How To Call Taiwan From Usa

Ever tried calling overseas only to be met with a frustrating series of beeps and a confused dial tone? Connecting with loved ones, conducting business, or simply staying in touch with contacts in Taiwan from the USA can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Despite the distance and international dialing codes, making that call is easier than you might think with the right knowledge.

In today's interconnected world, clear and reliable communication is essential. Whether you're reaching out to family, friends, or business associates, knowing the proper procedures for international calls ensures that you can connect smoothly and efficiently. Understanding the dialing codes, time differences, and potential costs involved can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

What Do I Need to Know Before Calling Taiwan?

What is the correct country code to dial Taiwan from the USA?

The correct country code to dial Taiwan from the USA is 886.

To call Taiwan from the United States, you'll need to follow a specific dialing sequence. First, dial the exit code for the US, which is 011. This tells your phone company that you're making an international call. Following the exit code, you enter the country code for Taiwan, which is 886. This directs your call to the Taiwanese telephone network. After the country code, you'll need to dial the area code for the specific region within Taiwan you're trying to reach. It's important to note that Taiwan's area codes are typically two digits long. However, cellular phone numbers in Taiwan don't use area codes, so you skip this step when calling a mobile. Finally, you enter the local phone number of the person or business you're trying to contact. Here's a breakdown of the dialing sequence: 011 (US exit code) + 886 (Taiwan country code) + Area Code (if applicable) + Local Phone Number

What is the exit code for calling internationally from the USA?

The exit code for calling internationally from the USA is 011.

When making an international call from the United States, you must first dial the exit code, also known as the international access code. This code signals to the phone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country. After dialing 011, you would enter the country code for Taiwan (886), followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number.

Therefore, the complete format for calling a landline in Taiwan from the USA would look like this: 011 + 886 + [Taiwan Area Code] + [Local Phone Number]. For a mobile phone, since they don't use area codes, it would be: 011 + 886 + [Mobile Phone Number]. Remember to drop the leading zero if the Taiwanese phone number begins with one.

Do I need to drop the leading zero when dialing a Taiwan phone number from the US?

Yes, you need to drop the leading zero when dialing a Taiwan phone number from the US. The leading zero is a trunk prefix used for domestic calls within Taiwan, but it's not needed when calling from an international location like the United States.

When dialing a Taiwan phone number from the US, you first dial the US exit code (011), then the Taiwan country code (886), then the area code (dropping the leading zero), and finally the local number. For example, if the Taiwan phone number is (02) 1234-5678, you would dial 011-886-2-1234-5678. Notice that the leading zero in the (02) area code is omitted. Remember that Taiwan mobile phone numbers do begin with "09". When calling a Taiwan mobile number from the US, you would drop the leading zero from "09," making it "9". The dialing sequence becomes 011-886-9XXXXXXXX (where XXXXXXXXX represents the remaining digits of the mobile number). It's always a good idea to double-check the number format with the person you are calling to ensure you dial correctly.

Are there cheaper alternatives to calling Taiwan from the US than using a landline?

Yes, numerous cheaper alternatives exist for calling Taiwan from the US compared to using a traditional landline. These options leverage internet-based technologies to reduce costs, often offering significantly lower per-minute rates or even free calls under certain conditions.

While landlines often have high international calling rates, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, and Vonage are popular and offer significantly cheaper rates per minute to call Taiwanese phone numbers. Often, these services have subscription options geared toward international calls, or pay-as-you-go plans that are still cheaper than traditional phone companies. Mobile apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Line also provide free calling to Taiwan, but both the caller and the recipient must have the same app installed and an active internet connection. This makes them excellent options for connecting with family and friends who also use these platforms. Another option to consider is purchasing international calling cards. These cards can offer competitive rates, especially for longer calls. However, carefully review the terms and conditions, as some cards may have hidden fees or expiration dates. Finally, consider the time difference between the US and Taiwan to avoid calling at inconvenient hours, which could potentially lead to unanswered calls and wasted credit, regardless of the chosen method.

What is the time difference between the US and Taiwan when I'm calling?

Taiwan is 12 to 16 hours ahead of the United States, depending on the specific US time zone and whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect in the US.

To accurately determine the time difference, you need to know which US time zone you are calling from (e.g., Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific) and the current date. Taiwan Standard Time (TST) is UTC+8, meaning it's always 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The US, however, spans several time zones that shift with Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the spring and fall. This means the gap between your local time and Taiwan's can fluctuate.

For example, during Standard Time (roughly November to March), Taiwan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), 14 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST), 15 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (MST), and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). During Daylight Saving Time (roughly March to November), these differences reduce by one hour each.

How do I call a Taiwan mobile phone from the US?

To call a Taiwan mobile phone from the US, you'll need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Taiwan country code (886), then the Taiwan mobile phone number (dropping the initial '0' if present).

Calling internationally can seem complex, but it's straightforward once you understand the sequence. The US exit code, 011, tells the US phone network that you're making an international call. Next, 886 is the country code specifically assigned to Taiwan. Finally, you enter the Taiwan mobile phone number. Critically, you must remove the leading '0' that typically precedes Taiwan mobile numbers when dialing within Taiwan. So, if the Taiwan mobile number is 0912-345-678, you would dial 011-886-912-345-678. Keep in mind that international calling rates apply, and these can vary significantly depending on your phone plan and provider. Before calling, it's advisable to check with your phone company about their international rates to Taiwan. Many providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost. You might also consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp, which often offer cheaper international calls, especially if the recipient also uses the same service. These apps can drastically reduce costs by leveraging data instead of traditional phone networks.

Will my US cell phone work in Taiwan, and how much will it cost to call the US from there?

Yes, your US cell phone *likely* will work in Taiwan, but you need to confirm compatibility and be aware of roaming charges. Calling the US from Taiwan can range from relatively inexpensive to very expensive depending on your chosen method, from using your US carrier's international plan, purchasing a local Taiwanese SIM card, or utilizing Wi-Fi calling.

Your US cell phone's compatibility hinges on two main factors: network technology and frequency bands. Taiwan uses GSM and LTE networks, similar to the US. Most modern smartphones are designed to work on multiple networks, but it's crucial to verify that your phone supports the specific frequency bands used in Taiwan. You can usually find this information in your phone's specifications or by contacting your carrier. Even if your phone is compatible, using your US carrier's international roaming can be costly. Data roaming charges can be particularly high, easily exceeding several dollars per megabyte. Voice calls can also be significantly more expensive than domestic rates. Before you travel, check with your carrier about their international roaming plans and the associated rates for Taiwan. Often, they offer daily or monthly packages that provide a more affordable way to use your phone abroad. A significantly cheaper option is to purchase a local SIM card in Taiwan. This allows you to use a Taiwanese phone number and take advantage of local rates for calls, texts, and data. Several mobile operators in Taiwan offer prepaid SIM cards specifically designed for tourists, often including generous data allowances. You can typically purchase these SIM cards at the airport or in mobile phone stores throughout Taiwan. Finally, leveraging Wi-Fi calling is an excellent way to avoid roaming charges altogether. Most smartphones now support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network. This can be used with apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or your regular phone dialer if your carrier supports it. Just be sure to turn off cellular data and roaming to prevent accidental charges.

Alright, that's everything you need to know to connect with friends, family, or colleagues in Taiwan from the USA! Hopefully, this guide has made the process a little less daunting and a lot more straightforward. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found it helpful. Come back and visit us anytime you need a little international communication help!