How to Call China | China Area Codes

Calling China from abroad can seem daunting, but with the right information, it’s a straightforward process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to call China, including the country code, area codes, and some helpful tips to ensure your call goes through successfully.

Dialing Format

To call China Phone Number List from another country, you’ll need to follow this dialing format:

1. Dial the exit code of the country you’re calling from. This is often 00 or 011, but can vary depending on your location.
2. Dial the country code for China, which is 86.
3. Dial the area code (2-4 digits) and local number.

For example, to call a number in Beijing, China from the United States, you would dial:011 86 10 1234567Here’s a breakdown of the dialing format:

• 011: U.S. exit code
• 86: China country code
• 10: Beijing area code
• 1234567: Local number

It’s important to note that you should drop any leading zeros in the area code when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 010-1234567, you would dial it as 10-1234567 when calling from abroad.

China Area Codes

China has a variety of area codes depending on the city or region. Here are some of the major city area codes:

For a more comprehensive list of area codes, refer to the tables provided in the search results.

Tips for Calling China

1. Check the time difference: China has a single time zone, China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8. This means China is 12-13 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast and 15-16 hours ahead of the U.S. West Coast, depending on daylight saving time. Keep this in mind when scheduling calls.
2. Use a reliable calling service: Consider using a VoIP service like Vonage, Skype, or Ooma to get affordable rates and high-quality connections when calling China.
3. Utilize mobile apps: Apps like WeChat and WhatsApp allow you to make calls to China over the internet, often at no cost if both parties are using the same app.
4. Keep emergency numbers handy: The emergency number in China is 110 for police, 119 for fire, and 120 for medical emergencies.
5. Verify the number format: Double-check that you have the correct area code and local number before dialing. Some numbers may have changed or be out of service.

Calling Tips for Specific Scenarios

1. Calling from a landline: Dial the exit code, country code, area code, and local number.
2. Calling from a mobile phone: You can often dial +86 followed by the area code and local number without the leading zero in the area code.
3. Calling a mobile number: Chinese mobile numbers typically start with 1. Dial the exit code, country code, mobile prefix, and local number.
4. Calling within China: Dial 0, the area code, and local number.

Best Times to Call China

When calling China, it’s essential to consider the time difference. China Standard Time (CST) is UTC+8, which means it’s 12-13 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast and 15-16 hours ahead of the U.S. West Coast, depending on daylight saving time.To ensure your call is answered, try to call during the following times:

• Weekdays: Between 9 AM and 6 PM CST, which corresponds to 9 PM the previous day to 6 AM in the U.S. East Coast and 6 PM the previous day to 3 AM in the U.S. West Coast.
• Weekends: Generally, weekends can be more relaxed, but calling in the late morning or early afternoon is often best, which corresponds to late evening or early morning in the U.S.

Cost of Calling China

Calling China can vary in cost depending on your service provider and the method you choose. Here are some options:

1. Traditional Phone Services: Most landline and mobile providers offer international calling plans. Check with your provider for rates to China.
2. VoIP Services: Services like Skype, Vonage, and Ooma often offer lower rates for international calls. These services can be very cost-effective, especially for frequent callers.
3. Mobile Apps: Many mobile apps, such as WeChat and WhatsApp, allow you to make calls to China at significantly reduced rates or even for free if both parties are using the same app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your call to China isn’t going through, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check the Number: Ensure you have dialed the correct number, including the exit code, country code, area code, and local number.
2. Network Issues: Sometimes, network issues can prevent calls from connecting. Try again later or check with your service provider.
3. International Calling Setup: Ensure that your phone plan is set up for international calling. Some plans may require you to enable this feature.
4. VoIP Connection: If using a VoIP service, ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid dropped calls or poor quality.
5. Dial Tone Differences: Be aware that the dial tone in China may sound different from what you are used to. After dialing, you should hear a ringing tone similar to a set of two short bursts.

Calling China from the U.S. and Canada

To call China from the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to follow this dialing format:

1. Dial the exit code for the U.S. or Canada, which is 011.
2. Dial the country code for China, which is 86.
3. Dial the area code (2-4 digits) and local number.

For example, to call a number in Beijing, China from the U.S., you would dial:

Calling China from Other Countries

The dialing format for calling China from other countries is similar to the U.S. and Canada, but with a different exit code:

1. Dial the exit code for your country. This is often 00, but can vary depending on your location.
2. Dial the country code for China, which is 86.
3. Dial the area code (2-4 digits) and local number.

For example, to call a number in Shanghai, China Latest Lead from the United Kingdom, you would dial:

Conclusion

Calling China from abroad is a straightforward process once you understand the proper dialing format and local nuances. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, utilizing reliable calling services, and keeping a few tips in mind, you can easily stay connected with your contacts in China. Remember to be mindful of the time difference and always verify the number format to ensure a successful call.