International dialing may seem intimidating at first — with its exit codes, country codes, and varying formats — but once you understand the sequence, it’s surprisingly straightforward.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a successful call to the Philippines from the US. You’ll learn:
- The exact step-by-step dialing process for landlines and mobile numbers.
- Cost-saving options like VoIP and calling cards.
- The best times to call based on time zones.
- How VoIP platforms make international communication easy, reliable, and affordable.
By the end, you’ll be able to confidently call anyone in the Philippines, without worrying about failed connections or high charges.
Understanding the basics of calling the Philippines
Unlike calls between the US and Canada, reaching the Philippines requires full international dialing. You’ll need to include the correct exit code, country code, and either a landline area code or mobile prefix — depending on who you’re calling.
Every international call from the US begins with the exit code 011, followed by the Philippine country code 63. After that, you’ll enter the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for cell phones), then the subscriber number.
- US exit code: 011
- Philippines country code: 63
- Landline format: 011 + 63 + area code + 7-digit number
- Mobile format: 011 + 63 + mobile prefix + 7-digit number (drop the leading 0)
For example, a mobile number shown locally as 0917 123 4567 becomes 011 63 917 123 4567 when dialing from the US. Keep in mind that landline area codes vary by city (e.g., Manila = 2, Cebu = 32, Davao = 82), while mobile prefixes like 917 or 905 identify specific networks.
Step-by-step instructions to call the Philippines from the US
Calling the Philippines from the United States is simple once you understand the proper dialing sequence. Whether you’re dialing a landline or mobile number, the steps are almost identical — you’ll just need to know the correct area code or mobile prefix.
Step 1 – dial the US exit code (011)
Every international call from the US begins with 011, which tells your phone provider to route the call outside the country.
On most mobile phones, you can replace 011 with a plus sign (+) by holding down “0” — for example, +63.
Step 2 – enter the Philippines country code (63)
After the exit code, dial 63, which connects your call to the Philippines.
So far, your number looks like:
011 63 or +63
Step 3 – add the area code or mobile prefix
Now you’ll specify where the call is going within the Philippines:
- Landlines: Use the 1–3 digit area code (drop the leading 0 if present).
- Manila – 2
- Cebu – 32
- Davao – 82
- Mobiles: Use the three-digit mobile prefix (e.g., 917, 905, 927), followed by the 7-digit number.
For example, a mobile number written locally as 0917 123 4567 becomes 011 63 917 123 4567.
Step 4 – dial the subscriber number
After entering the area code or mobile prefix, finish by dialing the 7-digit subscriber number.
Full examples:
- To a Manila landline: 011 63 2 123 4567
- To a Philippine mobile number: 011 63 917 123 4567
Step 5 – double-check time and connection
Before calling, confirm the time difference — the Philippines is 12–15 hours ahead of most US time zones. For business or family calls, aim for morning hours in the Philippines, which correspond to late evening in the US.
Tip: With Voiso’s VoIP platform, you can connect instantly and avoid expensive carrier rates, while enjoying crystal-clear audio for both landline and mobile numbers.
Cheapest ways to call the Philippines from the US
International calls can get expensive, especially if you’re reaching the Philippines frequently. The good news? There are several affordable ways to stay connected without sacrificing quality. Here are the best options to consider.
Using international calling cards
Prepaid international calling cards let you pay in advance for a set number of minutes to specific destinations. Here are the details:
- Available at grocery stores, gas stations, or online.
- You dial a local access number first, then enter your Philippine contact’s number.
- Can be useful for occasional calls, but watch for hidden fees, expiration dates, and connection charges.
International calling cards are best for travelers or those without reliable internet access.
VoIP and app-based calling options
Internet-based calling is by far the most cost-effective way to reach the Philippines.
With VoIP services like Voiso, you can call directly over Wi-Fi or broadband — bypassing long-distance and roaming charges entirely. VoIP and internet calling is best for businesses, remote teams, and families making frequent international calls.
- Free app-to-app calls (Voiso-to-Voiso or WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp).
- Low per-minute rates for calling Philippine landlines or mobile numbers.
- High-definition audio and better reliability than traditional networks.
What sets Voiso apart is its focus on professional-grade reliability and clarity. With consistent call quality across continents, it ensures conversations remain clear and uninterrupted. For businesses, built-in CRM and contact center integrations make it easy to manage customer interactions and maintain context across every call. Plus, transparent billing and detailed analytics give you full visibility into usage and costs, helping you keep international communication both efficient and affordable.
