The number +63 is the official International Country Calling Code for the Republic of the Philippines, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia. This code is essential when dialing any telephone number—whether mobile or landline—in the Philippines from abroad.
The Philippines is a major global hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) and has a large population working and communicating internationally, making seamless communication via the +63 country code crucial for global business. However, users should also be aware of a high volume of text message scams (smishing) frequently linked to this code.
This comprehensive guide details the geographical context, the proper dialing format, and how to protect yourself from fraud associated with the +63 code.
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Location and Time Zone of the +63 Country Code
The +63 country code covers the entire national territory of the Philippines, which consists of over 7,000 islands.
| Detail | Information |
| Country | Republic of the Philippines |
| Continent | Asia (Southeast Asia) |
| Code Type | International Country Calling Code |
| Time Zone | Philippine Time (PHT), which is UTC+8. |
Time Zone Clarification
The Philippines observes a single time zone year-round and does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST). This consistent time zone simplifies international scheduling.
- Time Difference (U.S. East Coast): The Philippines (PHT) is typically 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Major Filipino City and Regional Codes
When calling a landline in the Philippines, you must include a local area code after the country code. Note that phone numbers in Metro Manila use a two-digit area code (2) and an eight-digit local number.
| Major City/Region | Area Code | Landline Example (from US) |
| Metro Manila (Manila, Makati, Quezon City) | 2 | 011 63 2 XXXX XXXX |
| Cebu City | 32 | 011 63 32 XXX XXXX |
| Davao City | 82 | 011 63 82 XXX XXXX |
| Baguio | 74 | 011 63 74 XXX XXXX |
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How to Dial a Phone Number Using the +63 Code
The overall dialing format requires three main components: the International Exit Code, the Country Code, and the Subscriber Number (including the local area code or mobile prefix).
Dialing Format (From U.S. or Canada)
- S. Exit Code: Dial 011 (or use the + symbol on a mobile phone).
- Country Code: Dial 63.
- Area/Mobile Prefix:
- Landline: Dial the city area code (e.g., 2 for Manila) followed by the local number.
- Mobile: Mobile numbers use three-digit prefixes (e.g., 917, 922) and are 10 digits in total. You dial the mobile prefix followed by the remaining local number.
Example (Calling a Mobile Number from the U.S.):
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Scam Warning: Text Messages from +63
While millions of legitimate calls and messages are routed through the +63 code daily, it has been widely recognized as a common source for malicious text message scams (smishing) globally.
Common Scams Associated with +63
Scammers often operate from this location to launch large-scale phishing attacks that mimic legitimate U.S. or U.K. services:
- Toll/Fine Scams (E-ZPass, FasTrak): Texts sent from +63 numbers claiming the recipient has unpaid road tolls or fines and threatening legal action unless a balance is paid immediately via a suspicious link.
- Package Delivery Scams (USPS, FedEx): Texts claiming a package shipment is stuck or requires an address update, leading to a link designed to steal financial or personal identifiable information (PII).
Essential Protection and Reporting
- Do Not Click Links: If you receive a text from a +63 number demanding urgent action or payment via a link, do not click the link. This is the critical step in preventing identity theft.
- Verify the Sender: Contact the supposed organization (your bank, the post office, or the toll agency) directly via their official website or phone number—never use the contact information provided in the suspicious text.
- Report and Delete: Forward the suspicious text message to the Spam Reporting Service at 7726 (SPAM) to help your carrier block the number, and then immediately delete the message from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the +63 Country Code part of the U.S. or Canada?
No. The +63 code is exclusively for the Philippines. It is not part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), so any charges incurred for calls will be at international rates, which should be verified with your carrier.
Why do I keep getting scam texts from a +63 number?
You are likely part of a large-scale smishing (SMS phishing) campaign. Scammers use numbers from global outsourcing hubs, including the Philippines, to send mass texts with low overhead costs. Your phone number was likely obtained from a publicly available list or a data breach.
Is the area code for Manila just 2?
For international dialing to a landline in Metro Manila, the area code is 2. The full number format is +63 2 XXXX XXXX, which totals 11 digits after the country code.
