The international telephone prefix +63 is the unique country code assigned to The Republic of the Philippines, an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia. If you encounter a phone number starting with +63, it is a communication originating from this country.
The Philippines is a major global hub for business and is home to a massive population of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Knowing the correct dialing format, including the varying Philippine area codes, is crucial for seamless personal and business communication.
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The +63 Country Code: The Philippines
The code +63 is defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the identifier for the Philippines in the global telephone numbering plan.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | The Philippines (Southeast Asia) |
| Capital City | Metro Manila |
| Time Zone | Philippine Time (PHT): UTC+8 |
| Number Format | Varies: 8 digits (Metro Manila landlines) or 10 digits (Mobile phones) |
Time Zone Note: PHT (UTC+8)
The Philippines observes Philippine Time (PHT), which is UTC+8 year-round. The country does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Calling from the U.S. East Coast (EST/EDT): PHT is typically 12 to 13 hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. For professional calls, it is advisable to target late afternoon/evening hours in the U.S.
- Dialing Instructions for the Philippines (+63)
Placing a call to the Philippines requires using the country code, a regional area code (for landlines), or a mobile prefix (for cell phones).
- How to Call a Philippine Landline (Fixed Line)
Philippine landline numbers consist of a 1- to 4-digit area code followed by a 5- to 8-digit local number (totaling 8 digits in major cities like Manila).
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Use + on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Country Code (63).
- Dial the Area Code (Omit the domestic trunk prefix ‘0’).
- Dial the Local Number.
Example: Calling Metro Manila from the U.S.
- Local Manila format: (02) 8XXX XXXX
- International Dial:
Common Philippine Area Codes (Fixed Line)
| City/Region | Area Code | Total Local Digits |
| Metro Manila | 2 | 8 digits |
| Cebu | 32 | 7 digits |
| Davao | 82 | 7 digits |
| Baguio (Benguet) | 74 | 7 digits |
- How to Call a Philippine Mobile Phone (Cellular)
Mobile phone numbers are always 10 digits long, starting with a 3-digit mobile prefix (like 917).
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Use + on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Country Code (63).
- Dial the 10-Digit Mobile Number (This includes the 3-digit mobile prefix).
Mobile Format Example (Globe Telecom):
- Scam Warning: The +63 Code and Phishing
Because the Philippines is a major center for international communication (including legitimate outsourcing and call centers), the +63 code is also frequently exploited by scammers.
- Smishing (SMS Phishing): It is common for scammers to send text messages from +63 numbers (or spoofed domestic numbers that reference a +63 origin) asking the recipient to click a link regarding an unpaid toll, a package delivery issue, or a bank security alert.
- Never Engage: If you receive an unexpected call or text from a +63 number, do not click any links and do not reply. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not request personal data via unsolicited text.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 63 a U.S. area code?
No. The code 63 is the international country code for the Philippines. It is not a designated area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What is the maximum number of digits in a full Philippines phone number?
The maximum length of a full international phone number is typically 12 digits (excluding the international access code), composed of the +63 country code followed by the National Significant Number (NSN). For mobile phones, the NSN is 10 digits (e.g., 917 XXX XXXX).
What is the emergency number in the Philippines?
The national emergency services number for the Philippines (Police, Fire, Medical) is 911.
