Now more than ever, staying in touch with your loved ones in the Philippines is hugely important. We all want to travel to see our family again, but until that is possible, we are lucky to have many different ways of communicating.
Every day you can see how digital technology is rapidly improving. There are exciting new ways that we can speak to each other, many of them for free. Social media, apps and digital phone calls can make the world feel like a smaller place.
It’s natural to feel lonely in periods like this, but there’s a good chance that contacting your family will lift your mood.
Well, in order to help you communicate in the cheapest and most convenient way possible, in this blog we will be looking at:
- How do I make an international call from the Philippines?
- Can I call a landline using Wi-Fi?
- Can I call the Philippines from the UK for free?
- What’s the best way to contact my family in the Philippines?
- Can I use phone apps to send money?
How do I make an international call from the Philippines?
To make an international call from the Philippines you need to know the international country code for the destination you’re calling.
For example, if you are calling the US you need to use the code 001 at the start of the number and to call the UK the code is 0044.
International calls can be very expensive so your family should consider a phone card which can greatly bring down the cost. Even better, there are plenty of free options for calling both from and to the Philippines and we will be looking at these shortly.
Can I call a landline using Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi calling uses an internet connection rather than a phone network, making it possible to contact someone using your cell phone, even if you don’t have reception.
The benefit of Wi-Fi calling is that the person you are contacting can be on any network, they don’t have to be on the same one as you. It even works when calling a landline. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection then you can make your call.
If you have an iPhone 5S and above or Samsung Galaxy S6 and above, then you are able to use Wi-Fi calling – just make sure it is switched on within your phone’s settings.
Remember though, these calls are not free and will still be charged at your network rate.
Can I call the Philippines from the UK for free?
The good news is that you can indeed call the Philippines for free from the UK. Whether apps, web messengers or social media platforms, there are a great variety of free options available.
The increasing popularity of smart technology means that all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer.
For example, if both you and your family download WhatsApp then you can make calls via the app for free. You can also have multiple people on the same call, which is great if your family members don’t all live in the same household. Platforms such as Skype and Zoom offer similar services.
It’s not just calls; you might prefer to communicate using text instead. Apps like Messenger and Viber enable you to do just that.
What’s the best way to contact my family in the Philippines?
With so many options it really does depend on what works best for you.
One thing to consider is if the person you are calling is without Wi-Fi. In that case it still might be better for you to consider using an international calling card as these tend to be cheaper than using a landline or cell phone.
Now you know that you can call for free using WhatsApp, Skype and similar apps, you can save a lot of money on expensive long-distance calls. Even phone cards don’t compare.
Sometimes though you might just want to quickly check in to see how someone is or ask an important question. In this case the best thing to do might be send a quick message through Messenger or something similar.
There are many other fun ways to keep in touch, maybe there is a TikTok star in your family just waiting to share their latest moves!
Can I use phone apps to send money?
Once you’ve started using apps like WhatsApp you might want to know what else is possible using your cell phone.
Just as apps can make talking to your family cheaper and easier, they can have the same impact when you send money to the Philippines. This will save you time and give you the information you need to know exactly when the funds have been received.
We have made it a priority to keep up with the digital transformation of the world. Using the Small World app, available from the App Store and Google Play, you can deposit Pesos or USD directly into a bank account within minutes.
You can also choose over 11,861 locations for cash pick-up and transfer money to a cell phone provider as airtime.
This guide will help you get started with our app and might even give you something exciting to discuss with your family next time you contact them.
