Ever tried calling a loved one in Taiwan only to be met with a frustrating silence or a confusing error message? Connecting across continents can feel complicated, but reaching Taiwan from the US doesn't have to be a guessing game. Whether you're calling family, friends, or business associates, understanding the correct dialing codes and procedures ensures clear communication and avoids unnecessary charges.
Knowing how to dial Taiwan from the US is crucial for maintaining relationships, conducting international business, and staying connected with the global community. Incorrect dialing can lead to failed calls, wasted time, and unexpected fees from your phone provider. This guide will provide a straightforward breakdown of the dialing process, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently and efficiently call Taiwan every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling 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.
When making an international call from the United States, you must first dial an exit code. This code tells the US telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country. The exit code for the US, which is also used in Canada and several other North American countries, is 011. Without this exit code, the phone system would interpret the subsequent digits as a domestic US phone number, and the call would not be routed internationally.
After dialing the exit code (011), you must then dial the country code for Taiwan, which is 886. Following the country code, you will dial the local area code and then the local phone number. Be aware that Taiwan's area codes can be one or two digits long. Remember to drop the leading zero from the area code if the instructions of your telephone carrier or calling app direct you to do so; this is a common instruction, but it may not always be necessary. For example, to call a Taipei number (area code 02), you would dial 011-886-2-xxxx-xxxx.
Do I need to use a specific carrier to call Taiwan?
No, you don't necessarily need to use a specific carrier to call Taiwan from the US. Most major mobile and landline carriers in the US, such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others, offer international calling plans that include Taiwan. However, the rates and features of these plans can vary significantly, so it's crucial to compare them before making a call.
While you don't *have* to use a specific carrier, you should carefully investigate the calling options available to you. Some carriers offer bundled international calling packages that might be cost-effective if you call Taiwan frequently. Others might have high per-minute rates, which can quickly add up. Also, consider the quality of the connection. Certain services may prioritize international calls, resulting in clearer audio. Alternatives to traditional carriers include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Viber. These services often offer significantly lower rates for international calls, especially when calling mobile numbers in Taiwan. Many Taiwanese people also use these platforms extensively, making them an excellent option for frequent communication. Be mindful of the internet connection quality for both parties, as it directly affects call clarity. Before making a call, always check the international calling rates of your existing carrier and compare them with VoIP options to determine the most affordable and reliable solution for your needs. Remember to also confirm if there are any additional fees or surcharges associated with international calls, even if you have a supposed "international calling plan."What is Taiwan's country code for phone calls?
Taiwan's country code is +886. This code must be used when dialing a Taiwanese phone number from outside of Taiwan.
To dial a phone number in Taiwan from the United States, you'll need to follow a specific format. First, dial the US exit code (011), then dial Taiwan's country code (886), followed by the Taiwan area code (usually 2 for Taipei, for example), and finally, the local phone number. Remember to drop the leading zero from the area code when dialing internationally. For example, if you're calling a Taipei number that is normally dialed as (02) 1234-5678 within Taiwan, you would dial 011-886-2-1234-5678 from the US. It's also worth noting that mobile phone numbers in Taiwan do not have area codes in the traditional sense. Taiwanese mobile numbers begin with '09', but when dialing from the US, you would drop the '0' and include only '9' after the country code. So, to call a Taiwanese mobile phone number 09XX-XXX-XXX from the US, you would dial 011-886-9XX-XXX-XXX. Be sure to verify the complete and correct number with the person you're trying to reach to avoid dialing errors.How does the time difference affect when I should call Taiwan?
The time difference between the US and Taiwan significantly impacts when you should call to avoid disturbing people during their sleeping hours or catching them at inconvenient times. Taiwan Standard Time (TST) is GMT+8, meaning it is ahead of most of the US. You need to calculate the time difference based on your location within the US and consider the daily activities in Taiwan to choose the optimal calling window.
