Connecting with loved ones, friends, or business partners in the Philippines from Canada is a common need. Whether you are reaching out to family, managing business operations, or simply keeping in touch, understanding the correct dialing process is essential. This guide simplifies international calling, ensuring your conversations are clear and affordable. We will cover everything from dialing formats to cost-effective solutions like Telfon, a virtual phone calling app designed for seamless global communication.
The Philippines, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, holds strong ties with Canada. Many Canadians have family, friends, or business interests there. Knowing how to call Philippines from Canada correctly saves you time and frustration. Let’s explore the step-by-step process and discover smart ways to make these important calls. You
can learn more about time zone differences and planning your calls effectively by checking reliable sources like TimeAndDate.com.
Understanding the Basics of International Dialing
Making an international call Canada to Philippines involves a specific sequence of numbers. You need to tell your phone system that you are making an overseas call, specify the country you are calling, and then the local number. This sequence typically includes an exit code, a country code, and an area code, followed by the local phone number.
What is the Philippines Country Code?
The Philippines country code is +63. This unique identifier directs your call to the correct country. Every international call to the Philippines requires you to use this code after dialing your Canadian exit code. Remember it well, as it is crucial for every connection.
The Canadian Exit Code
To initiate an international call from Canada, you must first dial an exit code. Canada’s exit code for international calls is 011. This code signals your phone carrier that your call is leaving Canada. You will use this code before the Philippines country code.
Calling from a Canadian Landline
When you call Philippines from Canada using a landline, you follow a straightforward sequence. This method is reliable, though it might incur higher costs depending on your phone plan.
Step-by-Step Landline Dialing:
- Dial 011: This is Canada’s international exit code. It tells your landline provider you are making an international call.
- Dial 63: This is the country code for the Philippines. It directs your call to the Philippines.
- Dial the Area Code: Enter the specific area code for the region you are calling in the Philippines. (We will provide a list of common area codes shortly).
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the 7-digit local phone number.
Example for Landline:
To call a landline in Manila (Area Code 2) from Canada:
011 (Canada Exit Code) + 63 (Philippines Country Code) + 2 (Manila Area Code) + XXX-XXXX (Local Phone Number)
Calling from a Canadian Mobile Phone
Calling Philippines from Canada using a mobile phone is very similar to a landline, with a slight simplification. Many mobile phones allow you to use a “+” sign instead of the international exit code.
Step-by-Step Mobile Dialing:
- Dial +: On most mobile phones, pressing and holding the “0” key will produce a “+” symbol. This acts as an automatic international exit code.
- Dial 63: Enter the country code for the Philippines.
- Dial the Area Code: Input the correct area code for the Philippine region.
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Type the 7-digit local landline number or the 9-digit mobile number.
Example for Mobile (Landline Number):
To call a landline in Cebu (Area Code 32) from Canada:
+ (International Prefix) + 63 (Philippines Country Code) + 32 (Cebu Area Code) + XXX-XXXX (Local Phone Number)
Example for Mobile (Mobile Number):
Philippines mobile numbers do not use city-specific area codes. Instead, they use a 3-digit mobile prefix that identifies the network provider. These prefixes are part of the 10-digit number.
To call a mobile number in the Philippines from Canada:
+ (International Prefix) + 63 (Philippines Country Code) + XXX (Mobile Prefix) + XXX-XXXX (Local Mobile Number)
(e.g., +63 9XX XXX XXXX)
Understanding Philippines Area Codes
Area codes are crucial for directing calls to specific cities or regions within the Philippines. The Philippines uses 1-4 digit area codes for landline numbers. Mobile numbers do not use traditional area codes; their first three digits after the country code are a mobile network prefix.
Here is a table of some common Philippines area codes:
City/Region | Area Code |
---|---|
Manila | 2 |
Quezon City | 2 |
Caloocan | 2 |
Las Piñas | 2 |
Makati | 2 |
Pasig | 2 |
Pasay | 2 |
Taguig | 2 |
Cebu City | 32 |
Davao City | 82 |
Baguio City | 74 |
Bacolod City | 34 |
Cagayan de Oro | 88 |
Iloilo City | 33 |
Zamboanga City | 62 |
Angeles City | 45 |
Remember to always verify the correct area code for the specific location you are calling. An incorrect area code will prevent your call from connecting.
