This guide provides helpful tips for calling the Philippines from the U.S. Learn how to make calls to the Philippines with ease.
By Emily Bowen
Connecting with the Philippines from the United States is essential for various reasons, ranging from business to personal.
With its strong sectors such as outsourcing, electronics, and tourism— along with its rich cultural heritage and varied culinary delights—the Philippines offers numerous opportunities for international business and personal connections.
Understanding the nuances of interacting with this dynamic Southeast Asian archipelago is key to nurturing these relationships.
Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to the Philippines. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.
Considering the time difference is important when calling the Philippines. The entire country operates on Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. So it’s typically 12–15 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, depending on your specific location in the U.S. and daylight saving time adjustments.
You should always check the local time in the Philippines to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.
For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, indicating you're making an international call.
Next, dial the Philippines' country code (+63) to connect your call to the Philippines.
Start with 011, followed by 63, the country code for the Philippines.
For a landline
Input the area code for the specific region in the Philippines you're calling, which can be one to three digits, followed by the seven-digit local number.
For example, to call a landline in Manila with the area code 2 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-63-2-1234567.
For a mobile phone
Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with 9, followed by the rest of the number, making it a ten-digit sequence.
For instance, to call a Philippine mobile number like 09171234567, the correct sequence would be 011-63-9171234567.
Before placing a call to the Philippines, ensure you have a strong connection to avoid dropped calls. However, it’s still important to have a plan in case of technical issues. For instance, if the call drops, know whether to call back or wait for the other party to call you.
Having an understanding of and respect for Filipino business culture and etiquette is also critical. Some things to keep in mind include:
Finally, as with calling any country, it’s important to be patient and flexible, as the pace of business might differ from what you're used to in the U.S.
Calls to the Philippines, like any international destination, can be influenced by various factors. Here's an overview of the key elements that could affect your calls, including language, time differences, and other considerations:
The Philippines is celebrated for its vast linguistic and cultural diversity, with Filipino (Tagalog) being the primary language spoken throughout the archipelago. Common Tagalog greetings include:
Beyond the official language, the Philippines is home to a multitude of regional languages and dialects that enrich its cultural tapestry.
In regions such as the Visayas and Mindanao, languages like Cebuano and Hiligaynon introduce their own set of unique greetings and expressions, showcasing the country's diverse linguistic heritage.
For instance, in Cebuano, "Maayong buntag" means "Good morning." And "Kumusta ka?" is also used to ask "How are you?" These regional languages and dialects, together with Tagalog, paint a detailed picture of the Philippines' intricate linguistic landscape, underlining its rich historical background and vibrant cultural traditions.
Timing is crucial when making international calls. The Philippines uses the Philippine Time Zone (PHT). Here's a quick guide to the time difference:
U.S. time zones | The Philippines |
---|---|
Eastern (ET) | 13 hours ahead |
Central (CT) | 14 hours ahead |
Mountain (MT) | 15 hours ahead |
Pacific (PT) | 16 hours ahead |
Call charges to the Philippines can vary based on your carrier, the duration of the call, and the time of day. Check with your service provider for detailed rates.
Carrier rates are particularly significant, as different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls.
These rates can fluctuate based on the type of plan you have, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan.
Some carriers might offer discounted rates for calls to the Philippines during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a set number of international minutes. It's advisable to thoroughly review your carrier's pricing structure and any available international calling packages to ensure cost-effective communication.
Additionally, the duration of your call plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Longer calls will incur higher charges, making it important to manage the length of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.
The time of day when you place the call can also impact the cost due to varying peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to those made during off-peak times, such as late evenings or weekends, depending on your carrier's specific rate schedule.
Being mindful of these factors and planning your calls accordingly can help in managing communication expenses effectively while staying connected with contacts in the Philippines.
With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call the Philippines with confidence.
If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.
Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.
Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.
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