Different parts of the US have different time zones, which affects the calculation. For example, if you are on the East Coast (EST), Taiwan is 13 hours ahead. If you are on the West Coast (PST), Taiwan is 16 hours ahead. Therefore, calling Taiwan at 9:00 AM EST would be 10:00 PM in Taiwan, likely a reasonable time. However, calling at 9:00 AM PST would be 1:00 AM the next day in Taiwan, a very inappropriate time to call. Consider the typical working hours and lifestyle in Taiwan. Business hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM TST, Monday through Friday. Calling during these hours is generally acceptable for business-related matters. For personal calls, calling in the late morning or afternoon in Taiwan (which would be late evening or early morning in the US, respectively) is often best to avoid interrupting sleep or early morning routines. When determining the optimal time to call, also remember to account for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US. DST can shift the time difference by an hour for part of the year, so it's important to check the current time difference before placing your call. Using a time zone converter website or app can be very helpful.Are there any cheaper ways to call Taiwan from the US?
Yes, several cheaper alternatives exist for calling Taiwan from the US compared to using traditional landline or mobile carrier services. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or international calling apps to significantly reduce costs.
Many cheaper options for calling Taiwan rely on VoIP, which transmits voice data over the internet. Services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp (for calls to other WhatsApp users), and Viber offer international calling at significantly lower rates than traditional phone companies. Some may require purchasing credits or a subscription, while others, like WhatsApp, are free for calls within their platform. Before committing, always check the current per-minute rates to Taiwan, as they can fluctuate. These services offer increased flexibility, allowing you to call from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Another category of options includes international calling apps specifically designed for low-cost calls. Examples include Rebtel, Vonage, and Ooma. These apps often provide competitive rates and may offer various calling plans tailored to different usage patterns. Furthermore, consider looking into calling cards, both physical and digital. While physical calling cards might seem outdated, they can still offer competitive rates, especially for occasional callers. Digital calling cards offer similar advantages with the convenience of online purchasing and management. Just be sure to scrutinize the fine print for hidden fees and expiration dates.Will I be charged international calling rates when dialing Taiwan?
Yes, you will almost certainly be charged international calling rates when dialing Taiwan from the US. Taiwan is a different country than the United States, so any call you place to a Taiwanese phone number is considered an international call by your US phone provider.
Typically, international calling rates are significantly higher than domestic rates. The exact amount you'll be charged will depend on your phone carrier and your specific calling plan. Some providers offer international calling plans as an add-on to your regular service, which can offer significantly discounted rates. If you frequently call Taiwan, investigating such a plan is highly recommended. Before making a call, it's wise to check with your phone provider to understand their international rates for calls to Taiwan. Many providers have online resources or customer service representatives who can provide this information. Ignoring this step can lead to unexpectedly high phone bills. Also, consider alternative communication methods like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which often offer significantly cheaper, or even free, calls over the internet, regardless of location. Here's how to dial Taiwan from the US:- Dial the exit code for the US: 011
- Dial the country code for Taiwan: 886
- Dial the area code (usually 2 for Taipei, but other areas exist). Omit the leading zero if there is one.
- Dial the local phone number.
What's the dialing format for Taiwan mobile numbers?
To call a Taiwan mobile number from the United States, you need to dial 011 (the U.S. exit code), then 886 (Taiwan's country code), then the mobile number itself, dropping the initial zero. So, the complete format is: 011-886-9XX-XXX-XXX.
To clarify, the initial '0' present in a Taiwanese mobile number *within* Taiwan must be omitted when calling from abroad. For example, if a Taiwan mobile number is 0912-345-678, you would dial 011-886-912-345-678 from the United States. The '9' that usually follows the zero is the designator that indicates that is a mobile phone number. It's also important to be mindful of the time difference between the U.S. and Taiwan when making your call. Taiwan Standard Time (TST) is GMT+8. Consider the recipient's location (East Coast vs. West Coast) within the U.S. to ensure you are calling at a reasonable hour in Taiwan. Incorrect dialing can result in a failed call or, in some cases, misdirected calls if the numbers are repurposed somewhere else in the world.Alright, you're all set to call Taiwan! Hopefully, these steps make connecting with your friends, family, or business contacts a breeze. Thanks for checking out this guide, and we hope you'll come back again for more helpful tips and tricks in the future!