How to Call Philippines Landline and Cell Phone from Abroad

Learn more on how to call Philippines landline and cell phone number, including detailed instructions regarding the dialing format.

Calling international telephone numbers from one country to another country can be confusing enough. If you include cellular phones to the mix, it becomes even more confusing. Consider these guidelines on how to place international calls, particularly to a Philippine landline and cell phone.

Calling a mobile phone or landline in another country is not much different than making local calls. However, you have to do a little bit of research before making international calls. Certain codes should be pressed before you dial a recipient's number, and these codes will depend on the country you are calling.

When placing an international call, dial the international direct dialing (IDD) number. When calling from the United States, you have to press 011 -- this code will establish your call to another country. After the IDD, it should be followed with the country code of the country you are making a call.

Every country has specific code that must be placed in front of the phone number. After the country code, press the city or area code, then the person's phone number. This will immediately connect you to the recipient, however, take note that not all countries have city or area codes.

When calling the Philippines from abroad, the procedure of dialing is the same whether you are calling from a mobile phone or land phone. The Philippines' country code or ISD (International Subscriber Dialing) code is 63. If you call Philippines, the international dialing format and code is "IDD + 63 + Area Code + Person/Recipient's Number".

The International Direct Dial code or IDD is also known as the access code or the exit code. Each country has different IDD codes; for instance, the US Exit code is 011. Make sure you find the exit code of the country from which you're calling as it is a requirement when making international calls.

If you are calling from a US landline to a Philippines landline, you need to press a string of numbers, beginning with the international direct dial code. The string of numbers will appear like this: 011 + 63 + city code + the phone number. You can find the city code in major phone directories or even on the Internet.

Now, if you are calling a cell phone, the place in the sequence for the city code is replaced by the 3-digit number, which has nothing to do with the city or area code. All cellular phone numbers in the Philippines begin with zero (0). When you dial, you need to omit the 0; so when you call, you have to dial: 011 + 63 + 907 + cell phone number.

Calling a cell phone in the Philippines isn't difficult. In place of city codes, just remember that Philippine cell phone numbers have 3-digit prefixes and all cell phone subscriber numbers have 7 digit. Hence, if you are making an international call, you must be dialing at least 10 digits after the country code.


If you call Philippines from abroad, it is important that you know the exact Philippine time during the time of your call. This will make sure that you're not calling the person during inconvenient hours. There are plenty of time converter tools online so you'll know what time it is in the Philippines.

Different Options when Making International Call to the Philippines

Learn more about the various ways of placing international call to the Philippines, including tips on international roaming and prepaid cell phone features. 

When making international calls to Philippines, you are no longer limited to using phone cards or looking for a phone booth. Nowadays, you can easily get in touch with family and friends while traveling abroad. You can use VoIP applications on your computer or laptop, rent a SIM card or use your current mobile phone.

While it may not be the cheapest option on a per-call basis, purchasing a calling card is very popular among international travelers, as it has fixed prices. Though it is definitely less convenient than using a cell phone, calling cards are easy to budget since they can work anywhere provided you have an access to a phone. Also, people cannot disturb by calling during your precious vacation.

Another option is to bring your cellular phone. This is perhaps the most convenient option when traveling abroad. If you bring a GSM phone, you will be able to use it wherever you go, however, take note that you will likely get expensive roaming fee by your carrier.

Aside from the additional fees, the major requirements include having a GSM phone that must meet the right frequency or band. For frequent international travelers, it is best to bring a tri- or quad-band phone to ensure compatibility. However, remember that only selected phone models have this feature.

If you have a phone that satisfies the requirement above, then you can skip the roaming fees from your local provider by renting a SIM card for your phone to call to the Philippines. This option is usually cheaper than using your current carrier's international rates. However, it requires your tri- or quad-band GSM phone to be unlocked.

