Calling CHI-town from the land of Adobo: A Guide for the Pinoy Perplexed
Hey there, kababayans! Feeling the urge to chat with a cousin in Cook County or surprise a BFF buried beneath a mountain of deep dish pizza? Then this guide is for you! Calling Chicago (or anywhere in the US for that matter) from the Philippines can feel like navigating the Pasig River during rush hour – chaotic and confusing. But fret no more, because this trusty guide will have you saying "Mabuhay!" to crystal clear connections in no time.
Step 1: Escape the Exit Code Maze - Don't Panic!
First things first, you gotta break free from the Philippines. Just kidding (kind of). Every international call needs an exit code, and ours is like your trusty passport – it lets you roam the world of phone calls. The exit code for the Philippines is 00 (though some landlines or mobile carriers might use a slightly different one, so check with your provider if in doubt).
Step 2: Conquer the Country Code - It's Not as Scary as a Balut!
Think of the country code as your visa. For the US of A, that code is 1. So far, so good, right? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Step 3: Area Code Avalanche - Chicago's Hidden Numbers
Now, things get a tad trickier. The US has a bunch of area codes, kind of like zip codes but for phone numbers. Chicago's area code is most commonly 312. But just like that time you got lost in a maze at Divisoria, there's a chance the number you're calling might have a different area code. You can usually find the area code by googling the business or person you're trying to reach.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about the area code, don't be afraid to ask your Lola or Tito – they probably have it memorized from all those years of calling relatives abroad!
Step 4: Dialing Dominoes - The Final Stretch!
Finally, we reach the home stretch! Once you have the exit code, country code, and area code, all that's left is the actual phone number. Here's the winning formula:
00 (Exit code) + 1 (US Country Code) + Area Code (e.g., 312) + Phone Number
For example, if you're calling your balikbayan aunt in Chicago, the number might look like this: 00 1 312 555-1234
Bonus Round: Calling Apps to the Rescue - Modern Solutions for the Tech-Savvy Pinoy
If you're a millennial or Gen Z who considers a landline a relic of the dinosaurs, there are plenty of calling apps like Viber, Whatsapp, or Facebook Messenger that allow free or cheap calls to the US (as long as you have a strong internet connection, of course). These are great options for those late-night heart-to-hearts or catching up with your barkada back home.
So there you have it, folks! Calling Chicago from the Philippines is a breeze with this guide. Now go forth and conquer those international connections! Remember, a phone call is way cheaper than a plane ticket (unless you find a super seat sale – fingers crossed!).
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
