Connecting with friends, family, or business partners across continents feels more important than ever. If you are in Germany and need to call the Philippines from Germany, this guide will walk you through every step. We understand that making international calls Germany to Philippines can seem complicated. However, with the right information, it becomes straightforward.

The Philippines, a vibrant archipelago in Southeast Asia, maintains strong ties with many countries, including Germany. People communicate for various reasons. Perhaps you have family living there, or you manage business operations. Whatever your reason, knowing the correct dialing procedure and the best methods can save you time and money. This guide covers everything from basic dialing codes to advanced calling solutions like Telfon. For general information on international dialing, you might find resources like CountryCode.org helpful.

Understanding the Essentials: Time Zones and Dialing Codes

Before you pick up your phone, a few key pieces of information are vital. These include the time difference and the correct sequence of numbers you need to dial. Getting these details right ensures your call connects smoothly and at a convenient time for the recipient.

What Time is it in the Philippines? Germany to Philippines Time Difference

Germany observes Central European Time (CET), which becomes Central European Summer Time (CEST) during warmer months. The Philippines, on the other hand, uses Philippine Standard Time (PST or PHT).

Here’s the usual difference:

• During German Winter (CET): The Philippines is 7 hours ahead of Germany.
• During German Summer (CEST): The Philippines is 6 hours ahead of Germany.

This difference is important for scheduling your calls. For example, if it’s 9 AM in Berlin during winter, it’s already 4 PM in Manila. Always double-check the current time in the Philippines before calling to avoid waking someone up or calling during business hours when they might be busy.

Key Dialing Codes You Need

To successfully call Philippines from Germany, you will need specific codes. These codes tell the phone network where your call needs to go.

• German Exit Code: This code tells your phone system you are making an international call. For Germany, the international exit code is 00.
• Philippines Country Code: Every country has a unique code. The Philippines international dial code is 63.

You will combine these codes with the local area code and the subscriber’s phone number.

Calling from a German Landline

Making a call from a landline is a common method. It requires you to input the full dialing sequence manually. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your call goes through.

Step-by-Step Guide for Landline Calls

1. Dial the German Exit Code: Start by dialing 00. This signals an international call from Germany.
2. Enter the Philippines Country Code: Next, dial 63. This directs your call to the Philippines.
3. Add the Philippine Area Code: After the country code, dial the specific area code for the city or region you are calling in the Philippines. (We will cover these in detail shortly).
4. Input the Local Phone Number: Finally, dial the individual 7-digit local phone number.

Example for a Landline Call to Manila:

If the Manila area code is 2 and the local number is 123-4567, you would dial:

00 + 63 + 2 + 1234567

Always double-check the local phone number and area code. An incorrect digit will prevent your call from connecting.

Calling from a German Mobile Phone

Calling the Philippines from your mobile phone is often similar to a landline call. However, mobile phones offer a slightly more convenient option for the exit code.

Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile Calls

1. Use the ‘+’ Sign or German Exit Code: Most mobile phones allow you to simply dial + instead of the “00” exit code. Hold down the “0” key to get the “+” symbol. Alternatively, you can still dial 00.
2. Enter the Philippines Country Code: After the plus sign (or 00), dial 63.
3. Add the Philippine Area Code or Mobile Prefix: If you are calling a landline in the Philippines, dial the area code. If you are calling a Philippine mobile number, you will dial the mobile network prefix (usually 2 or 3 digits) after the country code.
4. Input the Local Phone Number: Complete the sequence with the 7-digit local number (for landlines) or the remaining digits of the mobile number (for mobile phones, usually 7 digits after the prefix).

Example for a Mobile Call to a Philippine Mobile Number:

If the mobile prefix is 917 and the number is 123-4567, you would dial:

+63 + 917 + 1234567

Or

00 + 63 + 917 + 1234567

Using the “+” sign often simplifies international dialing from a mobile device.

Understanding Philippine Area Codes

Knowing the correct dialing code Philippines from Germany involves understanding local area codes. These codes direct your call to the specific region within the Philippines. Without the correct area code, your call will not reach its intended destination.

Major Philippine Area Codes

The Philippines has numerous area codes, but some are more common for major cities and regions. Here is a table of frequently used area codes:

(Note: Area codes for landlines in metropolitan areas like Metro Manila (Manila, Quezon City, Makati, etc.) often share the same code.)

Always verify the specific area code with your contact in the Philippines. This ensures accuracy and avoids misdialing.

