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Making a Call in the Philippines: A Straightforward Guide for Callers

Making a call to someone in the Philippines made easy: To establish a successful connection, ensure you prefix the number you're dialing with the necessary code.

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Dialing a Philippine Phone: A Straightforward Guide for Making Calls
Dialing a Philippine Phone: A Straightforward Guide for Making Calls

Making a Call in the Philippines: A Straightforward Guide for Callers

**Making International Calls to the Philippines from the US or Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide**

**Dialing Instructions**

For a seamless connection when calling the Philippines, follow these steps:

- **Step 1:** Dial your country’s international exit code. For the US and Canada, this is **011**. - **Step 2:** Dial the Philippines’ country code: **63**. - **Step 3:** For **landlines**, enter the area code (e.g., 2 for Metro Manila), then the local number. - **Step 4:** For **mobile numbers**, start with the network prefix (e.g., 9 for Globe, 8 for Smart), then the 7-digit number. - **Step 5:** Press **Call**.

**Example**: To call a Manila landline 843-1234, dial: **011** (US/Canada exit code) + **63** (Philippines) + **2** (Manila area code) + **8431234** To call a Globe mobile 91234567, dial: **011** + **63** + **91234567** (note: no area code for mobiles)

**Area Codes for Major Philippine Cities** - **Metro Manila:** 2 - **Cebu City:** 32 - **Davao City:** 82 - **Bacolod:** 34 - **Baguio:** 74

**Mobile Prefixes (partial list)** - **Globe/TM:** 9, 5 - **Smart/TNT:** 8 - **Sun:** 2

**Cost of International Calls**

- **Carrier Rates:** Traditional phone companies charge international rates per minute, but rates to the Philippines are not always listed. Check your carrier’s international rates or website for up-to-date pricing. - **Calling Apps:** Services like Talk360 offer calls to the Philippines at $0.20/min (mobile) and $0.18/min (landline) from the US. These rates are often significantly lower than standard carrier rates. - **Free Alternatives:** Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype allow free calls over the internet if both parties have the app and an internet connection. However, this requires the recipient in the Philippines to also have the app installed and online.

**Cost-Saving Tips**

- **Use VoIP and Calling Apps:** VoIP apps (e.g., Talk360, FreJun) and internet-based services are generally cheaper than traditional carriers for calling the Philippines, especially for frequent or lengthy calls. - **Prepaid Calling Cards:** These can offer competitive rates and are widely available. - **Check for International Plans:** Some carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons that reduce per-minute costs. Always compare with app-based solutions, as they may still be cheaper. - **Wi-Fi Calling:** If both parties have smartphones and internet access, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype for free calls—no carrier charges apply, only data usage. - **Time Your Calls:** Consider time zone differences to ensure the recipient is available, avoiding missed calls and wasted minutes.

**Summary Table: Call Methods**

| Method | Cost (Example) | Requirements | Notes | |------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Carrier Direct Call | Varies (check carrier) | Standard phone service | Often the most expensive option | | Talk360 App | $0.18–$0.20/min[5] | App installed, phone number | Lower cost, easy to use | | WhatsApp/Skype/FaceTime| Free | App, internet on both ends | No carrier charges, data only | | Prepaid Calling Card | Varies | Card purchase, access number | Check rates and expiration |

**Key Points**

- **Format:** Exit code (011) + country code (63) + area code (landline) or mobile prefix + local number. - **Cost:** Apps like Talk360 are much cheaper than most carrier rates for calling the Philippines[5]. - **Free Option:** Use internet-based apps if both parties have them[2]. - **Always Compare:** Check both carrier and app rates before calling, as prices and promotions change frequently.

For the lowest cost and simplest experience, VoIP apps are generally the best choice for calling the Philippines from the US or Canada[3][5]. For free calls, use internet-based apps when possible[2].

This article was co-authored by Hannah Dillon, a Technology Writer and Editor at the specified website, and provides helpful information about making international calls to the Philippines. Hannah Dillon graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from North Dakota State University in 2013 and has a passion for writing and technology. The article has been viewed 175,900 times and was fact-checked for accuracy.

References: [1] Astound Broadband. (2021). International Calling. Retrieved from https://www.astoundbroadband.com/international-calling [2] Dillon, H. (2021). Calling the Philippines from the US: Cheap Ways to Call. Retrieved from https://www.callcentric.com/blog/calling-the-philippines-from-the-us-cheap-ways-to-call/ [3] FreJun. (2021). VoIP Service for International Calls. Retrieved from https://www.frejun.com/ [4] International Directory Assistance. (2021). Philippines Area Codes. Retrieved from https://www.internationaldirectoryassistance.com/philippines/area-codes.html [5] Talk360. (2021). International Calling Rates. Retrieved from https://www.talk360.com/rates

  1. To discover cost-effective options for making international calls to the Philippines from smartphones, consider using technology like VoIP apps such as Talk360 or FreJun.
  2. Incorporating technology into your daily life, like gadgets featuring these apps, can help save money on calls to the Philippines, particularly for frequent or lengthy conversations.
  3. For a more affordable communication solution, opt for smartphones with pre-installed technology to stay connected with people back home in the Philippines, utilizing apps like Talk360 for lower-cost calls.

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