How To Call The Usa From The Philippines

What is the correct exit code to dial from the Philippines to the USA?

The correct exit code to dial from the Philippines to the USA is 00. You must dial 00 before the country code of the USA (which is 1) and the area code and local number you are trying to reach.

When making international calls from the Philippines, you first need to dial the exit code, also known as the international access code. This code allows you to connect to the international network and route your call to another country. In the Philippines, this exit code is 00. Once you've dialed 00, you then need to enter the country code for the United States, which is 1. Following the country code, you'll need the three-digit area code of the specific location in the USA you're calling, and finally, the seven-digit local phone number. Therefore, the complete dialing format from the Philippines to the USA is: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number. For example, if you were calling a number in New York City (area code 212), the full sequence would be 00 1 212 followed by the seven-digit local phone number. Remember to double-check the area code for the specific region you are calling within the USA to ensure your call connects successfully.

How much does it typically cost to call the USA from the Philippines using a mobile phone?

The cost to call the USA from the Philippines using a mobile phone varies widely, but you can generally expect to pay anywhere from PHP 20 to PHP 50 per minute using standard international direct dialing (IDD) rates from Philippine mobile carriers like Globe or Smart. However, much cheaper options are available using internet-based calling apps.

Calling the USA directly using your Philippine mobile carrier's IDD service is generally the most expensive option. These rates can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific plan you have and any promotional offers currently running. Always check with your mobile provider for their exact IDD rates to the USA before making a call to avoid unexpected charges. Calling landlines in the US may sometimes be slightly cheaper than calling mobile phones, but the difference is usually negligible. The most cost-effective way to call the USA is typically through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like Viber, WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger. These apps use your mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection to make calls, often charging significantly lower per-minute rates or even offering free calls between users of the same app. While you’ll need a stable internet connection, the savings can be substantial, making them the preferred choice for many Filipinos calling the USA. Remember to factor in the cost of your data plan or Wi-Fi connection when assessing the overall expense.

Are there cheaper alternatives to using a standard phone line for calling the USA from the Philippines?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using a standard phone line for calling the USA from the Philippines. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile apps offer substantially lower rates, often leveraging internet connectivity to bypass traditional long-distance charges.

These cheaper alternatives work by routing your call over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This eliminates the per-minute charges associated with international long distance calls from telecom companies. Popular VoIP services include Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and others. Many of these services offer free calls to other users of the same platform, or very low rates to call US phone numbers. Mobile apps often allow you to purchase credits or subscribe to monthly plans for a fixed rate, providing predictable and affordable calling costs. When choosing an alternative, consider the internet speed and stability at both ends of the call. While calls may be significantly cheaper, the quality can vary depending on the internet connection. Some apps also offer features like video calling, text messaging, and file sharing, making them even more versatile communication tools. Compare rates, features, and user reviews to find the best option for your specific needs and calling patterns.

Do I need to remove any leading zeros when dialing a US number from the Philippines?

Yes, you generally do not need to remove any leading zeros from the US phone number itself when calling from the Philippines. However, the process involves dialing an international access code, the US country code, and then the 10-digit US phone number. US phone numbers never have leading zeros.

When calling the US from the Philippines, the dialling sequence typically involves first exiting the Philippine telephone network using an international access code (typically 00, though some providers may vary), then entering the US country code (+1), followed by the 10-digit US number (area code and local number). For example, to call a US number 212-555-1212, you would dial 00-1-212-555-1212. It's crucial to ensure that you dial the correct international access code for your service provider in the Philippines. Using the wrong access code will result in a failed call. Additionally, confirm that you include the US country code (+1) correctly. Omitting or incorrectly entering the country code will also prevent your call from connecting. Once you have these in place, simply dial the ten-digit US phone number as it is written.

What is the time difference between the Philippines and the USA when placing a call?

The time difference between the Philippines and the USA varies significantly depending on which part of the USA you are calling, due to the different time zones in the US. The Philippines is on Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. The continental US spans multiple time zones, from Eastern Time (UTC-4 during daylight saving time, UTC-5 standard time) to Pacific Time (UTC-7 during daylight saving time, UTC-8 standard time). Therefore, the time difference can range from 12 to 16 hours, with the Philippines being ahead of the US.

The exact time difference requires knowing the specific US time zone you're calling and whether that zone is currently observing daylight saving time (also known as summer time). For example, if you're calling someone in New York (Eastern Time) during daylight saving time (roughly March to November), the time difference is 12 hours. The Philippines is 12 hours ahead. So, if it's 8:00 PM in the Philippines, it's 8:00 AM in New York. Conversely, if calling Los Angeles (Pacific Time) during daylight saving time, the difference is 15 hours. Therefore, it’s best to use an online time zone converter or world clock tool to determine the precise time difference when you plan to make your call. Always double-check the current daylight saving time status in the specific US location to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. This is particularly important for business calls or personal calls where you want to ensure the recipient is available.

Will my Philippine mobile phone work in the USA if I want to call back home?

Yes, your Philippine mobile phone *can* technically work in the USA to call back home, but whether it *will* work seamlessly and affordably depends on several factors including your phone's compatibility with US network frequencies, your Philippine mobile provider's international roaming agreements, and your chosen method of making the call.

To elaborate, most modern smartphones sold in the Philippines are likely to be GSM-compatible and support the necessary frequencies used by US networks, particularly if they are dual-band or tri-band phones. However, relying solely on roaming with your Philippine SIM card can be very expensive. International roaming charges from your Philippine provider can quickly accumulate significant costs per minute for both calls and data. Check with your mobile provider *before* you travel to understand their roaming rates and any available roaming packages for the USA. Also, be aware that depending on your Philippine provider, roaming may not be automatically enabled; you may need to activate it prior to your departure. Consider alternative and often more cost-effective options like using Wi-Fi calling, purchasing a local US SIM card, or utilizing calling apps. Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network, bypassing roaming charges. Purchasing a US SIM card gives you a local number and access to potentially cheaper calling rates within the US and internationally. Apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, and Messenger offer free calling (voice and video) to other users of the same app, as long as you both have an internet connection. Be sure to inform your contacts in the Philippines of your preferred method for them to reach you while you are in the USA.

Can I use VoIP services like Skype or Viber to call US landlines from the Philippines?

Yes, you can absolutely use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype or Viber to call US landlines from the Philippines. These services allow you to make calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines, which can significantly reduce the cost of international calls.

VoIP services work by converting your voice into digital data packets and transmitting them over the internet. When you dial a US landline number using Skype or Viber from the Philippines, the service connects to the traditional telephone network in the US, delivering your call to the intended recipient. Because the international leg of the call travels over the internet, you typically only pay for the internet data used and a small per-minute fee to connect with the landline network in the US, if applicable. This fee is generally much lower than standard international calling rates charged by traditional phone companies.

To make VoIP calls, you will need a stable internet connection, a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and an account with a VoIP provider like Skype or Viber. You might also need to purchase credits or subscribe to a calling plan depending on the service and the specific number you're calling. Keep in mind that call quality can be affected by the strength and stability of your internet connection, so ensure you have a reliable connection for the best calling experience.

Alright, you're all set to connect with your friends and family in the USA! I hope this guide made the process a little easier and less daunting. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a refresher or have more questions about staying connected internationally. Mabuhay!