Philippine Phone Number Format Explained

The structure of a Philippine phone number is generally straightforward. It helps to understand the components before dialing. This clarity will prevent errors and ensure successful calls.

Landline Number Format

Philippine landline numbers usually follow this structure:

(Area Code) + (7-digit Local Number)

• Area Code: This can be 1, 2, or 3 digits long (e.g., 2 for Manila, 32 for Cebu).
• Local Number: This is typically a 7-digit number.

Example:

A Manila landline might appear as (02) 123-4567. When calling internationally, you drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code. So, you would dial 00 (or +) 63 2 1234567.

Mobile Number Format

Philippine mobile numbers are generally 10 digits long, starting with a 3-digit mobile network prefix.

(Mobile Network Prefix) + (7-digit Subscriber Number)

Common mobile network prefixes include:

• 9xx (e.g., 905, 906, 917, 918, 920, 921, 922, 923, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 933, 935, 936, 938, 939, 942, 943, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 953, 955, 956, 960, 961, 963, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 973, 975, 977, 978, 979, 981, 982, 983, 986, 988, 989, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999)

Example:

A mobile number might be 0917 123 4567. When calling internationally, you omit the leading ‘0’. So, you would dial 00 (or +) 63 917 1234567.

It’s helpful to ask your contact for their exact number, including whether it’s a landline or mobile, to ensure you dial correctly.

Best Time for Calling the Philippines

Timing your call correctly is essential. You want to reach your contact when they are awake and available. Considering the time difference between Germany and the Philippines prevents inconvenient interruptions.

Navigating the Time Difference

As mentioned, the Philippines is generally 6 or 7 hours ahead of Germany.

Let’s consider an example during German winter (7-hour difference):

• If you call at 10:00 AM in Germany: It will be 5:00 PM in the Philippines. This is a good time for business calls or reaching someone after work.
• If you call at 3:00 PM in Germany: It will be 10:00 PM in the Philippines. This might be too late for some, but fine for close friends or family.

During German summer (6-hour difference):

• If you call at 10:00 AM in Germany: It will be 4:00 PM in the Philippines. Still a good time for afternoon calls.
• If you call at 6:00 PM in Germany: It will be midnight in the Philippines. This is likely too late for most calls.

Recommended Calling Windows

• For Business Calls: Aim for late morning or early afternoon in Germany (e.g., 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CET/CEST). This translates to mid-afternoon in the Philippines, aligning with typical business hours.
• For Personal Calls (Friends/Family): You have more flexibility. Late afternoon in Germany (e.g., 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CET/CEST) often works well. This falls into early evening in the Philippines, when people are usually home and relaxed.

Always confirm the best time with your contact if possible. A quick message can prevent missed calls or disturbances.

Cost of Calling the Philippines from Germany

The cost of international calls Germany to Philippines can vary significantly. Traditional phone carriers often charge high rates for international calls. Understanding these costs helps you choose the most economical option.

Traditional Calling Costs

When using standard landline or mobile providers, you might encounter:

• High Per-Minute Rates: These can quickly add up, especially for longer conversations.
• Connection Fees: Some providers charge a flat fee for each international call, on top of per-minute rates.
• Peak vs. Off-Peak Rates: Prices might be higher during certain times of the day or week.

Many people find these traditional costs prohibitive. This leads them to seek more affordable alternatives for cheap calls Germany Philippines.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several factors influence how much you pay:

• Your German Provider: Different mobile and landline companies have varying international tariffs. Check with Telekom, Vodafone, O2, etc., for their specific rates.
• Call Destination: Calling a landline might have different rates than calling a mobile number in the Philippines.
• Call Duration: The longer you talk, the more you pay on a per-minute plan.
• Calling Plan: Some German plans offer international bundles or add-ons that can reduce costs.

It is wise to compare rates before making frequent international calls. This comparison can highlight potential savings.

Tips for More Affordable International Calls

High costs for international calls Germany to Philippines don’t have to be a barrier. Several modern solutions offer much more budget-friendly ways to connect. Explore these options to keep your communication affordable.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services

VoIP services use the internet to make calls, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone lines.

• Internet-based calling: Popular apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Meet allow free voice and video calls to other users of the same app. This is ideal if your contact in the Philippines also uses these apps.
• VoIP providers: Dedicated VoIP services offer low per-minute rates to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide. You typically pay a small fee per minute, which is significantly lower than traditional carriers. Many even offer monthly subscriptions for unlimited international calls.

International Calling Cards

Calling cards offer prepaid credit for international calls.

