Do you need to make a call in the Philippines, but you’re not sure about the area code? Or perhaps you are calling from another country, but you don’t know which numbers to dial? Well, don’t worry because in this article, we will talk about telephone area codes in the Philippines.
All telephone numbers in the country are regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Typically, a telephone number consists of seven digits (XXX-YYYY). However, since October 2019, numbers in certain areas were required to follow an eight-digit (XXXX-YYYY) format. These include “area 2” locations, namely: Metro Manila, Rizal, Bacoor (Cavite), and San Pedro (Laguna). All other areas continue to use seven-digit telephone numbers.
To better understand how to use area codes and telephone numbers, let us imagine different scenarios. Specifically, we will be discussing what it’s like to call a number from the same area, from a different province, from outside the Philippines, or while using a mobile phone.
If you are calling from the same area or province, there is no need to add any codes to the telephone number. For example, if you are based in Pagsanjan, Laguna and you are calling someone from the same town (Pagsanjan) or province (Laguna), simply dial the person’s number right away. A code is not necessary since you are located within the same area anyway.
On the other hand, let us suppose that you are calling from a different area or province. This is no longer a local call but rather a “domestic long-distance call.” In this case, you need to add the prefix zero “0” plus the specific area code of your recipient’s telephone number.
For instance, if you are calling a person in Laguna from outside the province, you need to dial “049-XXX-YYYY,” which includes the prefix 0, Laguna area code 49, and the telephone number. Similarly, if you are calling someone in Makati from outside Metro Manila, you need to dial “02-XXXX-YYYY,” which includes the prefix 0, area code 2, and the telephone number.
To make a call from outside the country, more numbers shall be added. You need to add two zeroes “00” as the prefix for international calls, the numbers “63” as the country code of the Philippines, and the area code of your recipient. Unlike domestic calls, however, it is not necessary to add the prefix 0 to the area code when making an international call.
For example, if you are calling someone in Laguna from outside the Philippines, you need to dial “0063-49-XXX-YYYY.” As you can see, there is no need to add the prefix 0 before area code 49, although the international call prefix 00 and Philippine country code 63 have been added.
Although this article focuses mainly on “landline” telephone numbers, we’d like to add this section as a side note, especially since many Filipinos use mobile phones. The important thing to remember is this: When calling a telephone number using a mobile phone, you need to include the area code, regardless of your location. For instance, if you are calling someone in Makati, you need to dial “02-XXXX-YYYY,” whether you are inside or outside Metro Manila.
And now, without further ado, here is a list of all the telephone area codes in the Philippines, for your reference:
We hope that you find the above information useful! Using this guide and the list of telephone area codes, you can now easily make calls in the Philippines, from inside or outside the country.
DigitalPinas.com – a blog that aims to answer the frequently asked questions of Pinoys about technology, financial, computer, trending news, social media, and digital lifestyle.
