How To Call Malta From USA: Updated For 2025

Quick Answer

To call Malta from the United States:

• Landline or Mobile: 011 + 356 + Maltese Number (8 digits)

Examples:

• For a Maltese landline (e.g., starting with 21): 011 + 356 + 21XX XXXX
• For a Maltese mobile phone (e.g., starting with 99): 011 + 356 + 99XX XXXX

Malta is on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2). This is generally 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET).

Understanding Maltese Phone Numbers

Malta uses a closed numbering plan, which means all phone numbers within Malta have a standard length of 8 digits after the country code +356. You do not need to dial a separate area code when calling from abroad.

Landline Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 356 + XXXX XXXX (8-digit number)
• Maltese landline numbers are 8 digits long. They often start with prefixes like 21 (for GO fixed lines) or 27 (for Melita fixed lines), followed by 6 more digits.

Mobile Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 356 + XXXX XXXX (8-digit number)
• Maltese mobile numbers are also 8 digits long. Common starting prefixes include 99 (Epic, formerly Vodafone), 79 (GO Mobile), and 77 (Melita Mobile).

Maltese Numbering Plan - No Separate Area Codes

When calling Malta from the USA, you do not dial a separate city or area code after the country code +356. Malta has a closed numbering system where the 8-digit national significant number (NSN) directly follows the country code.

The first few digits of the 8-digit number indicate whether it's a fixed line or a mobile line, and for fixed lines, can sometimes give a general idea of the original operator or locality, though this is less distinct with number portability.

• Fixed Lines: Typically start with 21xx xxxx or 27xx xxxx.
• Mobile Lines: Typically start with 99xx xxxx, 79xx xxxx, or 77xx xxxx.

Simply dial 011 + 356 + followed by the complete 8-digit Maltese phone number.

Maltese Mobile Phone Indicators

Maltese mobile phone numbers are 8 digits long after the +356 country code. The initial digits help identify the original mobile operator block:

*Due to number portability, the prefix does not always guarantee the current service provider for a given number.

Time Difference

Malta is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1 during standard time, and Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2, during daylight saving periods (typically late March to late October).

The time difference compared to the US East Coast (ET):

• When the US is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) and Malta is on CEST (UTC+2): Malta is 6 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EDT is 6 PM in Malta).
• When the US is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Malta is on CET (UTC+1): Malta is 6 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EST is 6 PM in Malta).

Malta's Phone System

Malta has a well-developed and competitive telecommunications sector, regulated by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). The country boasts nationwide coverage with Next-Generation Network (NGN) infrastructures for fixed lines, primarily operated by GO plc and Melita Ltd. Mobile services are provided by three main operators: GO, Melita, and Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta), all offering extensive 4G/LTE coverage, with 5G services being progressively rolled out. The shift to an 8-digit closed numbering plan was completed in 2001-2002, simplifying dialing. Malta has a high broadband penetration and is focused on developing a gigabit society.

Best Times to Call

Considering Malta is generally 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET):

• A good window for business calls from the US ET zone is morning ET (e.g., 9 AM - 11 AM ET), which corresponds to mid-afternoon in Malta (3 PM - 5 PM CET/CEST).
• Maltese business hours are typically Monday to Friday, from around 8:00/9:00 AM to 5:00/6:00 PM.