The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia and is home to over 100 million people. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people. If you’re in the United States and need to make a call to someone in the Philippines, this article will guide you through the process.
The Format of Philippines Phone Numbers
Philippines phone numbers are regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission, an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The country code for the Philippines is +63, which is used when calling from outside the country.
The Format of Philippines Landline Phone Numbers
The landline phone numbers in the country mostly have seven digits and they can be somewhere between five and nine digits, depending on the area code. Landline phone numbers always have the format “+63-area code-XXX-XXXX” for international callers or “0-area code-XXX-XXXX” for domestic callers. When making calls within the Philippines, the local phone numbers are usually preceded by a “0”. This “0” is used as a trunk code to indicate that the call is being made within the country, and is typically not dialed when making international calls.
The area codes of Philippines phone numbers are used to identify the geographical location of the telephone number. The area codes in the Philippines are fixed at one, two, or three digits, and are used in combination with the local subscriber number to form the complete phone number.
Here is a list of some of the most commonly used area codes in the Philippines:
- Manila (02): 02
- Luzon (provincial): 43, 44, 45, 47, 49
- Visayas: 32, 33, 34, 35, 38
- Mindanao: 64, 65, 82, 88
The Format of Philippines Mobile Phone Numbers
Mobile phone numbers, on the other hand, always have ten digits, with the first three digits indicating the service provider, and the remaining seven digits serving as the unique subscriber number. For international callers, the numbers are preceded by the international dialing code for the Philippines, which is “+63”. For domestic callers within the country, the numbers are preceded by “0”. Mobile phone numbers always have the format “+63-XXX-YYY-ZZZZ” for international callers and “0-XXX-YYY-ZZZZ” for domestic callers. The “XXX” in the format represents the three-digit mobile service provider code, while the “YYY-ZZZZ” represents the seven-digit subscriber number.
Here is a list of the most commonly used mobile number prefixes in the Philippines, along with the corresponding service providers:
- Globe Telecom: 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0925, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0955, 0956, 0975, 0994, 0995, 0996, 0997
- Smart Communications: 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0951, 0952, 0954, 0960, 0970, 0980, 0989, 0998
- Sun Cellular: 0922, 0923, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0942, 0943, 0944, 0950, 0961, 0962, 0973, 0974, 0989, 0994
- TNT (Touch Mobile): 0910, 0912, 0919, 0936, 0966, 0967, 0977, 0999
- ABS-CBN Mobile: 0918
How to Dial Philippines Phone Numbers from the US
Making a call to the Philippines from the US is relatively straightforward. To call someone in the Philippines, you need to know the format of the phone number, which is +63 followed by the 7-digit phone number.
When calling the Philippines from the United States or another country, the international dialing code for the Philippines, which is “+63”, should be used instead of the “0”. This will ensure that the call is properly routed to the correct destination. The rest of the number, including any area code or mobile service provider code, should be dialed as it appears, without the “0”.
Here’s how to dial a Philippines phone number from the US:
How to Dial a Philippines Landline Phone Number from the US
To dial a Philippines landline phone number from the US, you need to follow the steps below:
- Dial the exit code for the US, which is 011
- Dial the international code for the Philippines, which is +63
- Dial the landline phone number in the Philippines, including the area code.
- For example, if the landline phone number in the Philippines is (02) 1234567, you would dial 011 +63 2 1234567.
How to Dial a Philippines Mobile Phone Number from the US
To dial a Philippines mobile phone number from the US, you need to follow the steps below:
- Dial the exit code for the US, which is 011
- Dial the international code for the Philippines, which is +63
- Dial the mobile phone number in the Philippines, including the area code.
- For example, if the mobile phone number in the Philippines is 09171234567, you would dial 011 +63 9171234567.
How much does it cost to call the Philippines from the US?
The cost of calling the Philippines from the US depends on the type of calling service you use, such as a landline, mobile phone, or internet-based service. In general, making an international call from a landline can be less expensive than using a mobile phone or an internet-based service. The cost of a call can range from a few cents to several dollars per minute, depending on the service provider and calling package you choose.
| Carrier | Basic International Rate | International Plan |
| AT&T | $4/Minute | AT&T International Calling Plan: $15/month, Unlimited |
| Verizon | $2.49/Minute | Global Choice Philippines: : $10/month, 60 minutes Global Calling Plus: $15/month, Landline-$0.19/minute, Mobile-$0.23/minute Global Calling: $5/month, Landline-$0.19/minute, Mobile-$0.23/minute |
| T-Mobile | $3.00/Minute | Stateside International Talk: $15/month, Unlimited |
| Sprint | $3.00/Minute | International Connect: $15/month, $0.20/minute |
How to Make Cheap Calls to Philippines from the US
There are several ways to make cheap calls to the Philippines from the United States, including the following:
Voice over IP (VoIP) services
VoIP services, such as Google Voice and Dingtone, allow you to make calls over the internet, rather than through traditional phone networks. This can be a cost-effective way to make calls, especially if you have a good internet connection.
International calling cards
You can purchase an international calling card that offers low rates for calls to the Philippines. Simply dial the access number provided by the calling card provider, followed by the destination number in the Philippines.
Things to Consider Before Calling Someone in the Philippines
Before making an international call, it’s important to consider a few things to ensure a successful and cost-effective call.
- Time difference: The Philippines is 16 hours ahead of the US. Keep in mind the time difference when making a call so you don’t accidentally wake someone up in the middle of the night.
- Quality of service: Make sure to use a reliable and clear phone line to ensure the quality of the call.
- Cost of the call: Be mindful of the cost of the call, especially if it’s a long-distance call. Consider using a calling package or internet-based service to save money.
Conclusion
- Calling the Philippines from the US is relatively straightforward, and you just need to know the format of the phone number and the steps to dial it.
- When calling the Philippines from the United States or another country, the international dialing code for the Philippines, which is “+63”, should be used instead of the “0”.
- The cost of the call depends on the type of calling service you use, so be sure to consider this before making an international call.