Call Saudi Arabia from Philippines: 8 Cheapest Methods (2026)
Complete guide to calling Saudi Arabia from Philippines. Compare 8 methods from free to ₱0.85/min. Perfect for OFWs. Learn dialing format and best apps.
Need to call Saudi Arabia from the Philippines? With over 1 million Filipino OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Saudi Arabia, staying connected with family and friends across these two countries is essential. This guide covers all the best and cheapest methods to call Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Quick Answer
Cheapest way to call Saudi Arabia from Philippines: Use BubblyPhone for just ₱0.85/min (about $0.015) to Saudi mobiles and landlines. For free calls, use Messenger or Viber if both parties have the app.
Dialing format: +966 + city/mobile code + phone number
Example: +966 11 XXX XXXX (Riyadh landline) or +966 5X XXX XXXX (mobile)
In This Guide
8 Best Methods to Call Saudi Arabia from Philippines
1. BubblyPhone
Cost: ₱0.85/min (~$0.015) to mobiles & landlines
Call Quality: HD voice over internet
Requirements: Internet connection, free app
Pros: Lowest rates, no contracts, works anywhere
Cons: Needs stable internet
BubblyPhone offers the most affordable rates from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia. Perfect for Pinoys calling loved ones working in the Kingdom. Download the app, add credit (accepts GCash and PayMaya), and start calling.
Try BubblyPhone Free →2. Facebook Messenger
Cost: Free (app-to-app)
Call Quality: HD voice & video
Requirements: Both parties need Messenger
Pros: Free, hugely popular in Philippines, video calls
Cons: Can't call regular phone numbers
Filipinos love Facebook and Messenger is the #1 calling app in the Philippines. If your contact in Saudi Arabia has Messenger (most OFWs do!), you can make unlimited free voice and video calls.
3. Viber
Cost: Free (app-to-app)
Call Quality: Good to excellent
Requirements: Both parties need Viber
Pros: Very popular among Pinoy OFWs
Cons: Viber Out rates higher than BubblyPhone
Viber is extremely popular among Filipino OFWs worldwide. Many OFW families are already on Viber for group chats and calls. Viber Out lets you call Saudi phone numbers if needed.
4. WhatsApp
Cost: Free (app-to-app)
Call Quality: HD voice & video
Requirements: Both parties need WhatsApp
Pros: Very popular in Saudi Arabia
Cons: Less common in Philippines than Messenger
WhatsApp is the #1 messaging app in Saudi Arabia. While Filipinos prefer Messenger, your contacts in KSA likely use WhatsApp daily. Great for calling Arab employers or Saudi-based contacts.
5. IMO
Cost: Free (app-to-app)
Requirements: Both parties need IMO
Pros: Works on slow connections
Cons: Less common in Saudi
IMO is popular among South Asian workers in Saudi Arabia (Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis). If you're calling someone from these communities, IMO might be their preferred app.
6. Skype
Cost: Free (Skype-to-Skype), ₱1.20/min (Skype Out)
Requirements: Internet, Skype account
Pros: Works on computers too
Cons: Higher rates than alternatives
Skype is reliable for both free Skype-to-Skype calls and paid calls to Saudi phone numbers. Monthly subscriptions available for frequent callers.
7. Globe/Smart International Direct Dial (IDD)
Cost: ₱18-25/min (varies by plan)
Requirements: Philippine mobile number
Pros: No app needed, works anywhere
Cons: Very expensive
Direct dialing from Globe or Smart is extremely expensive at ₱18-25 per minute. Only use this as a last resort when you have no internet access.
8. International Calling Cards
Cost: ₱3-8/min (varies)
Requirements: Purchase card, dial access number
Pros: No smartphone needed
Cons: Hidden fees, access numbers annoying
Calling cards are available at sari-sari stores and convenience stores. Watch for connection fees and maintenance charges that reduce your actual minutes.
