Calling a Philippine number from overseas requires understanding the international dialing format, including the exit code from your country, the Philippines country code (+63), and the correct handling of local area codes and mobile prefixes.
Whether you are calling a landline in Manila, a mobile phone anywhere in the Philippines, or a business hotline, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for successful international calls.
Philippines country code and number structure
The country code for the Philippines is +63 [citation:7]. All Philippine phone numbers consist of 10 digits total, including the area code or mobile prefix.
Landline numbers follow the format: area code (1-4 digits) + 7-digit local number.
Mobile numbers follow the format: 3-digit mobile prefix (starting with 09) + 7-digit subscriber number.
When calling from abroad, you must drop the leading '0' from the area code or mobile prefix [citation:7].
For example, a Manila landline number 02-123-4567 becomes +63 2 123 4567. A mobile number 0912-345-6789 becomes +63 912 345 6789.
Step-by-step guide to call a Philippine number
To call any Philippine number from outside the country, follow this three-step process.
First, dial your country's exit code (international access code). The two most common exit codes globally are '00' and '011'.
On most mobile phones, you can substitute the exit code by simply starting with the '+' symbol, which works universally [citation:7].
Second, dial the Philippines country code, which is 63. Third, dial the Philippine phone number without the leading zero.
For example, to call a Manila landline (02) 123 4567 from the US: dial 011-63-2-123-4567.
From the UK: dial 00-63-2-123-4567. From a mobile phone anywhere: dial +63-2-123-4567.
Calling Philippine landlines
Philippine landline numbers use area codes that correspond to geographic regions. Common area codes include: Manila/ Metro Manila – area code 2 (e.g., +63 2 XXX XXXX), Cebu – area code 32, Davao – area code 82, Bacolod – area code 34, Iloilo – area code 33, Baguio – area code 74, Angeles/Clark – area code 45, Pampanga – area code 45, Cavite – area code 46, Laguna – area code 49 [citation:7].
When calling a landline from abroad, dial +63, then the area code (without the leading zero), then the 7-digit local number.
For example, a Cebu number (032) 123 4567 becomes +63 32 123 4567.
Calling Philippine mobile numbers
All Philippine mobile numbers have 10 digits total and begin with the prefix 09 (e.g., 0912 345 6789).
When calling from abroad, drop the leading '0' and replace it with +63.
For example, a mobile number 0912 345 6789 becomes +63 912 345 6789 [citation:7].
Mobile prefixes indicate the network carrier: Globe prefixes include 0915, 0916, 0917, 0925, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0955, 0956, 0965, 0966, 0975, 0977.
Smart prefixes include 0918, 0919, 0920, 0928, 0929, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0948, 0950, 0951, 0953, 0961, 0963, 0968, 0978, 0981, 0998, 0999.
DITO prefixes include 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994, 0995, 0996, 0997. The prefix does not affect dialing – simply drop the zero and add +63.
Common mistakes when calling the Philippines
The most frequent dialing errors include: (1) Forgetting to drop the leading zero – dialing +63 0912 345 6789 instead of +63 912 345 6789 will result in a failed call [citation:7], (2) Using the wrong exit code for your country – check your specific country's exit code before dialing, (3) Not using the '+' symbol correctly – on mobile phones, the '+' is accessed by holding down the '0' key; you must include it before the country code, (4) Confusing area codes – Metro Manila uses area code 2 (not 02 when dialing internationally), (5) Calling during inappropriate hours – the Philippines is UTC+8, so consider the time difference before calling.
Exit codes by country
Different countries use different exit codes. For callers in the United States or Canada, the exit code is 011 (or +).
In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, the exit code is 00 (or +).
In Australia, the exit code is 0011 (or +). In Japan, the exit code is 010 (or +).
In Brazil, the exit code varies by carrier – common is 00 followed by a carrier code (e.g., 0014).
In South Africa, the exit code is 00 (or +). In India, the exit code is 00 (or +).
In China, the exit code is 00 (or +). To avoid exit code confusion, always use the '+' symbol on mobile phones – it works from any country and automatically provides the correct exit code [citation:7].
Example dialing sequences
Here are complete examples for calling a Philippine number (+63 912 345 6789) from various countries.
From the United States: dial 011-63-912-345-6789. From Canada: same as US – 011-63-912-345-6789.
From the United Kingdom: dial 00-63-912-345-6789. From Australia: dial 0011-63-912-345-6789.
From UAE: dial 00-63-912-345-6789. From Singapore: dial 00-63-912-345-6789. From Japan: dial 010-63-912-345-6789.
From Germany: dial 00-63-912-345-6789. From any country using a mobile phone: simply dial +63-912-345-6789.
Calling Philippine toll-free and hotline numbers
Many Philippine businesses use toll-free numbers (prefix 1800) or hotlines. These numbers are generally not accessible from outside the Philippines.
If you need to reach a business with a toll-free number (e.g., 1-800-123-4567), try to find their regular landline or mobile number instead.
For customer service hotlines like PAL's (+632 8855-8888), use the international format +63 2 8855 8888.
For US/Canada toll-free numbers that are Philippine-based (e.g., 1-800-435-9725 for PAL), those numbers are only accessible from within the US and Canada – international callers cannot use them [citation:3][citation:8].
Cost-saving tips for calling the Philippines
International calls to the Philippines can be expensive through traditional phone carriers. To reduce costs, consider these alternatives.
Use WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype for free calls – if the person you are calling has these apps installed and is connected to Wi-Fi, calls are free.
Use calling apps like Skype Out, Google Voice, or Viber Out to call Philippine landlines and mobiles at reduced rates (typically $0.01-0.05 per minute).
Use international calling cards – prepaid cards offer rates as low as $0.02-0.10 per minute.
Call during off-peak hours – many carriers have lower rates during late night and early morning hours.
Check your mobile carrier's international calling add-on packages – many offer discounted rates for a monthly fee.
Time difference considerations
The Philippines is in the Philippine Time zone (UTC+8). The country does not observe daylight saving time.
When calling from major cities, consider these time differences relative to Manila (UTC+8).
From New York (EST/EDT): 13 hours behind (winter) or 12 hours behind (summer) – best to call 8 PM-12 AM New York time.
From London (GMT/BST): 8 hours behind (winter) or 7 hours behind (summer) – best to call 2 PM-6 PM London time.
From Sydney (AEDT): 3 hours ahead (summer) or 2 hours ahead (winter) – best to call 8 AM-12 PM Sydney time.
From Tokyo: 1 hour ahead – best to call 9 AM-5 PM Tokyo time.
From Dubai: 4 hours behind – best to call 2 PM-6 PM Dubai time.
Takeaway: To call a Philippine number from overseas, dial your exit code (or +) + 63 (Philippines country code) + the phone number without the leading zero.
For landlines, drop the area code's leading zero – Manila (02) becomes +63 2.
For mobiles, drop the leading zero from 09xx – +63 9xx. Common mistakes include keeping the leading zero or using the wrong exit code.
Use the '+' symbol on mobile phones for universal dialing. For cheaper calls, use WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype for free app-to-app calls, or use calling apps like Skype Out for low-cost calls to Philippine numbers.