How to Call China from United States
Learn how to call from United States 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 States
The cheapest way to call China from United States 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 States to China
To make a call, dial the exit code (011), 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 States to 🇨🇳 China
- 1
Dial the exit code: 011
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from United States.
- 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 States to China
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from United States 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 States Carrier Rates to 🇨🇳 China
- Verizon$0.20-1.50
- AT&T$0.25-1.50
- T-Mobile$0.10-1.00
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 States
- • Ensure your mobile or landline plan includes international calling; many US plans block IDD by default.
- • For standard international calls, dial 011 + country code + area/mobile code + number from US phones.
- • Prepaid SIMs may require a separate international balance or add on before IDD works.
- • Business PBX or office phones may require dialing 9 or another access code before 011.
- • VoIP services (e.g., Skype, Google Voice) may need verified payment and country settings before calling abroad.
Troubleshooting Calls to 🇨🇳 China
- Your call cannot be completed as dialed. - Check that you dialed 011 + country code + number, removed any foreign trunk 0, and included all digits.
- International calling is not enabled on your line. - Contact your carrier or account admin to enable international calling or add an IDD package.
- The number you have dialed is not in service. - Verify the destination country code, area or mobile prefix, and local number; confirm the number is active.
- Call failed or dropped immediately on VoIP app. - Switch to a stable Wi Fi or stronger data connection, update the app, or try a standard carrier call.
FAQs: Calling 🇨🇳 China from 🇺🇸 United States
How do I call from United States to China?
Dial 011 (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 States 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 States, dial 011 86 followed by the local number.
How do I dial an international number from the United States?
Dial 011, then the country code, then the area or mobile code and local number. Example: 011 44 20 XXXX XXXX for a UK landline.
Should I use roaming or Wi Fi or VoIP when I travel outside the US?
Wi Fi and VoIP apps are usually cheaper, but a roaming pass from your US carrier is simpler and more reliable for regular voice and SMS.
How much do international calls from the US cost?
Rates vary by carrier and destination, roughly from a few cents to over 1 USD per minute; check your plan or buy an international add on for lower rates.