Free Call to Maldives from US — $2.40/min (2026)
Call Maldives EXTREMELY expensive at $2.40/min. Use WhatsApp over resort WiFi for free. Country code +960, no area codes, 7-digit. Dhiraagu, Ooredoo MV. Tourism economy.
Calling the Maldives costs $2.40/min with BubblyPhone — that's $144 for a full hour. This is extremely expensive. The country code is +960 with no area codes — just 7-digit numbers. WhatsApp works. Carriers are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives. The Maldives runs on MVT (UTC+5).
Whether you're calling a resort from the US, reaching business contacts in Malé, or checking in with friends traveling the islands, here's the reality of calling the Maldives.
Extremely Expensive — Use WhatsApp
At $2.40/min, the Maldives is one of the most expensive destinations to call. A 10-minute call costs $24. Use WhatsApp for free calls whenever possible.Even Google Voice charges $0.20/min for the Maldives — still much cheaper than BubblyPhone. We're being transparent: do not use BubblyPhone for long Maldives calls.
Free: App-to-App Calls
1. WhatsApp — Works Well
WhatsApp works in the Maldivesand is the best free option. Resorts generally have WiFi, and Malé has good connectivity. This is by far the most affordable way to communicate.
Resort tip: Most Maldives resorts have WiFi. Use it for WhatsApp calls instead of dialing the resort phone number from the US.
2. FaceTime — For iPhone Users
FaceTime works in the Maldives. With resort WiFi, video calls work well.
3. Facebook Messenger — Alternative
Messenger works in the Maldives. Another free option for resort WiFi calls.
Calling Maldivian Phone Numbers
| Service | Rate | 10-min Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | $0.20/min | $2.00 | Best value for phone numbers |
| BubblyPhone | $2.40/min | $24.00 | Browser, iOS, Android |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $30-50 | Even more expensive |
Our honest take: BubblyPhone at $2.40/min is one of our most expensive destinations. Google Voice ($0.20/min) is 12x cheaper. Use WhatsApp or resort WiFi for free calls. Only dial a phone number for emergencies or very short calls.
How to Dial Maldives from the US
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+960 + 7-digit number
# Example — calling a Maldivian landline:
+960 332 1234
# Example — calling a Maldivian mobile:
+960 790 1234
Number Format
- No area codes — 7 digits
- Landlines: +960 3XX XXXX
- Mobiles: +960 7XX XXXX / 9XX XXXX
- Country code: +960
Carriers & Info
- Dhiraagu: Main carrier
- Ooredoo MV: Second carrier
- Tourism-driven economy
- 1,190+ islands (200 inhabited)
- Language: Dhivehi + English
Tips for Calling Maldives
- Maldives is 10 hours ahead of EST (MVT, UTC+5). When it's 8 AM in New York, it's 6 PM in Malé
- Resort WiFi is your best friend — use WhatsApp over resort WiFi for free calls. Don't dial resort phone numbers from your carrier
- Extremely expensive to call — the Maldives has high termination costs. Keep phone-number calls to emergencies
- 1,190+ islands — cell coverage varies. Malé and resort islands have good coverage; remote atolls may not
- Dhivehi and English — English is widely spoken in tourism. Business calls in English work fine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the Maldives for free from the US?
Why is calling the Maldives so expensive?
What is the country code for the Maldives?
Call Maldives — Use WhatsApp for Free
WhatsApp over resort WiFi is the way to go. Phone calls start at $2.40/min — use only for emergencies.
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