What about mobile prefixes in the Philippines?
Philippine mobile numbers start with “9” followed by two more digits (e.g., 905, 906, 915, 917, 922, etc.). These three digits identify the mobile service provider. After the three-digit prefix, there are seven more digits for the subscriber’s unique number. The full mobile number will be 10 digits long (e.g., 9XX-XXX-XXXX).
Phone Number Format: A Quick Overview
To simplify, let’s look at the complete number formats you will typically dial.
Philippines Landline Number Format
When dialing a landline in the Philippines from Canada:
011 (or +) + 63 + [Area Code] + [7-digit Local Number]
- Example: For a landline in Manila, it might look like
011 63 2 1234567
or+63 2 1234567
.
Philippines Mobile Number Format
When dialing a mobile number in the Philippines from Canada:
011 (or +) + 63 + [3-digit Mobile Prefix] + [7-digit Local Mobile Number]
- Example: For a mobile number, it might look like
011 63 9XX 1234567
or+63 9XX 1234567
.
Always ensure you have the complete and correct number before attempting to call. This small check saves you time and potential charges for failed calls.
Select Number
Best Time for Calling Philippines from Canada
Considering the time difference is vital for successful calling Philippines from Canada, especially for business communication or avoiding late-night calls to family. The Philippines operates on Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. Canada, however, has multiple time zones.
Here’s a breakdown of the time difference:
- Eastern Time (e.g., Toronto, Montreal): PST is 12 hours ahead of EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) in summer, and 13 hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time) in winter.
If it’s 9 AM in Toronto (EDT), it’s 9 PM in Manila. - Central Time (e.g., Winnipeg): PST is 13 hours ahead of CDT, 14 hours ahead of CST.
- Mountain Time (e.g., Calgary, Edmonton): PST is 14 hours ahead of MDT, 15 hours ahead of MST.
- Pacific Time (e.g., Vancouver): PST is 15 hours ahead of PDT, 16 hours ahead of PST.
Planning Your Call: Tips for Success
- Check Current Time: Before dialing, use an online time zone converter to check the current time in the specific Philippine city you are calling.
- Consider Your Recipient’s Schedule:
- For personal calls: Aim for mornings or evenings in the Philippines. A good window might be 9 AM – 9 PM Philippine time. This translates to 9 PM – 9 AM (next day) in Toronto or 6 PM – 6 AM (next day) in Vancouver.
- For business calls: Stick to standard business hours in the Philippines (e.g., 9 AM – 5 PM Philippine time). This often means calling early evening or late night from Canada, depending on your Canadian time zone.
- Daylight Saving Time: Remember that Canada observes Daylight Saving Time, while the Philippines does not. This changes the time difference by one hour during certain months of the year. Always double-check.
Example Schedule for Calling Manila (UTC+8) from Toronto (UTC-4 EDT):
Time in Toronto (EDT) | Time in Manila (PST) | Best For |
---|---|---|
7:00 PM | 7:00 AM (Next Day) | Business/Early Morning Personal Call |
8:00 PM | 8:00 AM (Next Day) | Business/Morning Personal Call |
10:00 PM | 10:00 AM (Next Day) | Business/Late Morning Personal Call |
12:00 AM (Midnight) | 12:00 PM (Noon) | Lunchtime Personal Call |
3:00 AM | 3:00 PM | Afternoon Personal Call |
6:00 AM | 6:00 PM | Evening Personal Call |
This table provides a helpful reference for planning your calls. Always adjust based on your specific Canadian location and Daylight Saving Time.
Cost of Calling Philippines from Canada
The cost of calling Philippines from Canada can vary significantly based on the service you choose. Traditional long-distance carriers often charge high per-minute rates for international calls, especially to mobile numbers.
Traditional Calling Costs
- Landline Providers: Your regular phone company might offer international calling plans. These plans often come with a monthly fee and then reduced per-minute rates. Without a plan, costs can be anywhere from $0.50 to $2.00 per minute, making long conversations expensive.
