The three-digit number +63 is the official international Country Calling Code for The Philippines, an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia.
If you have received a call or text message starting with +63, the communication originated from a phone number registered in the Philippines. While this code is essential for international communication, it is not an area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
This comprehensive guide details the location, the correct complex dialing format, and critical steps to protect yourself from fraud related to the +63 code.
Location of Country Code +63: The Philippines
The +63 code covers the entire nation, which is comprised of thousands of islands and is regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code |
| Country: | The Philippines |
| Continent: | Asia (Southeast Asia) |
| Capital City: | Manila |
| Time Zone: | Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC/GMT +8 hours. |
Major Cities and Area Codes within the Philippines
The Philippine numbering plan uses varying lengths for local numbers and area codes. When dialing internationally, the full sequence of the national number is 10 digits (after the +63 code).
| Major City/Region | Area Code (Dial After +63) | Total Digits (After +63) |
| Metro Manila (NCR) | 2 | 10 digits (e.g., +63 2 XXXXXXXX) |
| Cebu (Central Visayas) | 32 | 10 digits (e.g., +63 32 XXXXXXX) |
| Davao (Southern Mindanao) | 82 | 10 digits (e.g., +63 82 XXXXXXX) |
| Mobile Phones (All Regions) | 9 (The first digit of the mobile carrier code) | 10 digits (e.g., +63 9XX XXXXXXX) |
How to Call The Philippines Using the +63 Code
Calling the Philippines internationally requires knowing your destination’s area code and the correct length of the local number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Philippines Country Code: Enter 63.
- Dial the Area Code / Mobile Prefix:
- For Landlines: Use the 1-3 digit city area code (e.g., 2 for Manila).
- For Mobile Phones: Use the 3-digit mobile carrier code (which always starts with 9, e.g., 917 for Globe).
- Dial the Local Number: Enter the remaining digits of the local number (often 7 or 8 digits).
International Exit Code+63+Area Code+Local Number
Example (Calling a Manila Landline from the US): (8 local digits)
Critical Scam Warning: The +63 Code and Text Scams
The +63 Country Code is frequently used as the number source for large-scale SMS Phishing (Smishing) and fraud campaigns targeting consumers in North America and other countries.
Common +63 Scams:
- Toll/Highway Bill Scams: Texts are sent demanding immediate payment for a toll road violation (e.g., E-ZPass or Fastrak). The text includes a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal credit card information. This is common even in states with no toll roads.
- USPS/Amazon/Delivery Scams: Texts claim a package has a delivery issue and requires you to click a link and confirm your address or pay a small fee.
- Job Offer Scams: Messages offering lucrative, easy part-time work or crypto investment opportunities.
Safety Advice: Look at the Code
- Look at the : This foreign code is the dead giveaway. Legitimate domestic US agencies (like the USPS, IRS, or a State Toll Authority) will never text you from an international number.
- Do Not Click the Link: Never click a link in an unsolicited text message, especially one from a +63
- Report the Scam: Forward the text message to the national anti-spam short code 7726 (SPAM). This helps your carrier identify and block the scammer’s number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference when calling the Philippines?
The Philippines (PST, UTC+8) is 12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 15 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time (PST). When it is 8:00 AM on Monday in New York, it is 8:00 PM on Monday in Manila.
Does the +63 code mean the call is a scam?
No, not automatically. The Philippines is a sovereign country with millions of legitimate residents and businesses. However, due to the high volume of reported scams originating from this code, any unexpected text or call from +63 should be treated as highly suspicious.
Are there any US Area Codes that start with 63?
No. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) does not have any area codes beginning with 63. The closest are 631 (Long Island, NY) or 636 (St. Louis, MO, suburbs).
Conclusion
The +63 Country Code is the official gateway to The Philippines, requiring careful attention to the specific 1-3 digit area codes used for landlines and the 10-digit mobile number format. Due to the code’s frequent use in text phishing scams, consumers must exercise extreme caution. Always verify the sender’s identity and remember that no legitimate US agency will text you from a +63 number.
