The sequence “+65 area code” does not refer to a U.S. domestic area code; rather, +65 is the official international country calling code for the Republic of Singapore.
Due to its small geographical size, Singapore has a unique numbering plan: the entire country uses the +65 country code, and there are no separate domestic area codes. If you receive a call from this prefix, it originates from the highly connected city-state of Singapore, and all local numbers you dial will be a consistent 8 digits long.
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The +65 Country Code: Location and Time Zone
The code +65 is the unique identifier for Singapore, a major global financial and technology hub in Southeast Asia.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Singapore (City-State, Southeast Asia) |
| Domestic Area Codes | None (The entire country is one numbering area) |
| Capital City | Singapore (City-State) |
| Time Zone | Singapore Time (SGT): UTC+8 |
Time Zone Note: SGT (UTC+8)
Singapore observes Singapore Time (SGT), which is UTC+8 year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Calling from the U.S. East Coast (EST/EDT): Singapore is typically 12 to 13 hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. You should always use an online time converter to ensure you are calling during appropriate business or personal hours.
- Singapore’s Unique 8-Digit Dialing Format
All phone numbers in Singapore use a standard 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) after the +65 country code. The first digit of the 8-digit number identifies the type of service.
| First Digit of Local Number | Service Type | Example Local Number |
| 6 | Fixed Line (PSTN) and most residential lines | 6XXX XXXX |
| 8 or 9 | Mobile Phones (Cellular) | 8XXX XXXX or 9XXX XXXX |
| 3 | IP Telephony / Business VoIP Lines | 3XXX XXXX |
How to Call Singapore from the U.S. or Canada
To connect a call to a fixed line or mobile number in Singapore, you must follow this simple sequence:
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Or use the + symbol on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Country Code (65).
- Dial the full 8-digit Local Number. (Do not include a leading ‘0’ if one is displayed locally).
Full Dialing Format Example (U.S. to Singapore):
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Cost and Safety Considerations
Since Singapore is a significant distance from North America, international calling costs can be high.
- Cost Warning: Direct calls to +65 numbers will be billed at international long-distance rates unless you have a specific calling plan add-on from your carrier.
- Cheaper Alternatives: For frequent or long calls, using VoIP apps (like WhatsApp, which is popular in Singapore, or Skype) over Wi-Fi is highly recommended for low-cost communication.
Scam Alert
The +65 code is occasionally used in telecommunications fraud. Be vigilant if you receive unexpected calls or texts:
- Government Scams: Scammers may impersonate Singaporean police or government agencies via international phone calls. Legitimate government entities will rarely contact you this way demanding money or personal data.
- Never Return a Call: As with any foreign code, avoid returning missed calls from unknown +65 numbers to protect yourself from premium-rate subscription scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 65 code used by any part of the U.S. or Canada?
No. The code 65 is reserved exclusively for the nation of Singapore in Asia. It is not part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Do I need to dial a city code when calling Singapore?
No. Singapore operates as a single numbering area. You simply dial the full 8-digit local number immediately after the +65 country code, regardless of where the number is located within Singapore (e.g., Jurong, Tampines, or the Central Business District).
What is the emergency number in Singapore?
The primary emergency number to dial for services within Singapore is 999 for the Police. The number for the Fire and Ambulance Service is 995.
