Call Philippines from UAE: 8 Cheapest Methods (2026)
Complete guide to calling Philippines from UAE. Compare 8 methods from free to AED 0.07/min. Learn dialing format (+63), OFW calling tips, and best apps.
Need to call Philippines from UAE? Whether you're an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) calling family back home, a business professional connecting with Manila, or calling friends in Cebu or Davao, this guide covers all the cheapest and best ways to call the Philippines from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and anywhere in the UAE.
UAE 2026 reality: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber and Messenger voice calls are blocked on UAE networks.
Older “how to call Philippines from UAE” articles often miss this. UAE's TDRA blocks consumer VoIP voice/video on du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile (see the global block map). For Philippines specifically, the practical options are BOTIM (TDRA-licensed, free app-to-app), du's International Savings Offer at 0.99 AED/min (activate via *135*70# option 1), or BubblyPhone's browser dialler at around $0.23–0.41/min to Globe / Smart / DITO / PLDT depending on carrier. Skype, retired by Microsoft on 5 May 2025, is no longer an option.
Quick Answer: Three real options in 2026: (1) BubblyPhone (browser, ~$0.23–0.41/min by Philippine carrier, 30 free min on signup); (2) du International Savings Offer (AED 0.99/min, activate *135*70#); (3) BOTIM app-to-app (free if your relative installs BOTIM). WhatsApp voice doesn't work on UAE networks.
How to Call Philippines from UAE
Dialing Format
The Philippines country code is +63. To call Philippines from UAE:
00 63 + area code + phone numberOr use the + format (recommended for mobile phones):
+63 + area code + phone number⚠️ Important: Philippine Mobile Numbers
When calling Philippine mobile numbers, drop the leading 0 from the mobile number:
- • Philippine mobile: 0917 XXX XXXX
- • From UAE dial: +63 917 XXX XXXX (drop the 0)
Dialing Examples
8 Ways to Call Philippines from UAE
1. BubblyPhone
BubblyPhone offers the best rates for calling Philippines from UAE. Call any Philippine landline or mobile directly from your browser.
- ✓Rate:~$0.23–0.41/min depending on Philippine carrier (Globe $0.32, Smart $0.39, DITO $0.35, PLDT landline $0.38). 30 minutes free credit on signup.
- ✓No app needed: Works in any browser
- ✓HD Quality: Crystal clear calls
- ✓No VPN required: Works directly in UAE
2. BOTIM (TDRA-Licensed)
BOTIM is the most-installed TDRA-licensed VoIP app in the UAE expat community, including among Filipinos. Free voice and video between BOTIM users on both UAE and Philippine networks.
Pros
- ✓ Free app-to-app calls
- ✓ Legal on UAE networks (unlike WhatsApp)
- ✓ Common in OFW households
Cons
- ✗ Recipient needs BOTIM installed
- ✗ Cannot call landlines without paid Call Out add-on
- ✗ Less known in Philippines than Messenger
3. Facebook Messenger (Limited in UAE)
Messenger is extremely popular in the Philippines for messaging. Voice and video calling on Messenger is restricted on UAE networks— messaging still works but voice/video typically doesn't connect from a UAE SIM or UAE Wi-Fi.
Pros
- ✓ Dominant chat app in Philippines
- ✓ Messaging works in UAE
- ✓ Sharing photos/videos works
Cons
- ✗ Voice/video blocked on UAE networks
- ✗ Needs both parties on app
- ✗ Cannot reach a regular phone number
4. Viber (Blocked Voice in UAE)
Viber was historically the OFW default for staying connected with family in the Philippines. In 2026, Viber voice calling is blocked on UAE networks (TDRA). Viber messaging still works; voice/video typically doesn't connect.
Pros
- ✓ Established in OFW culture
- ✓ Messaging still works
- ✓ Sticker library familiar to Filipinos
Cons
- ✗ Voice blocked on UAE networks
- ✗ Viber Out (paid) also affected
- ✗ Use BOTIM as the workaround
5. WhatsApp (Voice Blocked in UAE)
WhatsApp messaging works normally on UAE networks. WhatsApp voice and video calls do NOT — they're blocked by TDRA across du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile. If you're trying to WhatsApp-call family in Manila and the line refuses, this is why. Use BOTIM, Truecaller in-app calling, or a real-number service instead.
Pros
- ✓ Messaging works fully
- ✓ Photo / voice-note sharing works
- ✓ Very common in Philippines
Cons
- ✗ Voice/video blocked since 2018
- ✗ VPN bypass is illegal (AED 2M fine)
- ✗ FaceTime, Viber voice also blocked
6. du / Etisalat IDD
UAE mobile carriers offer international calling packages for the Philippines.
Pros
- ✓ Use your regular phone
- ✓ No internet needed
- ✓ IDD packs available
Cons
- ✗ Very expensive: AED 1-3/min
- ✗ Need to activate packs
- ✗ Limited validity
7. Prepaid Calling Cards
Available at grocery stores and telecom shops throughout UAE.
Pros
- ✓ No internet needed
- ✓ Available everywhere
- ✓ Fixed prepaid amount
Cons
- ✗ Hidden connection fees
- ✗ Minutes expire quickly
- ✗ Rates not transparent
8. Google Meet / Duo
Free video calling with anyone who has a Google account.
