How to Call China from United Kingdom
Learn how to call from United Kingdom to China with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.40/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call China from United Kingdom
The cheapest way to call China from United Kingdom is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.40 per minute, you'll save 50-80% compared to traditional carriers, calling cards, or roaming charges.
Why HelloAirDial is the Cheapest Option:
- ✓No connection fees: Pay only for the minutes you use
- ✓No calling card markups: Direct carrier rates with minimal markup
- ✓No roaming charges: Works from anywhere with internet connection
- ✓Transparent pricing: $0.40/min with no hidden fees
How to Call from United Kingdom to China
To make a call, dial the exit code (00), followed by the country code (86), then the local number. HelloAirDial makes it simple - just enter the full number in your browser and we handle the formatting automatically. Rates start at $0.40 per minute with no hidden fees.
Dialing Steps: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom to 🇨🇳 China
- 1
Dial the exit code: 00
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from United Kingdom.
- 2
Dial China's country code: 86
The country code for China is +86.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 138 0013 8000
- Landline: 10 6552 8888
Cheap Calls from United Kingdom to China
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from United Kingdom to China starting at $0.40/minute, up to 80% less than traditional international calling.
Traditional Calling
- • Carrier rates: $1-3/min
- • Calling cards: Hidden fees
- • Roaming: Expensive abroad
HelloAirDial
- • From $0.40/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Carrier Rates to 🇨🇳 China
- EE$0.20-2.00
- Vodafone UK$0.15-2.50
- O2 UK$0.15-2.00
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.40/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call 🇨🇳 China
Recommended Calling Hours
- • Avoid calling consumers before 09:00 or after 21:00 China Standard Time for non urgent matters
- • Business contacts are best reached Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00 local time, excluding major public holidays
Calling Etiquette in China
- • Open with a polite greeting and confirm you are calling China Standard Time; use titles plus family name (for example, Mr. Wang)
- • For business, state your name, organization, and purpose quickly and clearly
- • Scheduling calls in advance by email or messaging (often WeChat) is appreciated for professional discussions
- • Keep the tone formal at the start; you can adjust based on how the other party responds
Reaching 🇨🇳 China via Apps
- • WeChat is the dominant app for voice and video calls and is widely used for both personal and business communication
- • WhatsApp, Telegram and some other foreign apps may be unreachable without VPN, so do not rely on them for Chinese recipients
- • Corporate tools like Zoom, Teams or Webex are used in business contexts but may require local guidance for access
International Calling Requirements in 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- • Enable international calling with your mobile or landline provider; some plans block IDD by default
- • Use 00 or + before the destination country code when dialing abroad
- • Prepaid SIMs may require sufficient balance or an international add on before IDD works
- • Roaming must be activated to call from the UK while abroad; check EU and non EU rules
- • Business lines may have international prefixes or specific destinations restricted by the administrator
Troubleshooting Calls to 🇨🇳 China
- Call failed or number not in service when dialing abroad - Check you used 00 or +, included the correct country code, and removed any local leading 0
- Your plan does not allow international calls - Contact your UK carrier to enable IDD or buy an international add on; ensure sufficient credit on prepaid
- Cannot call while roaming - Enable roaming in phone settings and on your account, or use Wi Fi calling or VOIP instead
FAQs: Calling 🇨🇳 China from 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
How do I call from United Kingdom to China?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 86 (China country code) + the local phone number. Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
What is the cheapest way to call from United Kingdom to China?
Use a VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.40/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards.
What is the country code for China?
The country code for China is +86. When calling from United Kingdom, dial 00 86 followed by the local number.
How do I dial an international number from the UK?
Dial 00 or +, then the country code, then the area or mobile code without its leading 0, then the local number.
Should I use roaming or Wi Fi or VOIP when abroad as a UK user?
Roaming is convenient but can be costly; using Wi Fi calling or VOIP apps usually reduces costs, especially outside Europe.
How expensive are international calls from the UK?
Rates vary by carrier and destination, from a few US cents to several dollars per minute; check your plan or buy an international add on.