If you can rent a SIM card to make international calls to Philippines, you may also choose to rent a cell phone. While costlier than renting a SIM card, renting a cell phone, specifically a GSM phone that functions at your destination makes you reachable anytime. Furthermore, GSM phone rentals are available in more than 150 countries.

The last option is by using Internet-based call services such as Skype or Google Voice. This option can be the cheapest when making international calls--sometimes even free if you are connecting under a free Wifi hotspot. You may use VoIP on your computer via prepaid international broadband, but this option is more expensive and may eat up your credit balance.

If you are traveling abroad and you cannot imagine leaving your cell phone, then don't despair as you can take it with you. After knowing the different options for making international calls, there are some things you ought to know before leaving on your trip. If you choose international roaming, make sure you call the service provider to find out if your cell phone is compatible with foreign networks.

In addition, allow them to activate your phone for international use. Also, ask if your provider offers special deals and promotions for international roaming. Once your international roaming card gets activated, it will function as soon as you arrive at your destination.

If you bring a mobile phone while traveling abroad, you can consider getting a prepaid cell phone the moment you reach your destination. Since most countries have a number of competing wireless provider, make sure you choose a prepaid plan that provide the lowest rates to call to the Philippines. Some even provide free incoming calls. 

Call to Philippines Using International Roaming Services: Globe vs. Smart vs. Sun Cellular

Using your cellular phone abroad can be pricey. When calling someone outside the country using activated roaming service, the entire process is almost the same as phoning another person in the Philippines. In the Philippines, the three giant mobile telecommunications providers -- Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular offer both outbound and inbound roaming services, so you can travel abroad and call Philippines without even changing your phone's SIM card.

How do international roaming services work? Mobile phone carriers usually have roaming agreements, basically allowing subscribers to use the same wireless network when traveling outside the country. In general, you don't need to do anything as the foreign carrier will handle it, and you will notice another telecom provider's name on your phone's screen.

By using international roaming, you can travel overseas and still enjoy the convenience of your own mobile phone. Telecommunication service providers have their own outbound roaming service offerings. Here is a brief overview on Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular's international roaming service offerings, so anyone traveling abroad can call Philippines in the most convenient way.

For Globe Telecom, the company offers postpaid and prepaid international roaming. Roaming activation must be done at least 24 hours before departing the country. To activate your roaming, you will need at least P100 credit balance; otherwise, your roaming activation request will not be granted.

Make sure you maintain a balance of P80.00 so you can call to Philippines while roaming abroad -- take note, if your balance is less than this, you cannot make a call. Furthermore, you will need a minimum of P100 balance everyday to maintain the roaming service. For postpaid subscribers, the roaming services are pre-activated, although it is still encouraged to contact Globe's roaming hotline (+63-7301212) before you leave the country.

Sun Cellular also offers international roaming services for Sun subscribers. Their outbound roaming allows users to use their Sun cell phones while traveling to any destinations around the world. But of course, the availability of roaming services worldwide still depends on the partner operators.

There is no activation fee when subscribing to Sun Cellular International Roaming Service. You only have to pay for the calls that you made. When computing your call charges, the call rates of the country for which you are roaming will apply and this include applicable surcharges/taxes.

Smart offers postpaid and prepaid international roaming service too. For Smart Postpaid and Infinity, the international roaming is pre-activated for the following plans: Smart Postpaid Plans 1800, 2500 and 3500; Infinity Plan 3500, 5000 and 8000; and Smart Postpaid Plans Below 1500. There are no applications or roaming deposit fees needed.

For Smart Prepaid subscribers, international roaming is available in selected countries. The call rates differ every month depending on the call charges of the roaming operator and the current foreign exchange rate. To receive and make calls, you should maintain at least a balance requirement of 1 minute roaming call rate + 25 pesos.

It is very important to understand how to use your phone while traveling in another country. Today, many OFWs prefer using international roaming services to call to Philippines as this option saves them lots of money and load. Getting in touch with their loved ones has never been this convenient and easy via text and call.