Moscow Area Code: 495 & 499 Complete Guide
Moscow uses area codes 495 and 499. Learn the difference between 495 (original) and 499 (expansion), how to dial Moscow from the USA/UK, time zone (UTC+3), and cheapest calling rates.
Moscow Area Code: 495 & 499 Complete Guide
495 and 499 are both Moscow city area codes, used for landlines anywhere in the city, while 496 and 498 cover the surrounding Moscow Oblast. From the US, dial 011 7 495 (or 499) and the 7-digit number; inside Russia, dial 8 495.
MQuick Facts
🔢The Difference Between 495 and 499
Moscow, Russia's capital and largest city, uses two area codes: 495 and 499. Both codes serve the entire city of Moscow — there is no geographic division between them.
The Best-Known Moscow Code
Introduced in December 2005 when Moscow's old area code 095 was replaced. The 495 code inherited all existing Moscow numbers. It is widely recognized as the Moscow area code and is sometimes perceived as more prestigious for business use.
The Expansion Code
Introduced in the same December 2005 renumbering to add capacity alongside 495. New landline connections, and some exchanges moved off 495, received 499 numbers. Functionally identical to 495 — same city, same call quality, same rates. There is no difference in service or coverage.
Historical note: Before December 2005, Moscow used the area code 095. If you find an old Moscow phone number starting with 095, simply replace it with 495 — the remaining 7 digits stay the same. The change from 095 to 495 was part of Russia's national numbering plan reform.
📞How to Call Moscow
Moscow Number Format
The full number is 11 digits: country code (7) + area code (495 or 499) + 7-digit local number
Tip: These formats work identically for 499 numbers — just replace 495 with 499 in any of the examples above.
🗺️Moscow & Moscow Oblast Area Codes
Moscow city and the surrounding Moscow Oblast use several area codes:
| Area Code | Area Served | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 495 | Moscow (city center) | Took over the old 095 numbers in 2005; the best-known Moscow code |
| 499 | Moscow (city) | Also dates from the 2005 switch; used to add capacity |
| 498 | Moscow Oblast | Surrounding cities and towns outside Moscow |
| 496 | Moscow Oblast (east) | Noginsk, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Elektrostal |
| 497 | Moscow Oblast (west) | Odintsovo, Krasnogorsk, Istra |
Moscow Mobile Numbers Are Not 495 or 499
Mobile phones in Moscow do not use the 495 or 499 area codes. Like all Russian mobile numbers, Moscow mobile phones use the +7 9XX format (for example, +7 916, +7 925, +7 903, +7 926). The area codes 495 and 499 are exclusively for landline and office phones. If you are trying to reach someone's mobile phone in Moscow, you need their +7 9XX number, not a 495/499 number. See our guide to Russian mobile codes for more details.
💰Cost to Call Moscow
| Service | Rate per Minute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.02-0.05/min | Best rates for Moscow landlines & mobiles |
| AT&T | $2.50-3.50/min | Standard international rate |
| Verizon | $2.00-3.00/min | Without international plan |
| Telegram | Free | App-to-app only, extremely popular in Russia |
Tip: Calling a Moscow landline (495/499) is often slightly cheaper than calling a Russian mobile number (+7 9XX). Check our Russia rates page for current pricing.
🕐Moscow Time Zone
Moscow operates on Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is UTC+3 year-round. Russia permanently abolished daylight saving time in 2014, so Moscow does not change its clocks seasonally.
Best time to call Moscow from the US: Early morning US time (7-9 AM EST) corresponds to afternoon in Moscow (3-5 PM MSK), when businesses are still open. Avoid calling after 2 PM EST, as it will be late evening in Moscow.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Call Moscow for Less
Crystal-clear calls to Moscow landlines (495 & 499) and Russian mobile numbers at just $0.02-0.05/min.