09 Jan 2025
In today's digital age, staying connected with loved ones abroad is easier than ever. However, making international calls can still be tricky if you want to familiarize yourself with the process. Knowing the right way to dial is essential when contacting someone in the Philippines. Whether you're calling for business or personal reasons, understanding how to use the dialing code for the Philippines is crucial.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know, from the Philippines' international code to the best methods for making your call. We will also highlight the common purpose of calling your home country, which is making a money transfer to Philippines from the UK.
When you call the Philippines from the UK, the first and foremost element you need is the country code, which is +63. The Philippines assigns an international code to every country, and it must be dialed before the local number you are trying to reach. This code is unique for every country. You must use it before making a call, just like the dialing code for the Philippines.
International calls need a specific sequence of numbers to be dialed correctly. You will begin by dialing the UK exit code 00 for the Philippines. This will be followed by the country code number of the Philippines (63) and the local area code. Finally, you’ll enter the local phone number. You can’t make a call without having the right code for the Philippines.
Having this sequence in mind makes sure that you can connect with anyone in the Philippines.
The dialing code for the Philippines is an essential part of the process, as it designates the specific area or region you're trying to reach. Each city or region in the Philippines has its local area code, added after the Philippines international code.
When dialing, be sure to enter the correct area code for the location you are trying to reach. An accurate area code can prevent your call from connecting or leading to higher charges.
There are several ways to place phone calls from the UK to the Philippines. Knowing the advantages and costs can save you money and make communications convenient.
When you call the Philippines from a landline, you must dial the exit code for the UK (00), followed by the Philippines code number (63), then the area code and phone number.
Landline calls to the Philippines are generally more expensive than calls made through mobile phones or internet-based services. However, they are reliable and offer excellent voice quality. Rates can vary depending on the service provider.
For example, BT International Call Rates for calls to the Philippines can range from 5p to 10p per minute. This depends on the time of day and whether you call a mobile or landline number.
Another option is to call from your mobile phone in the UK to the Philippines. However, mobile calling is more expensive than landlines or internet-based services. Depending on your network provider, you must pay roaming charges or per minute.
To avoid these high costs, consider using an international call package. You may also opt for internet-based apps that allow you to call at much lower rates or even for free.
Internet-based services are one of the most popular ways to stay connected with people in the Philippines. Typical examples are WhatsApp, Skype, or Facebook Messenger. These platforms use your internet connection to make free or very affordable calls.
These free internet services help you to send photos, videos, and voice messages, giving you a more comprehensive communication experience.
International calling cards offer an affordable alternative to those who prefer traditional methods requiring the code for the Philippines. These cards can be purchased online or at local retail stores in the UK. They typically offer lower rates for calls to the Philippines, especially compared to standard mobile rates.
Many providers, such as Tesco, Post Office, and Carphone Warehouse, offer these cards with options for calling the Philippines. You’ll typically find a prepaid plan where you can load the card. With a set amount, dial a number to make the international calls.
This is a good option for a fixed price per call, especially for more extended conversations. It can be more affordable than regular mobile rates, and it requires a dialing code for the Philippines.
Another crucial aspect of calling the Philippines from the UK is understanding the time difference between the two countries. The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK. This means that when it’s afternoon in the UK, it’s already 8 PM in the Philippines. This time difference can make coordinating calls more challenging, especially when trying to reach someone during business hours.
During daylight saving time (from March to October), the time difference drops to 7 hours. Information regarding the time difference between the UK and the Philippines is vital. It ensures you call at an appropriate time and do not disrupt anyone’s schedule. Consider the local time while placing your call to avoid calling too early or too late. It is typical to understand the importance of the time difference as you may be calling to send money online to Philippines from the UK. You might need to call to confirm whether the transaction has been processed.
As mentioned earlier, each city in the Philippines has its own dial code for the Philippines. Some of the most common cities include:
Be sure to research the area code for the specific city you are trying to reach in the Philippines. This will ensure your call goes through correctly. The area code is critical if you’re calling a mobile number or a specific region within the Philippines.
It is essential to stay connected with friends, family, or business partners in the Philippines. However, international calls can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, several strategies can reduce the cost of calling the Philippines from the UK.
If you frequently call the Philippines, consider investing in a local SIM card that offers affordable international calling rates. Many UK providers have unique plans tailored for international callers. For instance, some providers include calls to the Philippines as part of their monthly bundles. It is more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go rates.
Providers like BT and O2 often offer discounted packages specifically for frequent international callers. These plans offer lower rates for making calls to countries like the Philippines. Check with your mobile carrier for any promotions or plans that include the Philippines dialing code.
The cost of international calls can vary depending on the time of day. Many telecom companies charge less during off-peak hours, so scheduling your calls during these times can significantly lower your costs. Consider the time difference between the UK and the Philippines when planning your calls. Off-peak hours in the Philippines are usually late evening or early morning.
For those who call the Philippines regularly, subscribing to an unlimited international calling plan may be the most cost-effective solution. The plans typically offer unlimited minutes for a fixed monthly fee and include the country number of the Philippines in their list of supported countries.
As discussed earlier, VoIP services like Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp help you to make free voice or video calls. This eliminates the need to dial the phone code for the Philippines and offers an alternative to traditional phone lines.
A common reason for calling the Philippines from the UK is to send money to Philippines. Understanding how to transfer money can save you time and effort. Thankfully, several ways exist to send money internationally from the UK to the Philippines.
Some of the most popular methods include making online money transfers. Online services allow sending funds directly from your bank account or via a digital wallet. Many services offer instant transfers, sending money to the recipient’s Philippines bank account nationwide.
There are plenty of options for sending money securely across borders. By understanding these essential tips and methods, you can make calls to the Philippines efficiently and without breaking the bank. Stay connected with your loved ones, clients, or business associates while managing the complexities of international calls.
For many, online money transfer to Philippines has become the most convenient method. You can transfer money quickly with a few clicks on your computer or phone. These services often provide tracking options so you can always see where your funds are.
The Philippines' international code is +63. When calling the Philippines from the UK, dial this number first.
Dial the UK exit code (00) and the Philippines country code (63). After that, you may dial the area code and local phone number.
The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK; the difference is reduced to 7 hours during daylight saving time.
You can search for the area code for the city or region you’re calling from. Alternatively, simply ask the person you're calling to provide it.
Consider using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Facebook Messenger to avoid high charges. Alternatively, international calling cards can provide better rates than standard mobile plans.