• Prepaid credit: You purchase a card with a set amount of credit. Then, you dial an access number, enter a PIN, and finally dial your destination number.
• Fixed rates: These cards often come with fixed, low per-minute rates to specific countries like the Philippines.
• Expiration dates: Be aware that some cards have expiration dates or maintenance fees.

Special International Calling Plans

Check with your current German mobile or landline provider. They might offer:

• International bundles: These add-ons provide a certain number of international minutes for a fixed monthly fee.
• Country-specific rates: Some providers have special, reduced rates for frequently called countries.

By exploring these alternatives, you can significantly reduce the cost of calling the Philippines from Germany. This makes staying in touch much more sustainable.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling the Philippines

Telfon provides a modern, cost-effective solution for making international calls Germany to Philippines. It stands out, especially when you need reliable and affordable communication. Telfon’s virtual number system and robust features make it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Virtual Numbers for Seamless Connection

One of Telfon’s key advantages is the ability to purchase a virtual number Philippines.

• Local presence: This virtual number makes it appear as if you are calling from within the Philippines. When you call your contacts, they see a local Philippine number. This can increase trust and answer rates, especially for businesses.
• Cost savings for recipients: If your contacts in the Philippines have local calling plans, they can call your virtual Philippine number at local rates. This saves them money.
• Flexibility: You manage this virtual number from your Telfon account in Germany. It means you get the benefits of a local number without needing a physical presence in the Philippines.

Affordable International Calling

Telfon is designed to offer cheap calls Germany Philippines.

• Competitive rates: Telfon leverages VoIP technology to provide significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional carriers. This helps you save money on every call.
• No hidden fees: The platform focuses on transparent pricing. You know what you pay upfront, without unexpected connection charges.

Enhanced Communication Features

Telfon offers a suite of features that enhance your calling experience:

• Call recordings: Record important conversations for reference or training.
• SMS & WhatsApp integration: Send and receive SMS messages directly through your virtual number. Integrate multiple WhatsApp accounts for seamless messaging.
• Multi-country numbers: Manage virtual numbers from over 180+ countries, including the Philippines, all from one platform. This is perfect for businesses with international operations.
• Voicemail to text: Easily read your voicemails when you can’t listen to them.
• Call forwarding: Forward calls from your virtual Philippine number to your German phone or another preferred number.

Whether you are an individual wanting to connect with family or a business managing international clients, Telfon provides a powerful and economical solution. It simplifies making international calls Germany to Philippines and offers valuable tools to manage your communications effectively.

Why Call the Philippines from Germany?

People have many important reasons to call Philippines from Germany. The reasons range from deeply personal connections to strategic business needs. Understanding these motivations highlights the importance of reliable and affordable international communication.

Personal Connections

• Family and Friends: Many Filipinos live and work in Germany, maintaining close ties with relatives back home. Regular calls are essential for staying connected, sharing news, and offering support.
• Cultural Exchange: German citizens might have friends or romantic partners in the Philippines. Calls foster these relationships across geographical distances.
• Travel Planning: Individuals planning trips to the Philippines might call hotels, tour operators, or local contacts to arrange details.

Business and Professional Engagements

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The Philippines is a global hub for BPO services. German businesses frequently call their BPO partners, call centers, or virtual assistants for project management and coordination.
• Trade and Investment: Germany is a significant trading partner for the Philippines. Businesses in both countries communicate for import/export, supply chain management, and investment discussions.
• Recruitment and HR: German companies or recruitment agencies might call candidates in the Philippines for interviews or job offers. Telfon’s call recording and multi-country features are especially useful here.
• Customer Support: Companies with a global customer base might provide support to Philippine customers from Germany.

Other Reasons

• Relocation and Expat Support: Germans moving to the Philippines or Filipinos moving to Germany often need to make calls for logistics, immigration, and settling in.
• Academic and Research: Researchers or students might collaborate with counterparts in the Philippines.

These diverse reasons underline the constant need for effective and affordable ways to call Philippines from Germany. Solutions like Telfon bridge these geographical gaps, making global communication simpler.

Common Questions About Calling the Philippines

You might have additional questions as you prepare to call Philippines from Germany. Here are answers to some common inquiries that people often ask.

Can I use WhatsApp to call the Philippines?

Yes, absolutely! If both you and your contact in the Philippines have WhatsApp installed and an internet connection, you can make free voice and video calls. This is a very popular and cost-effective method for personal communication. However, it requires both parties to be online and using the app.

