Ever tried connecting with family in Taiwan, only to be met with confusing beeps and dropped calls? Navigating international dialing codes can feel like cracking a secret language, especially when you're just trying to hear a loved one's voice. With strong economic ties and deep family connections between the US and Taiwan, knowing how to make a successful call is more important than ever. Whether you're calling for business, staying in touch with relatives, or simply exploring opportunities abroad, a clear and reliable connection is essential.
Misdialing even a single digit can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary charges. Understanding the correct format ensures your calls go through smoothly, saving you both money and stress. From understanding exit codes to area codes, this guide breaks down the entire process into easy-to-follow steps, empowering you to confidently dial Taiwan from the United States.
What are the most common questions about dialing Taiwan from the US?
What's the correct exit code to dial Taiwan from the US?
The correct exit code to dial Taiwan from the US is 011. This code is used to indicate that you are dialing out of the United States to an international number.
When dialing Taiwan from the US, you must follow a specific format. You'll first dial the exit code (011), then the country code for Taiwan (886), followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a number in Taipei, the area code is 2. So, the entire sequence would look like this: 011-886-2-XXXXXXXX (where XXXXXXXX represents the local 8-digit phone number). If you're calling a mobile number, you typically drop the leading '0' from the mobile prefix after the country code. Therefore a Taiwanese mobile phone number 09XX-XXX-XXX would be dialed as 011-886-9XX-XXX-XXX.
It's important to verify the specific area code for the region in Taiwan you are trying to reach. Using an incorrect area code will result in the call not connecting, or connecting to the wrong number. You can easily find Taiwan area codes online using a search engine. Additionally, calling rates vary depending on your phone service provider, so it's always a good idea to check with them beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.
Do I need to dial a '1' before the country code for Taiwan?
No, you do not need to dial a '1' before the country code for Taiwan (886) when calling from the United States. The '1' is only required when dialing within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the US, Canada, and some Caribbean nations. When calling internationally from the US, you dial the exit code (011), then the country code, then the area code (if applicable), and finally the local number.
The process for dialing Taiwan from the US is straightforward. First, dial the US exit code, which is 011. This tells your phone provider that you are making an international call. Next, dial the country code for Taiwan, which is 886. After that, you will need to dial the area code for the specific region you are calling in Taiwan. Keep in mind that Taiwan area codes may have varying lengths. Finally, dial the local phone number you are trying to reach. For example, to call a number in Taipei, you might dial 011-886-2-xxxxxxxx, where 'xxxxxxxx' is the local number and '2' is the area code for Taipei.
It's important to note that some mobile phone plans may offer international calling features that simplify the process. Check with your mobile provider to see if they have specific instructions or a dedicated international calling app that could make dialing Taiwan easier and potentially cheaper. Also, be aware of the time difference between the US and Taiwan to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Taiwan Standard Time (TST) is GMT+8, which means it is typically 12-16 hours ahead of US time zones, depending on daylight saving time.
Are there any cheaper alternatives to direct dialing Taiwan?
Yes, there are several cheaper alternatives to direct dialing Taiwan from the US. These options leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or utilize calling cards, significantly reducing the cost per minute compared to traditional phone companies.
Direct dialing, while convenient, often incurs high international rates. VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Viber offer significantly lower per-minute rates or even free calls (to other users of the same app). These services use your internet connection to transmit calls, bypassing the traditional phone network and its associated charges. Similarly, international calling cards allow you to purchase a block of calling time at a discounted rate. You dial an access number, enter a PIN, and then dial the Taiwan number. The best option depends on your specific needs. If you need to call landlines and mobile phones frequently, a VoIP service with competitive international rates might be the most suitable. If you only call occasionally, a calling card could be more economical. Also, consider the internet infrastructure in both the US and Taiwan. A strong and stable internet connection on both ends is crucial for good call quality when using VoIP services. Comparison websites and user reviews can help you identify the cheapest and most reliable option for your specific calling patterns to Taiwan.What's the Taiwan country code?
The country code for Taiwan is +886.
When dialing Taiwan from the United States, you first need to dial the exit code for the US, which is 011. Then, you add the country code for Taiwan, 886. Finally, you enter the local number, but be sure to drop the initial zero if it's present in the Taiwan local number. For example, if the Taiwan number is 02-1234-5678, you would dial 011-886-2-1234-5678. Therefore, the general format for dialing Taiwan from the US is: 011 (US exit code) + 886 (Taiwan country code) + area code (without the leading zero) + local number. Always verify that you are dropping the leading zero from the Taiwan area code to ensure the call goes through correctly. Some mobile phone providers also allow dialing "+" instead of "011," so you could also dial +886 followed by the area code and local number.How do I avoid international call charges when calling Taiwan from the US?
The easiest way to avoid international call charges when calling Taiwan from the US is to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, or Viber, which allow you to make calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines. These services typically offer free calls or very low rates to international numbers, provided both you and the person you're calling have the app installed and an internet connection.
Making calls through VoIP services essentially bypasses the traditional phone network, eliminating the per-minute charges levied by your mobile carrier for international calls. These apps use your existing Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to transmit your voice, so you only need to be mindful of your data usage if you're not on Wi-Fi. Many offer free calling to other users of the same app, and inexpensive rates to dial landlines and mobile phones directly in Taiwan. Another option is to check with your current mobile carrier about international calling plans or add-ons. Sometimes, carriers offer packages that include a certain amount of international calling minutes for a fixed monthly fee. While this might not be completely free, it could significantly reduce your calling costs compared to standard international rates. Just be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions, as these plans may have usage limits or restrictions.Will my US cell phone work for dialing Taiwan numbers?
Yes, your US cell phone will work for dialing Taiwan numbers, but you'll need to dial the correct international dialing code and be aware of potential international charges from your mobile carrier.
To successfully call a Taiwan number from the US, you need to dial the following sequence: 011 (the US exit code) + 886 (Taiwan's country code) + the Taiwan area code (usually 2 for Taipei, for example) + the local Taiwan phone number. Remember to drop the leading zero from the Taiwan area code if it has one. So, if you were calling a Taipei number 02-1234-5678, you would dial 011-886-2-1234-5678. Be sure to check with your mobile carrier about their international calling rates or any international plans they offer. Calling without a plan can result in substantial per-minute charges. Many carriers offer add-on international calling plans or international day passes that can significantly reduce the cost. Also, consider using VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice which often provide cheaper alternatives for international calls, as long as you have a stable internet connection in both locations.Alright, you're all set to give your friends and family in Taiwan a call! Hopefully, these tips helped you navigate the dialing process without a hitch. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back for more helpful guides in the future. Happy chatting!