- Mobile Carriers: Calling internationally from your Canadian mobile directly is usually the most expensive option. Roaming charges apply if you are in the Philippines, but even from Canada, standard international rates are high. Add-on packages can reduce these rates, but they still add up.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Calling Landline vs. Mobile: Calls to Philippine mobile numbers are generally more expensive than calls to landlines.
- Time of Day/Week: Some traditional plans might have peak and off-peak rates, though this is less common for international calls now.
- Service Provider: Different providers have different pricing structures.
- Call Duration: The longer you talk, the more you pay.
Cheap Calls Canada Philippines: Exploring Alternatives
Thankfully, several modern solutions offer cheap calls Canada Philippines. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and virtual calling apps are popular choices. They leverage the internet to connect calls, significantly reducing costs.
Why are these alternatives cheaper?
They bypass traditional phone networks for much of the call path, using internet data instead. This allows them to offer much lower per-minute rates or even unlimited calling plans for a flat fee.
How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling Philippines
Telfon is a virtual phone calling app that offers a robust and cost-effective solution for international calls Canada to Philippines. It stands out as a cloud telephony solution, perfect for both individuals and businesses needing reliable global communication. Telfon provides a virtual phone system that makes connecting overseas simple and affordable.
Get a Virtual Number Philippines
One of Telfon’s key features is the ability to purchase a virtual number Philippines. This means you can get a local Philippine phone number that rings on your Telfon app in Canada.
How does a virtual number help?
- Local Presence: If you are a business, a Philippine virtual number gives you a local presence. Your clients or partners in the Philippines can call you at local rates (or even free if they have an unlimited local calling plan). This makes it easier for them to reach you, improving communication and trust.
- Cost Savings for Recipients: Your contacts in the Philippines do not pay international rates to call you. They simply dial a local number.
- Convenience: Manage all your calls, SMS, and even WhatsApp communications through one app.
Cost-Effective International Calls
Telfon specializes in providing cheap calls Canada Philippines. Its VoIP technology allows for significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional carriers. You pay for the call through your Telfon credit, which is typically much less than standard international charges.
Key Telfon Features for Your Calls
- International Calls to 180+ Countries: Telfon offers global reach, ensuring you can connect not only with the Philippines but also with other countries as needed.
- High-Quality Audio: Leveraging modern VoIP infrastructure, Telfon provides clear call quality, reducing echoes and disconnections.
- Call Recordings: Business users and individuals alike can benefit from call recording features. This helps in training, compliance, or simply remembering important details from conversations.
- Send & Receive SMS: Beyond just calls, Telfon allows you to send and receive text messages to Philippine numbers, keeping all your communications in one place.
- WhatsApp Integration: With multiple WhatsApp account features, Telfon streamlines your messaging, making it ideal for interacting with contacts who prefer WhatsApp.
- Multi-Country Numbers: Manage virtual numbers from several countries simultaneously. This is very useful for businesses operating across multiple international markets.
- User-Friendly App: The Telfon app is designed for ease of use, making international calling straightforward for everyone.
Who Benefits from Telfon?
- Individuals: Stay in touch with family and friends in the Philippines without worrying about expensive phone bills.
- HR Personnel: Recruit and communicate with candidates in the Philippines for international hiring with local-like convenience.
- Sales & Marketing Experts: Establish a local presence in the Philippines to reach out to potential clients more effectively.
- Real Estate Professionals: Connect with clients or property managers in the Philippines seamlessly.
- Traveling Agencies: Coordinate with partners and clients in the Philippines efficiently.
- Businesses: Customer support teams, sales departments, and international branches can use Telfon’s B2B features like user analytics, call history, and budget assignment to manage communication effectively.
Telfon transforms the way you make calling Philippines from Canada, offering a blend of affordability, reliability, and advanced features.
Make affordable calls to the Philippines with Telfon! Start now and stay connected!
Why Call the Philippines?
People and businesses in Canada have many reasons to connect with the Philippines. This vibrant country is a hub of activity, culture, and economic growth. Understanding these motivations highlights the importance of reliable and affordable communication.
Personal Connections
- Family and Friends: A significant Filipino diaspora lives in Canada. Many individuals regularly call Philippines from Canada to speak with parents, siblings, children, or friends back home. Maintaining these ties is essential for emotional well-being and cultural connection.
