How to Call China
Complete guide to dialing China (country code +86)
Wondering how to call China from your country? Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts, calling China doesn't have to be complicated. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about making international calls to China successfully. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, so you can reach any Chinese phone number with confidence. You'll also learn about common mistakes people make when calling China and how to avoid them. We've included essential information about Chinese phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly, plus a handy list of useful numbers you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to stay connected with China effortlessly.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial China: Complete International Calling Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call China from anywhere in the world, follow this structure:
Exit Code + 86 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number
China's country code is +86, which must be dialed after your country's international exit code.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 86 (China country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading 0
- Dial the local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 86 (China country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading 0
- Dial the local number
From Other Countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's version (commonly 00 for most European countries, or use + on mobile phones).
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Chinese landline numbers begin with 0 domestically (like 010 for Beijing), but you must remove this 0 when dialing internationally. Mobile numbers starting with 0 should also have it dropped.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Beijing Landline (010 1234 5678):
- From USA: 011-86-10-1234-5678
- From UK: 00-86-10-1234-5678
- From mobile anywhere: +86-10-1234-5678
Example 2 - Shanghai Landline (021 8765 4321):
- From USA: 011-86-21-8765-4321
- From UK: 00-86-21-8765-4321
Example 3 - Chinese Mobile Number (139 0123 4567):
- From USA: 011-86-139-0123-4567
- From UK: 00-86-139-0123-4567
- From mobile anywhere: +86-139-0123-4567
Example 4 - Guangzhou Landline (020 9999 8888):
- From USA: 011-86-20-9999-8888
- From mobile anywhere: +86-20-9999-8888
Pro Tip: Using the + symbol on mobile phones automatically applies your country's exit code, making international dialing simpler across all locations.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "China" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,765 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling China, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Chinese phone numbers often display with a leading zero in the area code (like 010 for Beijing). When dialing internationally, you must remove this zero. Dial +86 10, not +86 010.
Using the wrong exit code: If you're not using the + symbol, you need your country's exit code first. For example, US callers dial 011-86, UK callers dial 00-86. Using the wrong exit code means your call won't route internationally.
Confusing the country code with area codes: +86 is China's country code and goes before the area code. Don't accidentally dial the area code twice or omit +86 entirely.
Including unnecessary spaces or dashes: While formatting like +86-10-1234-5678 helps readability, some phone systems may not recognize these characters. If your call fails, try entering the number continuously: +861012345678.
Not accounting for time differences: China uses a single time zone (UTC+8). Calling at your convenient time might mean reaching someone at 3 AM, so always check the local time first.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in China, understanding local customs helps build better relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with "喂" (wèi), meaning "hello," followed by identifying yourself. For business calls, use titles and surnames unless invited to be informal. Personal calls allow more casual language, especially among friends and younger generations.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls should be direct and purposeful. Chinese professionals appreciate efficiency, so state your reason early. Personal calls can be longer and more conversational, often including inquiries about family and well-being.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12-2 PM) or late evenings after 9 PM unless urgent. Business calls work best between 9 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Weekend calls should be reserved for personal relationships or emergencies.
Voice Messages and Missed Calls
Many Chinese people prefer text messages over voicemail, as voicemail services aren't widely used. If someone misses your call, they'll often call back or send a WeChat message. Don't be surprised if your voicemail goes unchecked.
Cultural Considerations
Speaking loudly on phones in public is common and generally accepted in China. When receiving calls during meetings, briefly answering to explain you'll call back is considered polite rather than rude. Phone numbers containing the number eight are considered lucky, while four is avoided due to its association with death.
Ready to call China?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to China from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,765 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire Department: 119
Traffic Accidents: 122
All emergency numbers in China are toll-free and operate 24/7. They can be dialed from any mobile phone, landline, or public telephone without requiring a SIM card or credit. However, English-speaking operators are rarely available, so it's advisable to have a Chinese speaker assist with the call when possible. Alternatively, prepare key phrases or use translation apps beforehand.
In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some operators may have basic English skills, but don't rely on this. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Always provide your exact location and nature of the emergency. Consider saving these numbers in your phone with English labels for quick access during stressful situations.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 114: Directory assistance for local phone numbers and business information
- 12580: China Mobile's comprehensive information service (weather, traffic, business listings)
International Services
- 115: International operator assistance for placing overseas calls
Tourist Support
- 12301: National tourism service hotline (English available) for complaints and travel information
Embassy Contacts
Store your embassy's number in your phone before traveling. Most embassies have 24-hour emergency lines for citizens abroad.
Other Useful Numbers
- 12121: Weather forecast service
- 10086: China Mobile customer service
- 10010: China Unicom customer service
- 95555: Major bank helpline (China Merchants Bank)
Translation Services
Many provinces offer multilingual hotlines for foreign visitors. Check locally upon arrival for regional assistance numbers.
Tips for Calling China
When calling China, timing is crucial for successful communication. China operates on a single time zone, China Standard Time (UTC+8), despite its vast geography. To reach contacts during business hours (typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), plan calls accordingly from your location.
For business calls, always schedule appointments in advance. Chinese professionals appreciate structured planning and punctuality. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:00 PM) when offices may be less responsive.
Consider major holidays when planning calls: Chinese New Year (late January/February) shuts down business for up to two weeks, while Golden Week (early October) brings another week-long holiday. Also avoid National Day (October 1) and May Day (May 1).
Peak hours (9:00-11:00 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM) see higher response rates than early mornings or late afternoons. For cost savings, check your provider's off-peak rates, usually evenings and weekends.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and confirm understanding regularly. Connection quality varies, so use reliable calling services. Having a bilingual colleague available can prevent misunderstandings and demonstrate cultural respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for China is +86. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to China from anywhere in the world.
To dial China from your cell phone, enter + (or 011 in the US), then 86 (China's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +86 10 1234 5678 for a Beijing number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling China internationally. For example, if the local number is 010 1234 5678, dial +86 10 1234 5678 instead.
The cheapest way to call China is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling China.
In China, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire emergencies, and 120 for ambulance services. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones and payphones.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to China directly from your web browser. Simply visit ZippCall, add credit to your account, and start calling China without any downloads or installations required.
Start Calling China Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to China with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,765users who have made11,971minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling China