How to Call Philippines From UAE: Save Money

To call the Philippines from the UAE and save money, prioritize VoIP services, international calling apps, and comparing UAE telecom providers for the best international calling rates. Look for bundle deals and Wi-Fi calling options to reduce costs significantly.

Key Takeaways

Select the right calling method for cost savings.
Utilize mobile apps for low-cost international calls.
Compare UAE telecom plans regularly.
Understand country codes and dialing prefixes.
Leverage Wi-Fi calling when available.
Explore international calling cards as a backup.

Connecting with loved ones in the Philippines from the UAE is a common need for many. With so many communication options available, it can feel overwhelming to find the most affordable way. Traditional phone calls can rack up surprisingly high charges if you’re not careful. That’s why understanding how to call the Philippines from the UAE efficiently is essential for staying in touch without overspending. We’ll break down the simplest, budget-friendly methods, ensuring you can connect affordably. Get ready to discover the best ways to make your calls count.

Choosing the Smartest Way to Call Philippines From UAE

Making international calls is no longer just about picking up your landline. The digital age has opened up a world of options, and for those in the UAE looking to connect with the Philippines, this means a significant opportunity to save money. Gone are the days when expensive per-minute charges were the only way to go. Today, smart consumers leverage technology and strategic choices to keep their communication bills low. Let’s explore the primary methods, focusing on how each can help you manage your expenses.

Understanding International Dialing Codes

Before you even think about your calling method, you need to know the correct dialing sequence. This is a fundamental step for any international call and is crucial when figuring out how to call the Philippines from the UAE.

UAE Exit Code: Every international call made from the UAE requires you to dial an exit code first. This code signals to the network that you are initiating an international call. For the UAE, the exit code is 00.
Philippines Country Code: Once you’ve dialed the exit code, you need to enter the country code for the Philippines. This is 63.
Area Code (if applicable): Some cities or regions in the Philippines have specific area codes. For example, Manila uses 2. If you’re calling a mobile number, you usually won’t need an area code after the country code.
Local Phone Number: Finally, you’ll dial the local subscriber number.

Example Dialing Sequence (UAE to Manila, Philippines landline):
`00 + 63 + 2 + [Local Landline Number]`

Example Dialing Sequence (UAE to a Philippines Mobile Number):
`00 + 63 + [Mobile Number, usually starting with 9]`

Remembering these codes ensures your call goes to the right destination. It’s a small detail, but vital for a successful connection.

Leveraging VoIP and Calling Apps for Savings

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile calling applications have revolutionized international communication. They use your internet connection, rather than traditional phone lines, to transmit your voice, making them significantly cheaper, and often free, for international calls. This is perhaps the most effective strategy for anyone asking how to call the Philippines from the UAE on a budget.

Top VoIP and Calling Apps

Several popular apps offer competitive rates or even free calls to landlines and mobiles. When choosing, consider factors like call quality, user reviews, and whether the person you’re calling also needs the app installed.

WhatsApp: One of the most widely used apps globally. WhatsApp calls are free over Wi-Fi and use mobile data otherwise. Both parties need the app. It’s excellent for voice and video calls.
Viber: Another popular choice, Viber offers free calls and messaging to other Viber users. Non-Viber calls (to landlines/mobiles) can be made using Viber Out credits, which are generally affordable.
Skype: A long-standing player in the VoIP market. Skype allows you to call landlines and mobiles worldwide through Skype Credit or a subscription. Rates are often competitive, and it’s a reliable option.
Google Meet (formerly Duo): Primarily for video calls, but it also offers a robust audio calling feature. It’s free for calls between Google accounts.
Rebtel: This service allows you to make calls to landlines and mobiles in the Philippines at low rates without requiring the recipient to have the app. You can earn free credit by referring friends.

How to Use These Apps

1. Download and Install: Choose an app from your smartphone’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS).
2. Create an Account: Sign up using your phone number. Most apps verify your number.
3. Connect with Contacts: Sync your phone’s contacts. Apps will show you which of your contacts are also using the service.
4. Make the Call:
For app-to-app calls (e.g., WhatsApp to WhatsApp), simply select the contact and tap the call button. This is usually free.
For calling landlines or mobiles (e.g., Viber Out, Skype Credit), you’ll need to purchase credits or a calling plan. Navigate to the dialer within the app, select the Philippines country code (+63), enter the number, and make the call.

Pro Tip: Regularly check app promotions. Many offer discounts or bonus credits for new users or during holiday seasons, further reducing your cost of calling the Philippines from the UAE.

Exploring UAE Telecom Provider International Calling Plans

While apps are great, sometimes you might need to make a call directly from your mobile or landline. UAE telecommunication providers offer various international calling packages that can make these calls more affordable than standard rates. It’s worth investigating these if you make frequent calls or prefer using your regular phone line.

Major UAE Providers and Their Offers

The UAE has two main telecommunication operators that consumers typically use: Etisalat and du. Both offer competitive international calling solutions.

