How to Call the Philippines | Philippines Phone Number List

Calling the Philippines from the United States can be essential for maintaining personal relationships, conducting business, or simply staying connected with the vibrant culture of this Southeast Asian nation. With over 3.5 million Filipinos living in the US, many people have friends and family in the Philippines that they want to keep in touch with. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about calling the Philippines, including dialing formats, area codes, costs, and tips for making your calls smoother and more effective.

Understanding International Dialing

International dialing involves a specific format that varies from country to country. When calling the Philippines Phone Number List,it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the exit codes, country codes, and local area codes. Understanding these components will ensure your calls are successful and efficient.

Dialing Codes and Format

To call the Philippines from the US, follow this dialing format:

1. US Exit Code: 011 (This code is used to exit the US telephone system)
2. Philippines Country Code: 63 (This code directs your call to the Philippines)
3. Area Code: This varies by region; omit the leading 0.
4. Local Number: The specific number you wish to reach.

Example of Dialing a Landline in the Philippines

To call a landline in Manila, for example, you would dial:

• 011-63-2-XXXX-XXXX

Here, 2 is the area code for Manila, and XXXX-XXXX is the local number.

Example of Dialing a Mobile Phone in the Philippines

To call a mobile phone in the Philippines, the format is slightly different:

• 011-63-9XXXXXXXXX

In this case, the 9 indicates that it is a mobile number, followed by the local number.

Area Codes in the Philippines

The Philippines has a variety of area codes that correspond to different cities and regions. Here are some of the most common area codes:

When calling a landline, remember to omit the leading zero from the area code. For example, to call a number in Manila, you would dial 2 instead of 02.

Costs of Calling the Philippines from the US

The cost of calling the Philippines from the US can vary significantly based on your phone service provider and the method you choose to make the call. Here are some general cost considerations:

1. Direct Dialing: If you call directly from your phone service provider, the rates can be quite high, often ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 per minute.
2. Calling Cards: Using an international calling card can reduce costs significantly. Rates can be as low as 5 to 10 cents per minute, depending on the card and provider.
3. VoIP Services: Services like Skype, Google Voice, and WhatsApp can offer lower rates or even free calls if both parties are using the same service. However, be aware that internet connectivity may affect call quality.
4. Local Dial-in Numbers: Some services provide local dial-in numbers that allow you to call a local number first, which then connects you to the Philippines. This method can also reduce costs significantly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling the Philippines

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make calls to the Philippines:

Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code

Begin by dialing 011, which is the exit code for making international calls from the United States.

Step 2: Dial the Philippines Country Code

Next, dial 63, which is the country code for the Philippines.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

After the country code, dial the area code for the specific region in the Philippines you are calling. Remember to omit the leading zero.

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

Finally, enter the local phone number you wish to reach.

Example of a Complete Call

If you were to call a landline number in Manila, your complete dialing sequence would look like this:

• 011-63-2-XXXX-XXXX

If you were calling a mobile number, it would look like this:

• 011-63-9XXXXXXXXX

Tips for Making Successful Calls to the Philippines

1. Check Time Zones: The Philippines operates on Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8). Be mindful of the time difference when making calls to ensure you reach your contacts at a suitable hour. For example, if it’s noon in New York, it’s 1 AM the next day in the Philippines.
2. Use a Reliable Connection: Poor call quality can lead to misunderstandings. If possible, use a landline or a high-quality VoIP service with a strong internet connection.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Cultural Norms: Understanding the cultural context can enhance your communication. For example, greetings and formalities may differ from those in the US. A common greeting in Filipino is “Kumusta?” which means “How are you?”
4. Save Frequently Called Numbers: Store important numbers in your phone using the international format (e.g., +63-2-XXXX-XXXX). This will save time and reduce the risk of dialing errors.
5. Consider Language Barriers: If you’re not fluent in Filipino or English, consider using a translation app to facilitate communication. While many Filipinos speak English, especially in urban areas, knowing a few basic phrases can go a long way.

Making Calls Using Apps

In today’s digital age, many people prefer using apps to make international calls due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Here are some popular options:

1. WhatsApp: If both you and the person you are calling have Latest Lead WhatsApp, you can make free voice and video calls over the internet. This is a popular option among Filipinos, especially for personal calls.
2. Skype: Skype allows you to call landlines and mobiles in the Philippines at lower rates. You can also make free Skype-to-Skype calls.
3. Google Voice: This service allows you to make international calls at competitive rates and send texts.
4. Viber: Viber is another app that allows you to make free calls to other Viber users. You can also purchase credits to call landlines and mobile numbers at lower rates.
5. Yolla: Yolla is an app specifically designed for making international calls. It allows you to call the Philippines easily without needing to memorize complex exit codes.

Challenges While Calling the Philippines

While calling the Philippines is generally straightforward, there can be challenges:

• Time Zone Differences: As mentioned, the Philippines is ahead of the US, which can lead to inconvenient calling times.
• Language Barriers: Not everyone in the Philippines speaks English fluently. If you don’t speak Filipino well, it might be helpful to have a translation app handy.
• Cultural Differences: Filipino communication styles can be more formal than what you might be used to in the US. Understanding these nuances can help avoid misunderstandings.

Business Phone Call Etiquette in the Philippines: Dos and Don’ts

If you’re calling the Philippines for business purposes, it’s essential to be aware of local etiquette:

Dos:

• Be Punctual: Time is highly valued in Filipino culture. Make sure to call at the agreed-upon time.
• Use Formal Greetings: Start your conversation with a formal greeting. Use “Kumusta?” or “Magandang araw” (Good day) when answering the phone.
• Prepare Your Points: Have a clear agenda for your call to ensure that you cover all necessary topics efficiently.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Personal Questions: Filipinos tend to be private and may find personal questions intrusive, especially in a business context.
• Don’t Interrupt: Allow the other person to finish speaking before you respond. Interrupting can be seen as rude.
• Avoid Calling During Lunch Hours: It’s best to avoid calling during typical lunch hours (12 PM – 1 PM) when people may be unavailable.