The 632 area code is not a North American code; it is the telephone area code for Metro Manila in the Philippines, used in conjunction with the country code +63. Crucially, as of 2019, all landline numbers in this area were updated and now require 8 digits after the area code, not the old 7 digits.
If you are trying to make a call to the capital region of the Philippines and are having trouble, this guide will explain the location, the critical dialing update, and the correct step-by-step process to connect your call.
Where is the 632 Area Code Located?
The 632 number combination refers to a specific location in the Philippines:
- Country Code +63: The international code for the Philippines.
- Area Code 2: The area code for Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR).
This area is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
- Location: Metro Manila, Philippines
- Major Cities: Manila (the capital), Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, Taguig
- Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. The Philippines does not observe daylight saving time.
The 8-Digit Migration: A Critical Update for Calling Manila
This is the most important thing to know if your call to Manila isn’t connecting. In October 2019, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines mandated that all Metro Manila landline numbers (area code 2) must change from 7 digits to 8 digits.
How It Works
A Public Telecommunications Entity (PTE) identifier—a single digit specific to the phone provider—was added in front of the old 7-digit number. For the vast majority of numbers, particularly those from the main provider PLDT, this digit is 8.
- Old Format: +63 (2) XXX-XXXX
- New Format: +63 (2) **8**XXX-XXXX
If you have an old 7-digit number for Manila, you must now add an “8” right after the area code “2” and before the original number to connect the call.
How to Call a Manila Number (+63 2) Step-by-Step
To make an international call to a Manila landline, you must use the international dialing format and the new 8-digit number.
From the USA or Canada
- Dial the U.S./Canada Exit Code: 011
- Dial the Philippines Country Code: 63
- Dial the Metro Manila Area Code: 2
- Dial the new 8-digit local phone number (likely starting with 8).
The complete dialing format will look like this:
011 + 63 + 2 + 8XXX-XXXX
From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the European Exit Code: 00
- Dial the Philippines Country Code: 63
- Dial the Metro Manila Area Code: 2
- Dial the new 8-digit local phone number.
The complete dialing format will look like this:
00 + 63 + 2 + 8XXX-XXXX
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 632 an area code in the USA?
No. The number 632 is a combination of the country code for the Philippines (63) and the area code for Metro Manila (2). It has no connection to the North American telephone system.
Why is my 7-digit Manila number not working?
Your 7-digit number is outdated. All Metro Manila landline numbers were changed to 8 digits in 2019. You most likely need to add the digit ‘8’ right after the ‘2’ area code and before the old 7-digit number.
Does this 8-digit change apply to mobile phones in the Philippines?
No. This change only applied to landline numbers in the Metro Manila (02) area. Philippine mobile numbers are unaffected. They still use their own 3-digit prefixes (like 917 for Globe or 919 for Smart) and are 10 digits long after the +63 country code.
Are calls to the Philippines expensive?
Yes. Calling the Philippines from North America, Europe, or other regions is an international long-distance call and can be costly. It is always best to check with your phone service provider for their specific rates or international calling plans before dialing.
Conclusion
In summary, the 632 area code refers to the telephone area code for Metro Manila (2) within the Philippines (+63). The most critical thing to remember when calling is that all local landline numbers in this region are now 8 digits long, typically requiring you to add an 8 before the original 7-digit number. By following the correct international dialing format (Exit Code + 63 + 2 + 8-digit number), you can successfully connect your call to the Philippines’ capital region.
