The international telephone country code +63 belongs to The Philippines, an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia.
If you are seeing a phone number that begins with +63, the call or text message is originating from The Philippines. This information is vital for determining time differences, calculating international calling costs, and, most importantly, recognizing potential overseas scams, as the +63 code is commonly used in global phishing and postal notification fraud.
This guide provides the necessary details for communicating with The Philippines, including the current time and dialing rules.
The +63 Country Code: Location and Time Zone
The Philippines operates on a single time zone, making communication relatively straightforward once you calculate the difference from your location.
Primary Location and Time Zone
| Detail | Information |
| Country | The Philippines (Republic of the Philippines) |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital City | Manila |
| Time Zone | Philippine Standard Time (PHST) |
| UTC Offset | UTC+8 |
| Daylight Saving Time | The Philippines does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Time Difference: The Philippines is typically 13 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time Zone (EST). For example, 10:00 AM EST in New York is 11:00 PM PHST in Manila.
Dialing Instructions for the +63 Country Code
The Philippines uses a relatively complex phone numbering system that requires 10 digits for mobile phones and an 8-digit format for landlines (excluding the country code).
International Dialing Format (from the US/Canada)
To successfully call a number in The Philippines from North America, you must follow this sequence:
- Dial the International Exit Code: 011 (for North America)
- Dial the Country Code: 63
- Dial the Local Number: (Area Code + Subscriber Number)
| Target Number Type | Format (from US/Canada) | Total Digits Dialed |
| Mobile Phone (Cellular) | 011 – 63 – 9XX – XXX – XXXX | 12 digits (after the exit code) |
| Landline (e.g., Manila) | 011 – 63 – 2 – XXX – XXXX | 11 digits (after the exit code) |
Important Note: Philippine mobile numbers are 10 digits long, typically starting with ‘9’ (the service provider code), followed by the 7-digit number. Landlines use various area codes, with Metro Manila using the area code 2.
Warning: +63 and International Text Scams
While millions of legitimate calls and texts flow between The Philippines and the rest of the world, the +63 country code is frequently reported in connection with large-scale international phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) scams.
The Scam Tactic: Parcel Delivery Phishing
The most common scam involves text messages that claim to be from major parcel delivery companies (like USPS, FedEx, or a local postal service) or banking institutions.
- The Message: The text alerts the recipient that a package delivery failed, or a financial account has been suspended.
- The Giveaways: The message urges the recipient to click a suspicious link to reschedule the delivery or reactivate the account. Critically, the messages often originate from a +63 mobile number, which makes no sense for a local postal service in the US or UK.
Actionable Steps for Safety
- Do Not Click the Link: Never click a link in an unsolicited text message, especially if it originates from an international number like +63. Clicking the link can lead to identity theft or the download of malware.
- Verify Identity: If the text claims to be from a legitimate company (bank, Amazon, USPS), do not use the phone number or link in the text. Instead, contact the company directly using the official phone number found on their secure website.
- Block and Report: Block the number immediately and forward the spam text to your carrier’s spam reporting number (7726 or SPAM in the US) and report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is +63 a high-cost international code?
While +63 is a standard international code and not a premium-rate service like certain codes used in the “one-ring” scam, calls placed to The Philippines without an international calling plan can be expensive. Always check your mobile plan rates before making a call.
How many digits are in a Philippines phone number?
Landline numbers (excluding the country code) are 8 digits long. Mobile phone numbers are 10 digits long (excluding the country code).
Can I call The Philippines using a VoIP service?
Yes. VoIP services (like Skype, WhatsApp, or dedicated VoIP apps) are often the most cost-effective and reliable way to call mobile or landline numbers in The Philippines, as they bypass traditional international calling rates.
Conclusion
The +63 country code is your connection to The Philippines. While it is necessary for placing international calls to the country, consumers must remain vigilant about unsolicited text messages and calls from +63 numbers, as they are often utilized in phishing scams targeting unsuspecting recipients globally. Always verify the source and never click suspicious links.
