How to Call China 🇨🇳
China's country code is +86. The full recipe and the local quirks that make calls fail, below.
Quick dialing format
[exit code] + 86 + [number]
| From US & Canada | 011 86 ... |
| From UK & most of Europe | 00 86 ... |
| From Japan | 010 86 ... |
| From any mobile or browser | +86 ... |
The leading zero rule
Drop the leading 0 from area codes. Beijing 010 becomes +86 10.
Area codes in China
| Place | Area code |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 10 |
| Shanghai | 21 |
| Guangzhou | 20 |
| Shenzhen | 755 |
Calling mobile numbers
Chinese mobiles are 11 digits starting with 1 (like 138xxxxxxxx) and are dialed +86 138... from abroad, no area code.
Time zones and when to call
All of China uses a single time zone, UTC+8, despite spanning five geographic zones. From Europe that's 6 to 7 hours ahead; from the US West Coast, 15 to 16.
The mistake people actually make
Expecting messaging apps to fill the gap: WhatsApp and Google services are blocked in China, so an actual phone call often is the reliable channel.
The cheapest ways to call China
Carrier international rates are the most expensive way to make this call. If the person you're calling uses WhatsApp or Telegram, an app-to-app call is free over any internet connection. To reach a regular China phone number, use a VoIP service or call straight from a web dialer: our guides to calling from your computer and calling from your browser cover the options, and free online calls explains what the free routes really cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for China?
The country code is +86. From a mobile or browser dialer, dial +86 followed by the local number. From a landline, dial your country's exit code first (011 from the US and Canada, 00 from most of Europe).
Do I drop the leading zero when calling China?
Drop the leading 0 from area codes. Beijing 010 becomes +86 10.
How do I call a mobile number in China?
Chinese mobiles are 11 digits starting with 1 (like 138xxxxxxxx) and are dialed +86 138... from abroad, no area code.
What is the cheapest way to call China?
Internet calling beats carrier international rates by a wide margin. If both sides use the same app (WhatsApp, Telegram), the call is free. To reach a regular phone number, a VoIP service or browser-based dialer charges a small per-minute rate instead of carrier international pricing.