Pros
- ✓ Free with Google account
- ✓ High quality video
- ✓ Works in browser
Cons
- ✗ Can't call phone numbers
- ✗ Both need Google accounts
- ✗ Needs good internet
Cost Comparison: UAE to Philippines
| Service | Rate (per min) | Call Type | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOTIM (app-to-app) | Free | BOTIM users only | Best free option |
| BubblyPhone | $0.23–0.41 | Any PH number | 30 min free |
| du International Savings Offer | AED 0.99 | Any PH number | *135*70# activation |
| Messenger / Viber / WhatsApp voice | Blocked in UAE | App users only | Voice/video blocked by TDRA |
| Skype | Retired May 2025 | No longer available | Microsoft shut Skype down |
| Calling Cards | AED 0.20-0.50 | Any number | Hidden fees common |
| Etisalat IDD (no add-on) | ~AED 2.50 | Any number | Avoid |
Best Time to Call Philippines from UAE
Time Zone Difference
The Philippines is 4 hours ahead of UAE. UAE uses GST (UTC+4) while Philippines uses PHT (UTC+8).
When it's 6:00 PM in Dubai
10:00 PM in Manila
When it's 8:00 AM in Dubai
12:00 PM in Manila
Best Times to Call:
- • Morning in UAE (7-9 AM): 11 AM - 1 PM in Philippines (lunch break)
- • Evening in UAE (6-9 PM): 10 PM - 1 AM in Philippines (after dinner)
- • Friday mornings: Good for weekend family calls
Philippine Mobile Carriers
Globe Telecom
Largest network, best coverage
- • Mobile prefix: 0917, 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0955, 0956, 0965, 0966, 0967, 0975, 0976, 0977, 0995, 0996, 0997
- • ~50% market share
Smart Communications
Second largest, PLDT network
- • Mobile prefix: 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0948, 0949, 0950, 0951, 0961, 0968, 0969, 0970, 0981, 0989, 0998, 0999
- • ~45% market share
DITO Telecommunity
New carrier, expanding coverage
- • Mobile prefix: 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994
- • Growing network
- • Competitive rates
Sun Cellular (Smart)
Budget-friendly, part of Smart
- • Mobile prefix: 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943, 0944
- • Popular for promos
Tips for OFWs Calling Home
Install BOTIM as the UAE-side default
Since Messenger / Viber / WhatsApp voice are blocked on UAE networks, install BOTIM (TDRA-licensed) and ask your relatives in the Philippines to install it too. It's the easiest free option for the UAE→Philippines corridor.
Save numbers with +63
Always save Philippine numbers in international format (+63) so calling apps can recognize them automatically.
Use WiFi for video calls
Video calls use more data. Connect to WiFi at home or work for better quality and lower cost.
Send load to family
You can send mobile load to Philippine numbers online. This helps family members stay connected with data for calls.
Philippine internet varies
Internet in provincial areas can be slow. Voice-only VoIP calls may work better than video in rural areas.
VoIP in UAE: What Actually Works
UAE's TDRA blocks consumer VoIP voice/video for unlicensed services on du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile networks. WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber and FaceTime voice/video do NOT work on UAE networks — this includes Wi-Fi, mobile data, home broadband and hotel Wi-Fi. Messaging on the same apps continues to work normally; only voice/video is affected.
TDRA-licensed working alternatives: BOTIM, GoChat (Etisalat), C'Me (du), Voico, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Truecaller in-app voice. BubblyPhone works because the call terminates as a regular phone call on the Philippine side (Globe, Smart, DITO, PLDT), bypassing the consumer-VoIP filter entirely. See our Free Calls in UAE guide for the full blocked-vs-legal list.
Start Calling Philippines Today
Get the best rates for UAE to Philippines calls. Perfect for OFWs staying connected with family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dial Philippines from UAE?
Dial 00 (or +) followed by 63 (Philippines country code), then the area code and number. For mobile numbers, drop the leading 0. Example: +63 917 XXX XXXX.
What is the cheapest way to call Philippines from Dubai?
For free app-to-app calling, install BOTIM (TDRA-licensed on UAE side) and have your relative in the Philippines install it too. For calling any Philippine phone number (Globe, Smart, DITO, PLDT) without requiring an app on their end, BubblyPhone is ~$0.23–0.41/min with 30 free minutes on signup. du's International Savings Offer at AED 0.99/min (activate *135*70#option 1) is the cheapest carrier option. Etisalat's standard ~AED 2.50/min ISD without an add-on should be avoided.
What time should I call Philippines from UAE?
The Philippines is 4 hours ahead of the UAE. When it's 6 PM in Dubai, it's 10 PM in Manila. Good calling windows: UAE morning 7–9 AM hits PH 11 AM–1 PM (late morning, ideal for catching family at home); UAE evening 5–7 PM hits PH 9–11 PM (evening winding down).
Does WhatsApp calling work in UAE?
No. WhatsApp voice and video calls are blocked on UAE networks by TDRA. The block applies to all UAE networks (du, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile) and all Wi-Fi connections routed through UAE ISPs. WhatsApp messaging works normally; only voice/video is affected. The policy has been in place since 2018. For calling family in the Philippines, use BOTIM (TDRA-licensed) or a real-number service like BubblyPhone.
What happened to Skype for calling Philippines?
Microsoft retired Skype on 5 May 2025. Microsoft Teams is the official replacement but does NOT support paid calling to phone numbers on the free tier. For calling Philippine landlines and mobile numbers from the UAE, BubblyPhone (browser-based, ~$0.23–0.41/min) or BOTIM Call Out are the practical successors. See our Skype shutdown alternative guide for the full picture.