What is the international dialing code for the Philippines?

The international dialing code for the Philippines is 63. You dial this after your country’s exit code (00 for Germany, or the ‘+’ symbol on mobile phones). So the sequence starts with 00 63 or +63.

Do I need to dial a “0” before the area code or mobile prefix?

When calling internationally to the Philippines, you generally do not dial a “0” before the area code or mobile network prefix. The leading “0” is usually for domestic long-distance calls within the Philippines. For international calls, you drop it. For example, for Manila (area code 02), you dial ...63 2.... For a mobile number (e.g., 0917…), you dial ...63 917....

How many digits are Philippine phone numbers?

Philippine landline numbers usually have 7 digits after the area code. Mobile numbers are typically 10 digits long, starting with a 3-digit mobile network prefix followed by 7 digits.

Is it cheaper to call a Philippine landline or mobile?

The cost varies depending on your provider and calling method. Historically, calling landlines was sometimes cheaper. With modern VoIP services like Telfon, rates for landlines and mobile numbers are often very similar and both are significantly lower than traditional international calls. Always check the specific rates for your chosen service.

What if my call isn’t connecting?

If your call isn’t connecting, double-check a few things:

1. Correct Dialing Sequence: Ensure you have the German exit code (00 or +), the Philippines country code (63), the correct area code/mobile prefix, and the local number in the right order.
2. Number Accuracy: Verify the complete phone number with your contact.
3. Credit/Balance: If using a prepaid service or calling card, check your balance.
4. Network Issues: Occasionally, there might be temporary network issues. Try again after some time.

FAQs: Calling the Philippines from Germany

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding how to call Philippines from Germany, covering essential details for a smooth calling experience.

Q1: What is the complete dialing sequence to call a Manila landline from Germany?

A1: You would dial: 00 (Germany exit code) + 63 (Philippines country code) + 2 (Manila area code) + [7-digit local number]. So, 00 63 2 XXXXXXX.

Q2: Can I call Philippine mobile numbers using the same method as landlines?

A2: Yes, the initial sequence is similar. For mobile, after 00 63 (or +63), you dial the 3-digit mobile network prefix (e.g., 917) followed by the 7-digit mobile number. So, 00 63 917 XXXXXXX.

Q3: What is the best time to call the Philippines from Germany for business?

A3: Aim for late morning to early afternoon in Germany (e.g., 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CET/CEST). This translates to mid-afternoon Philippine time, aligning well with typical business hours.

Q4: How can Telfon help reduce the cost of calls to the Philippines?

A4: Telfon offers competitive, low per-minute rates for cheap calls Germany Philippines using VoIP technology. You can also purchase a virtual number Philippines, which makes calls appear local and can save your Philippine contacts money when they call you back.

Q5: Is it possible to send SMS messages to the Philippines from Germany via Telfon?

A5: Yes, Telfon includes features to send and receive SMS messages. You can use this for business communications or personal messages to your contacts in the Philippines.

Q6: What if I don’t know the specific area code for a city in the Philippines?

A6: It’s best to ask your contact for their full phone number, including the area code. You can also find lists of Philippine area codes online, but direct confirmation is always the most reliable.

Q7: Are there any specific apps recommended for free calls to the Philippines?

A7: For free calls, popular apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, and Google Meet are excellent choices, provided both parties have the app and an internet connection.

Q8: What does ‘Philippines international dial code’ refer to?

A8: The ‘Philippines international dial code’ refers to the country code for the Philippines, which is 63. This code tells the international telephone network that the call is destined for the Philippines.

Conclusion

Calling the Philippines from Germany is a common necessity for many, whether for personal reasons or business. While the idea of international calls Germany to Philippines might seem complex at first, understanding the correct dialing sequence, time differences, and available technologies makes it simple.

Always remember the core elements: Germany’s exit code (00 or +), the Philippines international dial code (63), the specific area code or mobile prefix, and the local number. Paying attention to the time difference ensures you connect at a convenient moment.

For those seeking cheap calls Germany Philippines with advanced features, services like Telfon offer a powerful solution. Their virtual numbers, call recording, SMS & WhatsApp integration, provide a comprehensive platform. This makes staying connected more affordable and efficient. Telfon simplifies communication by providing a virtual number Philippines, giving you a local presence and reducing costs.

Ultimately, whether you’re using traditional methods or modern VoIP services, staying connected with the Philippines from Germany is now more accessible than ever. Choose the method that best suits your needs and budget, and keep those important conversations flowing.