (the local number)
• Complete number: 011 356 2123 4567

If calling from countries like South Africa, the Cayman Islands, or El Salvador, you would use their respective international access codes followed by 356 and then the Maltese number.

Dig deeper into the Prefix number of Malta

Understanding Malta’s area codes ensures efficient communication across regions like Valletta, Marsa, and Gozo, each with distinct prefixes.

These prefixes streamline dialing for landline and mobile numbers. Knowing them simplifies reaching both businesses and individuals island-wide.

Here’s a detailed table of Malta Prefix numbers and their corresponding popular cities:

How to Dial Malta Phone Numbers?

Dialing Malta numbers correctly requires knowing the right country code and format. Let’s explore how to call Malta from the USA, UK, and Australia with ease.

From the USA

When calling Malta from the United States:

1. Dial 011 (the US international Exit code)
2. Followed by 356 (Malta’s country code)
3. Then, the 8-digit Maltese phone number

For example: 011 356 2123 4567 (to call a Maltese landline) 011 356 7987 6543 (to call a Maltese mobile)

Keep in mind that international call rates may apply, though internet-based services can offer lower conversion rates compared to traditional carriers.

From the UK

Calling Malta from the United Kingdom:

1. Dial 00 (the UK international access code)
2. Then 356 (Malta’s country code)
3. Finally, the 8-digit Maltese number

For example: 00 356 2123 4567 (to call a Maltese landline) 00 356 7987 6543 (to call a Maltese mobile)

Many UK carriers offer special international calling packages that include Malta at reduced rates.

From Australia

To call Malta from Australia:

1. Dial 0011 (Australia’s international access code)
2. Then 356 (Malta’s country code)
3. Finally, the 8-digit Maltese number

For example: 0011 356 2123 4567 (to call a Maltese landline) 0011 356 7987 6543 (to call a Maltese mobile)

Australia to Malta calls cross multiple time zones, so being mindful of the time difference is important when making business or personal calls.

What Is the Best Time To Call Malta?

Malta follows Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 during standard time and UTC+2 during daylight saving time (known as Central European Summer Time or CEST).

When planning calls to Malta, consider these time differences:

• From the USA (Eastern Time), Malta is 6 hours ahead
• From the UK, Malta is 1 hour ahead
• From Australia (Sydney, Australia, Malta is 9 hours behind

For business communication, the optimal timing would be:

• Business hours in Malta typically run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM local time
• Many businesses close for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM
• Avoid calling during public holidays and weekends unless necessary

This consideration is critical when calling from places like South America, Central African countries, or American Samoa, where time differences can be substantial.

Malta Phone Number Regulations & Changes in 2025

Malta’s telecommunications sector is regulated by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), which oversees phone number allocation and ensures phone numbers’ validity and compliance.

Recent and upcoming changes to be aware of:

1. Number Portability: Maltese residents can now keep their phone numbers when switching service providers, similar to systems in the United Kingdom and North America.
2. Digital Identity Integration: There’s growing integration between phone numbers and digital identity verification systems.
3. International Calling Rates: New regulations are reducing the cost of international calls between Malta and other EU countries.
4. Mobile Number Expansion: As demand grows, additional mobile prefixes may be introduced beyond the current 7XXX and 9XXX ranges.
5. Business Number Requirements: Companies operating in Malta must maintain local contact numbers for customer service.

These regulations ensure that Malta’s phone system remains modern and efficient, comparable to systems in more technologically advanced nations like Hong Kong or the Czech Republic

Conclusion

Understanding the Malta phone number format doesn’t have to be complicated. With its straightforward 8-digit system and single country code (+356), making calls to and from this beautiful Mediterranean island is simpler than you might think.

Whether you’re connecting with family, friends, or business contacts in Malta, knowing the proper dialing formats ensures your calls go through smoothly. And for businesses looking to establish a presence in Malta, having local numbers can significantly improve your accessibility and credibility.

Next time you need to make those important phone calls to Valletta, Gozo, or anywhere across the Maltese islands, you’ll be dialing with confidence!

FAQ

What is the country code for Malta?

The country code for Malta is +356.

How do I dial Malta from the USA or the UK?

To dial Malta from the USA or UK, follow these steps:

• From the USA, dial 011 + 356 + phone number.
• From the UK, dial 00 + 356 + phone number.

Are Malta’s phone numbers mobile-friendly?

Yes, Malta’s phone numbers are mobile-friendly. They can be used for both landline and mobile calls with the same country code (+356). Mobile phones in Malta have a variety of service providers, offering reliable service across the island.

Can I use my foreign mobile number in Malta?

Yes, you can use your foreign mobile number in Malta. Most international mobile carriers have roaming agreements with Maltese networks. Be sure to check with your carrier about roaming charges and coverage before you travel to avoid unexpected fees.