- Cultural Exchange: Canada and the Philippines share strong cultural links. People call to discuss traditions, plan visits, or simply share daily life experiences.
Business Opportunities
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The Philippines is a global leader in the BPO industry. Canadian companies frequently call to manage outsourcing operations, coordinate with virtual assistants, or oversee customer service teams located there.
- International Hiring: Many Canadian companies recruit talent from the Philippines. HR professionals use calls to conduct interviews, onboard new employees, and manage remote teams.
- Trade and Commerce: Canada imports and exports various goods and services to and from the Philippines. Business calls facilitate negotiations, logistics, and partner relations.
- Tourism: Traveling agencies in Canada connect with hotels, tour operators, and clients in the Philippines to arrange travel plans and support tourists.
- Real Estate: Investors and developers in Canada may have interests in the growing Philippine real estate market, requiring frequent communication.
The reasons are diverse, but the need for clear, consistent, and cost-effective communication remains constant. Telfon makes these crucial connections possible, bridging the geographical distance with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions people ask about calling the Philippines from Canada:
Q1: What is the dialing code to call the Philippines from Canada?
A1: The complete dialing code is 011
(Canada’s exit code) + 63
(Philippines country code) + Area Code
(for landlines) or Mobile Prefix
(for mobiles) + Local Number
. On a mobile, you can often use +63
instead of 011 63
.
Q2: Is it expensive to call the Philippines from Canada?
A2: Traditional phone services can be expensive, with per-minute rates potentially reaching over a dollar. However, services like Telfon offer cheap calls Canada Philippines using VoIP technology, significantly reducing costs.
Q3: How do I call a Philippine mobile number from Canada?
A3: To call a mobile number, dial 011
(or +
) + 63
+ Mobile Prefix
(e.g., 905, 917) + 7-digit Local Mobile Number
. Philippine mobile numbers are 10 digits in total after the country code.
Q4: What is the best time to call the Philippines from Canada?
A4: The Philippines is UTC+8. Canada has multiple time zones. For example, Manila is 12-13 hours ahead of Toronto (Eastern Time). The best time depends on your Canadian location and whether you’re making a personal or business call. Always check a time zone converter before dialing.
Q5: Can I get a local Philippine number while in Canada?
A5: Yes, with services like Telfon, you can purchase a virtual number Philippines. This allows people in the Philippines to call you at local rates, making it easier for them to connect.
Q6: Do I need an area code for Philippine mobile numbers?
A6: No, Philippine mobile numbers do not use traditional area codes like landlines. Instead, they use a 3-digit mobile network prefix (e.g., 9XX) as part of their 10-digit number.
Q7: What if my call doesn’t connect?
A7: First, double-check the entire number, including the exit code, country code, area code (for landlines), and local number. Ensure you have sufficient credit if using a prepaid service. If using a VoIP app, check your internet connection.
Q8: What are the benefits of using Telfon for international calls?
A8: Telfon offers virtual number Philippines, cheap calls Canada Philippines, high-quality audio, call recording, SMS and WhatsApp integration, and multi-country number management. It’s suitable for both personal and business use.
Q9: Can I send SMS to the Philippines from Canada using Telfon?
A9: Yes, Telfon allows you to send and receive SMS messages to and from Philippine numbers, integrating all your communication needs into one platform.
Q10: Is Telfon suitable for businesses making international calls?
A10: Absolutely. Telfon provides B2B features like user analytics, call history, budget assignment, and custom messaging services, making it an excellent business phone system for international communication.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Calling Philippines from Canada is straightforward when you know the correct dialing steps. Start with Canada’s exit code (011 or +
), then the Philippines country code (63), followed by the specific area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix, and finally the local number. Remember to account for the significant time zone differences to ensure your call happens at a convenient time for your recipient.
While traditional calling methods can be costly, modern solutions like Telfon offer an economical and feature-rich alternative. Telfon allows for cheap calls Canada Philippines, providing virtual number Philippines options, high-quality audio, and useful features like call recording and WhatsApp integration. Whether you are connecting with family, managing a business, or expanding your network, Telfon makes international calls Canada to Philippines simple, reliable, and affordable. Choose the smart way to stay connected globally.