Philippine mobile number format: 09XX vs +63 9XX explained
A Philippine mobile number has eleven digits when written locally and starts with 0: 0917 123 4567. In international format the leading 0 is replaced by the country code 63: +63 917 123 4567. Everything after that is identical.
Anatomy of the number
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk prefix | 0 | Used when dialling domestically; dropped in +63 format |
| Mobile prefix | 917 | Identifies the issuing network (0917 is Globe) |
| Subscriber number | 123 4567 | Seven digits, unique within the prefix |
The four ways to write it
- Local: 0917 123 4567 or 0917-123-4567 or 09171234567
- International: +63 917 123 4567
- Dialable from abroad without +: 0063 917 123 4567 (or 011 63 from the US)
- E.164 (for apps and databases): +639171234567
Common mistake: writing +63 0917. The 0 and the +63 do the same job; use one or the other. Use the converter to switch formats and see the network at the same time.
- Local (09XX)
- International (+63)
- Dialable (0063 / 63)
- Network
Validating a number
A valid Philippine mobile number is 11 digits starting with 09 or 08 (DITO uses 089X), or 12 digits starting with 639 or 638. The first four local digits must be an allocated prefix; see the prefix directory. Landlines are different: an area code (02, 032, 082) plus a subscriber number, and Metro Manila landlines are 8 digits after the 02.
How many digits is a Philippine mobile number?
Eleven with the leading 0 (09171234567), twelve with the country code (639171234567).
What is the country code of the Philippines?
+63.
Do I keep the 0 when adding +63?
No. +63 917, never +63 0917.
Are there Philippine mobile numbers that start with 08?
Yes. DITO issues numbers on 0895-0898.
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