International calling plans from US carriers
Most major US carriers — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — offer international plans that include the Philippines.
- Monthly Add-Ons: Pay a flat fee for discounted per-minute rates.
- Pay-as-You-Go: Ideal for occasional calls, though costs may vary.
- Unlimited Options: Some premium plans offer unlimited calls to select countries (but the Philippines is often not included, so double-check).
Tip: If you make weekly or daily calls, using a VoIP platform typically ends up cheaper in the long run than even the best carrier plan.
Tips for a smooth calling experience
Even with the correct dialing format, a few simple habits can make your international calls to the Philippines smoother and more reliable. These best practices help ensure clear audio, accurate connections, and professional timing.
1. Confirm the correct number format
Before you dial, always double-check that you’ve entered the number correctly. Philippine landlines require an area code, while mobile numbers use a three-digit prefix that identifies the carrier.
When calling internationally, remember to remove the leading zero found in local phone numbers. For example, a local number written as 0917 123 4567 should be dialed as 011 63 917 123 4567 from the United States. Incorrect formatting is one of the most common reasons calls fail to connect, so it’s worth taking a moment to verify before you dial.
2. Be mindful of time zones
The Philippines is 12 to 15 hours ahead of the US, depending on your time zone. That means an afternoon in New York is the early morning of the next day in Manila.
For business calls, aim to connect during Philippine business hours (8 AM–6 PM local time) — typically evening hours in the US.
This courtesy helps ensure your contact is available and helps you avoid waking someone in the middle of the night.
3. Use a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection
If you’re calling through a VoIP platform, a strong and steady internet connection is essential for maintaining call clarity.
- Connect to high-speed Wi-Fi instead of mobile data when possible.
- Close apps or browser tabs that might consume bandwidth.
- Use a wired headset or noise-canceling headphones for better audio quality.
Before important conversations, make a quick test call to confirm your setup is working properly, especially for business meetings or client calls.
4. Avoid peak hours and high rates
Some carriers charge higher rates during peak calling periods, especially evenings and weekends in the Philippines. If you’re using a traditional phone plan, try calling off-peak hours to save money.
With Voiso, you don’t have to worry about rate fluctuations: all calls are routed over the internet, giving you consistent quality and predictable, low costs at any time of day.
FAQs
What is the country code for the Philippines?
The country code for the Philippines is 63. When calling from the United States, you’ll dial 011 (the US exit code), followed by 63, then the area code or mobile prefix and the local number.
How do I call a mobile phone in the Philippines from the US?
To reach a Philippine mobile number, follow this format:
011 + 63 + [mobile prefix] + [7-digit number].
Mobile prefixes usually start with 9 (for example, 917, 927, or 905). Don’t include the leading zero that appears in local Philippine numbers.
What’s the difference between a landline area code and a mobile prefix in the Philippines?
Landlines in the Philippines have area codes that correspond to specific cities or provinces — for example, Manila (2), Cebu (32), and Davao (82).
Mobile numbers, on the other hand, begin with three-digit prefixes (like 917 or 905) that indicate the carrier rather than the location.
Can I call the Philippines for free?
Traditional carriers charge for international calls, but you can often call the Philippines for free using VoIP or messaging apps like Voiso, WhatsApp, or Viber. App-to-app calls made over Wi-Fi don’t incur per-minute charges, though calling a landline or mobile number may have a small fee depending on the service.
What’s the cheapest way to call the Philippines from the US?
The cheapest and most reliable option is to use a VoIP service like Voiso. It routes calls over the internet, bypassing expensive international networks. With Voiso, you get:
- High-quality audio and global reliability.
- Low, transparent per-minute rates.
- Built-in analytics and CRM integration for professional users.
How do I avoid high international calling charges?
You can avoid surprise charges by:
- Using Wi-Fi or a VoIP app instead of your carrier’s mobile network.
- Checking your carrier’s international rates before calling.
- Saving numbers in +63 format so they’re compatible with VoIP services.
- Turning off roaming when traveling abroad and connecting through Voiso instead.
What time should I call the Philippines to avoid waking someone up?
The Philippines is typically 12 to 15 hours ahead of US time zones.
For example:
- When it’s 9 AM in New York, it’s 9 PM in Manila.
- When it’s 6 PM in California, it’s 9 AM the next day in the Philippines.
Try calling during morning or early afternoon hours in the Philippines (evening hours in the US) to ensure you reach people during their daytime.