1. Etisalat:
eLife Plans: Bundled home internet and TV plans sometimes include international calling minutes or discounted rates.
Prepaid International Saver Packs: Etisalat often has specific prepaid packs that offer a set number of minutes to popular destinations, including the Philippines, for a fixed monthly fee. These are excellent for budget-conscious users.
Postpaid International Bundles: For postpaid customers, Etisalat provides monthly bundles that add international minutes to your plan at a reduced rate compared to pay-as-you-go.

2. du:
International Calling Bundles: du offers various monthly bundles for both prepaid and postpaid customers. These bundles can provide a significant number of minutes to call landlines and mobiles in the Philippines.
Flexi Plans: Some du Flexi plans allow you to allocate a portion of your monthly allowance to international calls, offering flexibility and cost savings.
eLife Bundles: Similar to Etisalat, du’s home services can sometimes be bundled with international calling benefits.

How to Find and Subscribe to a Plan

Visit Provider Websites: Go directly to the official websites of Etisalat and du. Look for sections like “International Calling,” “Mobile Plans,” or “International Bundles.”
Use Mobile Apps: Both Etisalat and du have dedicated mobile apps. You can usually browse, subscribe to, and manage international calling plans directly through these apps.
Visit a Store: If you prefer in-person assistance, visit any Etisalat or du retail store across the UAE. Staff can guide you through the available options based on your calling habits.
Dial USSD Codes: Some providers offer activation via specific USSD codes (e.g., `135#` for Etisalat). Check their websites for the latest codes.

When comparing plans, pay attention to:

Cost per minute: After exhausting bundle minutes.
Number of minutes included: Does it meet your needs?
Validity period: Monthly, weekly, or other?
Destination coverage: Are you calling mobiles, landlines, or both?
Subscription fees: Any recurring charges?

By actively comparing these offers, you can find a plan that best suits how often and to whom you’ll be calling in the Philippines.

Understanding International Calling Cards

While less common in the age of smartphones, international calling cards can still be a viable option, especially if you need to make calls from public phones or do not have a smartphone readily available. They offer a prepaid way to control costs.

How Calling Cards Work

1. Purchase a Card: You buy a prepaid calling card from shops, convenience stores, or sometimes online retailers in the UAE. These cards have a PIN and a specific value.
2. Dial an Access Number: You dial a toll-free or local access number provided on the card.
3. Enter PIN: You’ll be prompted to enter the PIN from your card.
4. Dial the Destination Number: Finally, you enter the Philippines country code, area code (if needed), and the local phone number.

Pros and Cons of Calling Cards

| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| :————— | :————————————————————————————————– | :————————————————————————————————– |
| Cost Control | Prepaid nature helps manage spending. | Rates can sometimes be higher than VoIP apps. |
| Accessibility| Usable from any phone, including public payphones. | Requires physical purchase and carrying the card. |
| Simplicity | Straightforward dialing process. | May involve navigating through multiple prompts. |
| Hidden Fees | Some cards have maintenance fees or connection charges that reduce the actual talk time. | Quality can vary depending on the provider and network congestion. |
| Availability | Widely available in various denominations. | Can be difficult to find cards specifically optimized for the Philippines at the best rates. |

When purchasing a calling card, always check the advertised rates and any potential hidden fees. Look for cards that specify rates for the Philippines.

Utilizing Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows your smartphone to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network instead of using the cellular network. If you’re in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal, this can be a game-changer for saving money on international calls.

How Wi-Fi Calling Works for International Calls

When you use Wi-Fi calling to call the Philippines:

If calling another Wi-Fi calling user: The call is typically free, as it’s treated as an app-to-app communication.
If calling a landline or mobile number: Your UAE mobile provider might treat this call as if you were making it from within the UAE, or it might use your international calling plan minutes. However, many providers do not charge extra for Wi-Fi calls made to international numbers if you have an international calling bundle active. It’s crucial to check your specific provider’s policy. Some apps, like WhatsApp or Viber, will use your Wi-Fi connection for the call and charge you according to their international rates, which are usually very low.

Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on Your Phone

The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your phone model and operating system:

For iPhones:
1. Go to `Settings`.
2. Tap `Phone`.
3. Tap `Wi-Fi Calling`.
4. Toggle on `Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone`. You may need to confirm your address for emergency services.

For Android Phones:
1. Go to `Settings`.
2. Search for `Wi-Fi Calling` or navigate through `Network & Internet`, `Wi-Fi`, or `Connections`.
3. Toggle on the `Wi-Fi Calling` option. You might find it under advanced Wi-Fi settings or call settings.

Important Considerations:
Provider Support: Your UAE mobile provider must support Wi-Fi calling for this feature to work. Check with Etisalat or du.
Cellular Data Off: Ensure your cellular data is turned off when you want to force the call through Wi-Fi to avoid potentially higher charges.
Emergency Calls: Be aware that Wi-Fi calling for emergency services might have limitations depending on your location and your provider’s policy.

Using Wi-Fi calling is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected, especially when you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Comparing Daily & Monthly Cost: A Practical Overview

To truly grasp the savings, let’s look at a hypothetical scenario. Imagine you need to call a landline in Manila for 30 minutes every day.

Scenario: 30 minutes of daily calls to Manila landline.

| Method | Estimated Cost per Minute (From UAE) | Daily Cost (30 mins) | Monthly Cost (30 days) | Notes |
| :—————————————– | :———————————– | :——————- | :——————— | :———————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Standard UAE Mobile Rate (Pay-as-you-go) | AED 2.00 – 5.00 | AED 60.00 – 150.00 | AED 1,800 – 4,500 | Extremely expensive. Not recommended for regular calls. |
| Etisalat/du International Bundle | AED 0.20 – 0.50 | AED 6.00 – 15.00 | AED 180 – 450 | Assumes a bundle covering the Philippines. Cost varies significantly by bundle size and specific inclusions. |
| VoIP App (e.g., Skype Out to Manila) | AED 0.10 – 0.30 | AED 3.00 – 9.00 | AED 90 – 270 | Rates for Skype Credit or similar services. Actual cost depends on the app and whether you buy credit as needed or a subscription. |
| VoIP App (e.g., Viber Out to Manila) | AED 0.08 – 0.25 | AED 2.40 – 7.50 | AED 72 – 225 | Competitive rates for Viber Out. |
| WhatsApp/Viber (App-to-App) | Free | AED 0.00 | AED 0.00 | Both parties need the app and an internet connection. This is the ultimate cost-saver. |
| Wi-Fi Calling (App-based) | Free (App-to-App) or low rate | AED 0.00 – 7.50 | AED 0.00 – 225 | Depends on app and if Wi-Fi is available. |

Note: These figures are estimates and can vary based on specific plans, promotions, and real-time currency exchange rates. It’s always best to check the latest rates from providers.

As you can see, the difference is substantial. The free app-to-app calls via WhatsApp or Viber, or even low-cost VoIP services, are significantly cheaper than traditional mobile rates. Even the best telecom bundles pale in comparison to the savings offered by internet-based communication. This highlights why understanding how to call the Philippines from the UAE using these modern methods is key to saving money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to call the Philippines from the UAE?

The cost varies greatly. Standard mobile rates can be AED 2-5 per minute. However, using apps like WhatsApp or Viber for app-to-app calls is free. Using VoIP services or international calling bundles from Etisalat/du can range from AED 0.08 to AED 0.50 per minute, making a significant difference.

Is calling the Philippines from the UAE free?

Calling the Philippines from the UAE is not inherently free using traditional phone lines. However, it can be effectively free if you use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp or Viber and call another user of the same app, provided you have an internet connection.

What is the cheapest way to call the Philippines from the UAE?

The cheapest way is to use free calling apps like WhatsApp or Viber and call contacts who also have these apps installed. If you need to call landlines or mobiles, then comparing international calling plans from Etisalat and du, or using VoIP services with pre-paid credits, will be the most economical.

Do I need a special plan to call the Philippines from the UAE?

You don’t strictly need a special plan if you use free app-to-app calling over Wi-Fi. However, if you plan to use your mobile network or call landlines/mobiles frequently, subscribing to an international calling bundle from your UAE telecom provider (Etisalat or du) or using a VoIP service with affordable rates is highly recommended to save money.

Can I use my UAE mobile to call the Philippines without incurring high charges?

Yes, you can avoid high charges by subscribing to a specific international calling bundle offered by Etisalat or du. Alternatively, using Wi-Fi calling features on your phone or VoIP apps that leverage your internet connection will prevent high charges from your mobile operator.

What country code do I need to dial for the Philippines from the UAE?

To call the Philippines from the UAE, you need to dial the UAE exit code (00), followed by the Philippines country code (63), and then the local phone number (including any area codes if necessary). The sequence is `00 63 [Local Number]`.

How can I make video calls to the Philippines from the UAE affordably?

Video calls can also be made affordably using apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Google Meet, or Skype over a Wi-Fi connection. These services are generally free for app-to-app video calls, using your internet data instead of expensive cellular minute charges.

Conclusion

Staying connected with family and friends in the Philippines from the UAE doesn’t have to be a drain on your finances. By understanding the options available, you can choose the most cost-effective method that suits your needs. Whether you opt for the convenience of free app-to-app calls over Wi-Fi with services like WhatsApp or Viber, explore competitive rates from VoIP providers, or leverage international calling bundles from Etisalat or du, significant savings are within reach.

Remember to always dial correctly using the international codes (`00 63`), and consider the value of Wi-Fi calling when available. Regularly comparing the plans and services offered by UAE telecom providers can ensure you’re always getting the best deal. With these strategies, you can enjoy seamless communication without the worry of excessive phone bills.