How to Call Taiwan
Complete guide to dialing Taiwan (country code +886)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Taiwan? Learning how to call Taiwan doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Taiwan from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the exact dialing instructions step-by-step, highlight common mistakes people make when placing calls, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate professionally and respectfully. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making clear, successful calls to Taiwan every time, avoiding costly errors and connection issues.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Taiwan (+886)
International Dialing Format Structure
When calling Taiwan internationally, follow this format: Exit Code + 886 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number. Taiwan's country code is +886, and you must remove the leading zero from area codes and mobile numbers when dialing internationally.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
Dial 011-886-[area code]-[local number]. The exit code for North America is 011.
From the UK and most European countries:
Dial 00-886-[area code]-[local number]. The exit code is 00.
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code, typically 00 or 011, then add 886 and the Taiwan number.
Detailed Examples for Different Number Types
Example 1 - Calling Taipei landline (02-2123-4567) from USA:
Dial 011-886-2-2123-4567
Note: Remove the leading "0" from "02"
Example 2 - Calling Kaohsiung landline (07-345-6789) from UK:
Dial 00-886-7-345-6789
The "07" area code becomes "7"
Example 3 - Calling Taiwan mobile (0912-345-678) from USA:
Dial 011-886-912-345-678
Remove the leading "0" from the mobile number
Example 4 - Calling Taichung landline (04-2234-5678) from Australia:
Dial 0011-886-4-2234-5678
Australia's exit code is 0011
Important Tips for Dropping the Leading Zero
Taiwan landline area codes (02, 03, 04, etc.) and mobile numbers (starting with 09) always begin with zero domestically. Always drop this leading zero when dialing internationally. For instance, a Taipei number listed as 02-XXXX-XXXX becomes 886-2-XXXX-XXXX internationally.
Understanding this format ensures successful connections to Taiwan from anywhere worldwide.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Taiwan, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Taiwan phone numbers begin with 0 for domestic calls, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 02-2345-6789, dial +886-2-2345-6789, not +886-02-2345-6789.
2. Using incorrect exit codes
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for the US, 00 for most European countries). Alternatively, use the "+" symbol, which works universally on mobile phones and eliminates confusion.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Taiwan's country code is +886, while area codes like 2 (Taipei) or 4 (Taichung) come after. Don't accidentally dial the area code as part of the country code.
4. Incorrectly formatting mobile numbers
Taiwan mobile numbers start with 9 and have 9 digits total. After removing the leading 0, dial +886-9XX-XXX-XXX, not +886-09XX-XXX-XXX.
5. Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes
While spaces improve readability, adding them incorrectly in your phone's keypad can cause dialing errors. Enter numbers continuously or follow the standard format.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Taiwan, understanding local customs helps create positive interactions and shows cultural respect.
Greetings and Formality
Answer calls with "wei" (喂), the standard Taiwanese telephone greeting. In business contexts, use formal titles like "Mr." or "Ms." followed by the surname. Personal calls allow more casual language, but maintain politeness with elders or new acquaintances.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls should be direct yet courteous. State your name and purpose early in the conversation. Personal calls typically include more small talk and relationship-building before addressing the main topic, reflecting Taiwan's relationship-oriented culture.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:30 PM) or late evenings after 9:00 PM. Business calls work best during office hours (9:00 AM-6:00 PM). Weekend calls should be reserved for personal matters unless previously agreed upon.
Voice Messages
Taiwanese people commonly use messaging apps like LINE instead of traditional voicemail. If leaving a voicemail, keep it brief and clear. Many prefer text-based messages, which allow recipients to respond at their convenience.
Cultural Considerations
Speaking softly and avoiding aggressive tones demonstrates respect. Don't be surprised if Taiwanese speakers switch between Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, or English during conversations. Brief pauses in conversation are normal and shouldn't be filled immediately. Always thank the person before ending calls, using "xie xie" (謝謝) to show appreciation.
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Emergency Numbers
110 - Police
Available 24/7 for reporting crimes, accidents, and security emergencies. English-speaking operators are available.
119 - Fire Department and Ambulance
Single number for both fire emergencies and medical assistance. Operates 24/7 with English support available.
112 - International Emergency Number
Works from mobile phones even without signal or credit. Connects to emergency services.
1922 - Public Health Hotline
For COVID-19 information and general health inquiries. English service available during business hours.
1955 - Foreign Worker Consultation Hotline
Multilingual support for foreign workers and residents.
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from landlines and mobile phones throughout Taiwan. The 110 and 119 services provide English-speaking operators around the clock. When calling, clearly state your location and the nature of your emergency.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 104: Local directory assistance for telephone numbers
- 105: International directory assistance
Operator Services
- 100: Domestic operator assistance
- 108: International operator for collect calls and person-to-person calls
Tourist Services
- 0800-011-765: Taiwan Tourism Bureau toll-free hotline (English, Japanese, Chinese)
- 1968: English-speaking tourist information hotline
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for assistance. Major embassies are located in Taipei's Xinyi and Zhongshan districts.
Other Helpful Numbers
- 113: Domestic violence and sexual assault hotline
- 1922: Health and epidemic prevention hotline
- 165: Anti-fraud hotline
- 1999: Taipei City Hall citizen service hotline (for municipal services, complaints)
Keep these numbers saved in your phone for convenient access during your stay.
Tips for Calling Taiwan
When calling Taiwan, timing is crucial for successful connections. Taiwan operates on UTC+8 with no daylight saving time, making it 13-16 hours ahead of US time zones depending on the season.
For personal calls, early mornings or evenings work best to catch people outside work hours. Business calls should target 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Taipei time, Monday through Friday. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:30 PM) when offices may be less responsive.
Schedule business calls in advance whenever possible—this shows respect and ensures availability. Taiwanese professionals appreciate punctuality and preparation.
Key dates to avoid include Lunar New Year (late January/February), when businesses close for up to a week, plus Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day (October 10).
For clear communication, speak slowly and clearly, as English proficiency varies. Consider using video calls for important business discussions to aid understanding through visual cues. Have key points written down beforehand, and confirm action items via follow-up email. When possible, engage a translator for complex technical or legal matters to prevent misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Taiwan is +886. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Taiwan from anywhere in the world.
To call Taiwan from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 886 (Taiwan's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local phone number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Taiwan's area code when calling internationally. For example, if the area code is 02 (Taipei), dial +886 2 followed by the local number.
The cheapest way to call Taiwan 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 Taiwan.
In Taiwan, dial 110 for police emergencies, 119 for fire and ambulance services, and 112 from mobile phones for general emergencies. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed without the country code when you're in Taiwan.
Yes, with ZippCall you can make calls to Taiwan directly from your web browser. Simply visit ZippCall's website, add credit to your account, and start calling Taiwan without needing to download any software or apps.
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