Ever tried calling a friend in China only to be met with silence or a confusing error message? You're not alone. International calling can seem like a daunting task, fraught with unfamiliar codes and the potential for unexpected charges. Successfully connecting with loved ones, business partners, or anyone in China requires a clear understanding of the correct dialing procedure.
In an increasingly interconnected world, staying in touch across borders is more vital than ever. Whether you're building international business relationships, keeping up with family living abroad, or simply coordinating travel arrangements, knowing how to reliably and affordably make phone calls to China is a valuable skill. Avoiding common mistakes and understanding your options for both mobile and landline calls can save you time, money, and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling China from the US
What's the US exit code for calling China?
The US exit code for calling China is 011. This code is necessary when dialing internationally from the United States, signaling to the US phone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country.
Think of the exit code as a gateway. When you dial 011, you're telling your phone service provider that the subsequent numbers are not a domestic call, but rather part of an international phone number. Without this code, the phone system wouldn't know to route your call internationally.
Therefore, the complete sequence for dialing a phone number in China from the US involves starting with the exit code (011), followed by China's country code (86), then the area code (if applicable – some numbers are mobile and don't require an area code) and finally the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a mobile number in China, you might dial 011 86 139XXXXXXXX.
What is China's country code?
China's country code is 86.
To call China from the United States, you must first dial the exit code for the US, then China's country code, and finally the local number. The exit code for the US is 011. Therefore, the general format for dialing a Chinese phone number from the US is: 011 + 86 + [Chinese phone number]. This format applies to both landlines and mobile phones in China. Remember to drop the leading zero from the Chinese area code if the phone number you are calling is a landline. For example, if the Chinese phone number is 010-12345678 (where 010 is the area code), you would dial 011 86 10 12345678. Mobile phone numbers in China do not have a leading zero to drop. If you're unsure whether the number is a landline or mobile, try dialing it both ways; you won't be charged if the call doesn't connect. Using a mobile phone or VoIP service might present slightly different dialing interfaces but the core sequence (011 + 86 + Chinese phone number) remains the same. Check with your mobile carrier or VoIP provider for specifics related to their platform if you experience any issues.Do I need a special international calling plan to call China from the US?
Whether you need a special international calling plan to call China from the US depends on your current phone plan and how frequently you plan to call. While it's possible to make international calls without a specific plan, you'll likely incur per-minute charges that can quickly become expensive. A dedicated international calling plan, or utilizing alternative methods like VoIP services, often provides more cost-effective solutions for regular calls to China.
Making international calls without a specific plan typically results in high per-minute rates charged by your mobile carrier or landline provider. These rates can vary significantly, and even a short conversation can lead to substantial charges on your bill. To avoid these unexpected costs, it's advisable to check your current plan details or contact your provider to inquire about their international calling rates for China. Compare these rates with the cost of adding an international calling plan to see if it's a more economical choice.
Alternatively, consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, WeChat, or Google Voice. These platforms usually offer significantly cheaper international calls, often relying on internet data rather than traditional phone lines. Many also offer free voice and video calls to other users of the same service, making them ideal if the person you're calling in China also uses the same app.
Here's how to dial China from the US:
- Exit Code: Dial 011 (this is the US exit code needed to dial out of the country).
- Country Code: Dial 86 (this is the country code for China).
- Area Code: Dial the area code for the specific region in China you are calling (e.g., 10 for Beijing). Note that mobile phone numbers in China do not have area codes.
- Phone Number: Dial the local phone number.
So, the complete dialing sequence would look like this: 011 + 86 + Area Code (if applicable) + Phone Number.
How do I dial a Chinese mobile number from the US?
To call a Chinese mobile number from the US, you'll need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the China country code (86), and then the 11-digit mobile number itself. The complete dialing format is: 011-86-XXXXXXXXXXX.
Calling internationally can seem tricky at first, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. First, the "011" serves as the exit code, informing the US phone network that you're dialing outside of the country. Then, "86" is China's country code, routing the call towards the Chinese telecommunications network. Finally, you enter the recipient's 11-digit mobile number. Be sure to double-check that you have the correct number to avoid dialing the wrong person. Keep in mind that international calls can be subject to charges from your phone provider. These charges can vary significantly depending on your plan. It's wise to check with your provider beforehand or explore alternative options like using VoIP services (such as Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat) which may offer lower rates for international calls, particularly if the person you are calling also uses the same app. These apps often use internet data rather than traditional phone lines.Are there any cheaper alternatives to direct dialing from the US to China?
Yes, several cheaper alternatives to direct dialing from the US to China exist, primarily leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and mobile apps. These options typically offer significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional phone companies.
While direct dialing using your landline or mobile carrier often incurs high international rates, VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, and Viber offer much more competitive pricing. These services use the internet to transmit voice data, bypassing traditional telephone networks and reducing costs. Similarly, mobile apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and FaceTime (for Apple users) allow free calls to China if the recipient also uses the same app and both parties have an internet connection. Another option is to consider international calling cards. While potentially less convenient than app-based solutions, they can offer very low rates, especially if you purchase a card specific to calls to China. Be sure to compare the per-minute rates, connection fees, and expiration dates of different calling cards before purchasing. Furthermore, many mobile carriers offer international calling plans as add-ons to your existing service; these plans often include discounted rates for calls to specific countries like China and may be cheaper than direct dialing without a plan. Finally, consider the time difference when making calls. Being mindful of the time in China can help you avoid calling at inconvenient hours, potentially allowing the recipient to use a free Wi-Fi connection rather than data, which could be a cost factor on their end.What's the correct sequence of numbers to dial when calling China?
To call China from the US, you must dial the following sequence: 011 + 86 + [area code] + [local number]. The "011" is the exit code for the United States, "86" is the country code for China, the "area code" is specific to the region you are calling within China (and typically 2-4 digits), and the "local number" is the specific phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach.
When making an international call, understanding each component is critical. The exit code (011 for the US) tells your phone network that you are dialing outside of the country. The country code (86 for China) identifies the destination country. China uses area codes to further pinpoint the geographic location within the country, similar to how area codes work in the US. It's important to have the correct area code, as dialing the wrong one will likely result in a failed call. Before dialing, it's advisable to double-check the area code for the specific city or region you're calling within China. You can easily find this information online with a quick search. Note that mobile phone numbers in China do not require an area code after the country code. Instead, you simply dial the country code (86) followed by the 11-digit mobile phone number.Are there different area codes for major cities in China I need to know?
Yes, you absolutely need to know the specific area codes for major cities in China when dialing from the US. China does not use a uniform national area code system like the US, and each city or region has its own distinct area code. Forgetting to include the correct area code will result in your call not going through.
When dialing from the US to China, you'll need to use the following format: 011 (US exit code) + 86 (China country code) + [City Area Code] + [Local Phone Number]. Major cities like Beijing (area code 10), Shanghai (area code 21), Guangzhou (area code 20), and Shenzhen (area code 755) all have unique area codes. Other cities such as Chengdu (area code 28) and Hangzhou (area code 571) also have different codes. Before placing your call, it's crucial to confirm the correct area code for the specific city you are trying to reach. You can easily find this information online through a quick search engine query like "area code for [city name] China." Keeping a list of the most commonly called city codes handy can also save you time and prevent dialing errors. Misdialing is common if you are not careful. Failing to include the correct area code will lead to an incomplete phone number, and your call will not connect. Some cities, especially smaller ones, may have area codes that are less widely known, so verification is always recommended to ensure a successful connection.Alright, that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now feeling confident and ready to connect with friends, family, or colleagues in China. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide made dialing a little less daunting. Come back and visit us anytime you need a little help navigating the world of international calls!