The 356 area code is not a North American code; it is the international country calling code for the Republic of Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. To call a Maltese phone number from another country, you must use this code along with your country’s international exit code.
Making an international call is simple once you understand the formula. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for dialing Malta from anywhere in the world, along with helpful information on time zones and Maltese phone number formats.
Where is Country Code 356 Located?
The +356 country code is assigned exclusively to the Republic of Malta. Malta is a scenic archipelago located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy, and north of the African coast.
- Country: Republic of Malta
- Capital City: Valletta
- Continent: Europe
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. Malta observes daylight saving time in the summer, switching to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Any phone number that begins with +356 is registered within Malta.
How to Call Malta (Using the +356 Code) Step-by-Step
The dialing sequence you use depends on where you are calling from. Below are the instructions for calling from North America and Europe.
From the USA or Canada
- Dial the U.S./Canada Exit Code: 011
- Dial the Malta Country Code: 356
- Dial the Local Maltese Number: This will be an eight-digit number.
The complete dialing format will look like this:
011 + 356 + XX XXX XXX
From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the European Exit Code: 00
- Dial the Malta Country Code: 356
- Dial the Local Maltese Number: This will be an eight-digit number.
The complete dialing format will look like this:
00 + 356 + XX XXX XXX
Understanding Maltese Phone Numbers
After the +356 country code, all phone numbers in Malta are eight digits long. This makes it easy to identify a valid number.
- Mobile Numbers: Maltese mobile phone numbers typically start with a 9 or a 7. For example: +356 99XX XXXX or +356 79XX XXXX.
- Landline/Fixed Numbers: Landline numbers typically start with a 2. For example: +356 21XX XXXX.
Knowing this can help you identify whether you are calling a cell phone or a fixed-line phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 356 an area code in the USA?
No. The number 356 is not a part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is exclusively the country code for the European island nation of Malta.
Are calls to Malta expensive?
Yes. Calling Malta from North America, the UK, or other regions is an international long-distance call and will be billed at a higher rate than domestic calls. To avoid surprises on your bill, check the specific rates for calling Malta with your phone service provider before dialing.
What time zone is Malta in?
Malta is in the Central European Time zone (CET), or UTC+1. They observe daylight saving time, so in the summer, they switch to CEST (UTC+2).
How do I add a Maltese number to WhatsApp?
You must save the number in your phone’s contacts in the full international format. Start with the plus sign (+), followed by the country code 356, and then the eight-digit local number (e.g., +356 9912 3456).
Conclusion
In summary, the 356 area code is the international country code for the Republic of Malta. To place a call, you must first dial your country’s exit code (such as 011 from the US/Canada or 00 from the UK/Europe), followed by 356, and then the eight-digit Maltese phone number. By following this format and being mindful of the local time, you can easily connect with friends, family, and businesses in Malta.