How to Dial Saudi Arabia from Philippines
Dialing Format
00 + 966 + Area Code + Phone Number
Or use + instead of 00
Calling a Riyadh Landline:
+966 11 XXX XXXX
11 = Riyadh area code
Calling a Saudi Mobile:
+966 5X XXX XXXX
5X = mobile prefix
Saudi Arabia Area Codes
| City/Region | Area Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 11 | +966 11 XXX XXXX |
| Jeddah | 12 | +966 12 XXX XXXX |
| Mecca | 12 | +966 12 XXX XXXX |
| Medina | 14 | +966 14 XXX XXXX |
| Dammam | 13 | +966 13 XXX XXXX |
| Tabuk | 14 | +966 14 XXX XXXX |
| Al Khobar | 13 | +966 13 XXX XXXX |
Saudi Mobile Carrier Prefixes
Saudi mobile numbers start with 5X after the country code (+966). Here are the major carriers:
STC (Saudi Telecom)
050, 053, 055
Kingdom's largest carrier
Mobily
054, 056
Second largest carrier
Zain Saudi
058, 059
Popular with expats
Best Times to Call Saudi Arabia
Time Difference
Saudi Arabia is 5 hours behind the Philippines.
Saudi uses AST (UTC+3), Philippines uses PHT (UTC+8).
Neither country observes daylight saving time.
Best Calling Windows
PH Morning (6-8 AM)
→ Saudi: 1-3 AM (late night - not ideal)
PH Evening (7-10 PM) ✓ Best
→ Saudi: 2-5 PM (afternoon break)
PH Night (10 PM-12 AM)
→ Saudi: 5-7 PM (after work)
Tips for OFWs Calling Home from Saudi Arabia
📱 For OFWs in Saudi Arabia
Use Saudi SIM for Data
Get a local STC, Mobily, or Zain SIM for cheaper data rates. Use data for Messenger/Viber calls home.
Connect to Employer's WiFi
If your employer provides WiFi, use it for calling apps to save mobile data.
Schedule Video Calls
Set a weekly schedule with family. Philippine evening (7-10 PM) = Saudi afternoon (2-5 PM).
BubblyPhone for Emergencies
Keep BubblyPhone credit for urgent calls to landlines (hospitals, schools, barangay offices).
Price Comparison: Philippines to Saudi Arabia Calls
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Connection Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | ₱0.85/min | ₱0.85/min | None |
| Messenger | Free* | N/A | None |
| Viber | Free* | N/A | None |
| Viber Out | ₱1.50/min | ₱1.50/min | ₱4.00 |
| Skype | ₱1.20/min | ₱1.20/min | ₱4.50 |
| Globe IDD | ₱20/min | ₱18/min | Varies |
| Smart IDD | ₱25/min | ₱22/min | Varies |
* Free app-to-app calls only. Rates as of January 2026.
💰 Monthly Savings Example
If you call Saudi Arabia for 30 minutes per week (120 min/month):
Globe/Smart IDD
₱2,160-3,000/mo
Calling Cards
₱360-960/mo
BubblyPhone
₱102/mo
Save up to ₱2,898/month with BubblyPhone!
Call Saudi Arabia for Less Than ₱1/min
Stay connected with loved ones in the Kingdom. BubblyPhone accepts GCash, PayMaya, and credit cards. No minimum purchase.
Get Started Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's country code is +966. When calling from the Philippines, dial 00 966 or +966 followed by the area code and phone number.
What is the cheapest way to call Saudi Arabia from Philippines?
For calling Saudi phone numbers, BubblyPhone offers the cheapest rates at ₱0.85/min. For free calls, use Facebook Messenger or Viber if your contact has the app.
What time should I call Saudi Arabia from Philippines?
Saudi is 5 hours behind the Philippines. The best time to call is Philippine evening (7-10 PM), which is Saudi afternoon (2-5 PM) - perfect for catching OFWs after work.
Can OFWs in Saudi use VoIP apps?
Yes! VoIP apps like BubblyPhone, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber work in Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have a good data connection or WiFi for best call quality.
Which app is best for calling Saudi Arabia?
For free app-to-app calls, Messenger and Viber are most popular with Filipino OFWs. WhatsApp is preferred by Saudi nationals. For calling landlines or non-app users, BubblyPhone offers the lowest rates.