The +63 Mystery: 5 Crucial Facts You Must Know About The Philippines Country Code (Especially The Scams)

The +63 country code is the international dialing prefix for the Republic of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and a massive global diaspora. As of today, December 17, 2025, understanding this code is more important than ever, not just for connecting with loved ones, but also for navigating a pervasive global issue: phone scams.

The Philippines uses the +63 code as its universal identifier, assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T). While this three-digit prefix is essential for successful international calls, it has unfortunately become a red flag for many due to a recent surge in unsolicited, fraudulent text messages originating from numbers bearing this code.

The Philippines Country Code +63: Essential Dialing Guide and Recent Updates

The country code +63 is a mandatory component for any international call or text message directed to the Philippines. However, successfully connecting requires knowing the proper sequence, which varies slightly depending on whether you are calling a fixed-line (landline) or a mobile number.

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Dialing Format: Landline vs. Mobile

The overall structure for calling the Philippines internationally is: [Your Country’s Exit Code] + 63 + [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Local Number].

For example, if calling from the United States, the exit code is 011.

• Calling a Landline:
  • Format: 011 + 63 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]
  • Landline numbers in the Philippines are not uniform in length; they vary based on the region's area code.
• Calling a Mobile (Cell) Phone:
  • Format: 011 + 63 + [10-Digit Mobile Number]
  • Philippine mobile numbers are standardized at 10 digits, which follow the country code. The number starts with a mobile prefix (usually 9xx, like 917, 918, 922, etc.) and is dialed immediately after the +63.

Crucial 2019 Update: The 8-Digit Landline Shift

A significant telecommunications update occurred in 2019 that is vital for anyone calling the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Metro Manila.

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What changed: All landline numbers within the Metro Manila area (which uses Area Code 02) were expanded from 7 digits to 8 digits.

How to dial the new format: A new digit, typically an '8', was prefixed to the existing 7-digit number, depending on the service provider.

• For PLDT subscribers, the new number became 8 + [Original 7-digit number].
• This change was mandated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to address the exhaustion of available numbers in the highly populated capital region.

Key Area Codes and Telecommunication Entities (+63)

To establish topical authority, it is important to recognize the key geographical and corporate entities that operate under the +63 country code. The Philippines is serviced by several major telecommunication companies and is divided into numerous area code zones.

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Major Philippine Telecommunication Companies (Telcos)

The telecommunications landscape in the Philippines is dominated by a few major players who manage the infrastructure for both landline and mobile services.

• PLDT Inc. (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company): The largest and oldest telecommunications provider, often associated with the Smart Communications mobile brand.
• Globe Telecom: The primary competitor to PLDT, offering both mobile and broadband services.
• DITO Telecommunity: The newest major player, which has been expanding its network and challenging the duopoly of PLDT and Globe.
• Converge ICT Solutions: A significant provider specializing in fiber-optic broadband services.

Important Regional Area Codes (Fixed-Line)

When dialing a landline, the area code is essential. Note that the international dialing format requires dropping the leading '0' that is often used when dialing domestically within the Philippines.

• 02: National Capital Region (NCR), including Metro Manila, Caloocan, Makati, and Quezon City. (Remember the 8-digit number rule).
• 032: Cebu City and surrounding areas in Cebu province.
• 034: Bacolod City and parts of Negros Occidental.
• 045: Pampanga and Angeles City.
• 046: Cavite.
• 082: Davao City.

The Dark Side of +63: Why You’re Getting So Many Scam Texts

Perhaps the most current and relevant piece of information regarding the +63 country code is its frequent use in global text message scams. This phenomenon has caused a significant amount of confusion and frustration for people outside the Philippines, particularly in North America.

The Rise of the +63 Scammer

In recent years, numerous international authorities have issued warnings about sophisticated phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) campaigns where the messages appear to originate from a number starting with +63.

These scams are not necessarily run by individuals in the Philippines, but rather by international cybercrime syndicates who are using Philippine-based SIM cards or services as a conduit.

Common Scam Tactics Associated with +63 Numbers

The messages are designed to trick recipients into clicking a malicious link (URL) that leads to a fake website, where they are asked to enter personal information, credit card details, or login credentials.

• Fake Postal/Delivery Notices: Scams impersonating major delivery services like USPS, FedEx, or local postal carriers, claiming a package is stuck and requires a small payment or updated address via a link.
• Unpaid Tolls/E-ZPass Scams: Messages claiming the recipient has an outstanding balance for tolls (e.g., E-ZPass, NTTA, or state turnpikes) and must click a link immediately to avoid a fine.
• Banking/Account Alerts: Texts pretending to be from a bank, stating an account has been locked or compromised, prompting an urgent click to "verify" details.

How to Protect Yourself from +63 Scams

The presence of the +63 country code is often the primary red flag. If you are not expecting a call or text from the Philippines, treat the message with extreme caution.

1. Do Not Click the Link: Never click on a URL in an unsolicited text message, especially if it starts with +63 and claims to be from a government or financial entity.
2. Verify Independently: If the message mentions a service (like a toll authority or bank), open a new browser window and navigate to the official website yourself, or call the official customer service number.
3. Block and Report: Block the number immediately and report the incident to your local telecommunications provider or government fraud protection agency (like the FTC in the US).

In conclusion, the +63 country code is the digital gateway to the Philippines, a country of over 110 million people and a global hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) and family connection. While essential for legitimate communication, the recent association with international scam campaigns underscores the need for vigilance. Whether you are dialing a loved one on a newly 8-digit Metro Manila landline or simply checking your messages, knowing the details of the +63 code is key to staying connected and secure.