How to Make International Call to China
Why Use HelloAirDial to Call China?
HelloAirDial lets you call China directly from your browser - no apps, no calling cards, no SIM card required. Calling China often means high rates and tricky timing, and line quality can vary, so planning and a reliable internet calling service help a lot.
- Call China directly from your browser, no SIM card or local app needed.
- Transparent per minute pricing so you control costs on every call.
- Reliable caller ID so partners, banks, and family know it is you.
- High quality routing that reduces drops and audio issues on China lines.
- Start calling in minutes with online signup and instant credit top ups.
Make a free 1-minute call - no credit card required
Try Free CallHelloAirDial Call Rates to China
Rates starting from
$0.40/min
1 minute call = $0.40
Country Code
+86
Browser-Based • No App
About Calling China
Calling China is straightforward with HelloAirDial. Open your browser, enter the number, and connect - no apps or special equipment needed. Your first call is free so you can try the service before adding any balance.
To call China, dial your international access code, then 86, then the area code without the 0 and the local number, or the mobile prefix and number. HelloAirDial lets you place international calls to China from your browser with clear pricing and no SIM.
Use HelloAirDial for cheap calls to China with transparent per minute rates, instant web calling, and working caller ID so contacts recognize you. No calling cards or app installs are required to get started.
💼 Business
- Coordinate with factories, suppliers, and tech partners across major Chinese cities.
- Support local teams, distributors, and clients with regular check ins.
🏦 Banking
- Verify transactions or card activity with Chinese banks and payment apps.
- Complete two factor checks or support calls for China based financial services.
👪 Friends & family
- Stay in touch with relatives, students, or expats living in China.
- Share updates and important news with parents and grandparents back home.
Common challenges: International calls to China can be costly through traditional carriers, and time zone differences plus variable local line quality make scheduling and clear conversations harder for overseas callers.
Useful information about China
Use HelloAirDial for cheap calls to China with clear quality and reliable routing. Learn how to call China and manage international calls to China without bill shock.
- Country code: +86
- Primary time zone: Asia/Shanghai
- Rates from: $0.40/minute
Popular cities in China:
- Beijing (capital) · 10Capital city, political center, major hub for government and large enterprises.
- Shanghai · 21Largest city, key financial hub with many multinational headquarters.
- Guangzhou · 20Pearl River Delta trade hub, strong manufacturing and export base.
- Shenzhen · 755Tech and innovation center, home to many major electronics firms.
Timezones in China:
1 time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Single time zone; business hours are consistent across the country.
Common languages spoken in China:
- Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) (official)
- Cantonese
- Shanghainese
- Hokkien / Minnan
Telecom providers used within China:
- China Mobile · mobile/4G/5G - Largest mobile network with broad nationwide coverage.
- China Unicom · mobile/fixed-line/broadband - Major provider for mobile, landline, and data services.
- China Telecom · fixed-line/mobile/broadband - Strong in fixed-line and enterprise connectivity.
Guide to calling China
Business hours to call
Live time check (refreshes every minute) to plan calls in the right window.
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Working days
Typical working days: Monday-Friday. Confirm with local teams during holidays.
Business hours
Business hours often run from 09:00 to 18:00. Typical office hours in the single China time zone Asia/Shanghai.
Professional calling etiquette
- Use formal titles like Manager Wang or Director Li on first contact.
- Confirm meeting times in China local time and follow up in writing.
- Allow brief small talk before business, avoid confrontational tones.
How to greet
- Wei, ni hao (common phone greeting, especially in Mandarin).
- Ni hao, this is [your name] from [company], may I speak with [name]?
- Hello, is this a convenient time to talk?
Public holidays
- New Year — 01-01
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) — varies
- National Day — 10-01
Emergency numbers
Keep these numbers handy for critical situations. Use the local emergency line when in China.
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 120
- Traffic Police: 122
Call the appropriate service first, then follow local guidance. Provide your location and stay on the line until advised otherwise.
How to Dial China
To call China, dial your exit code (or +), then +86, followed by the area or mobile code and local number. Drop any local trunk prefix (like 0) when dialing internationally.
Dialing format
+86 + [area code without 0] + [7-8 digit landline] or +86 + [1X mobile prefix] + [8-9 digit mobile number]
- Mobile: 138 0013 8000.
- Landline: 10 6552 8888.
- Remove local trunk prefixes (e.g., leading 0) and confirm number length before placing the call.
Common mistakes while calling China
- Forgetting to remove the leading 0 from Chinese area codes when dialing internationally.
- Using the wrong total number of digits for mobile or landline numbers.
- Dialing 86 without your own international access prefix from your country.
- Confusing city area codes like 10 Beijing and 21 Shanghai when saving contacts.
Step-by-step dial guide
- Dial your international exit code (e.g., 00 or +).
- Enter the country code: +86.
- Add the area or mobile code.
- Dial the local number (drop any leading 0).
FAQs about calling China
How do I call a landline or mobile in China from abroad?
Dial your international access code, then 86, then area code without 0 plus number for landlines, or 1X mobile prefix plus the full mobile number. Use HelloAirDial to avoid high carrier surcharges.
What is the best time to call China from overseas?
Aim for 09:00 to 11:00 or 14:00 to 17:00 China time on Monday to Friday. Use a time zone converter and schedule calls in Asia/Shanghai time.
How much do international calls to China cost with HelloAirDial?
HelloAirDial uses transparent per minute pricing that you see before you dial. Rates are often lower than mobile carriers and there are no hidden connection fees.
Will my caller ID show correctly when I call China?
Yes, HelloAirDial presents a stable caller ID where supported so contacts in China can recognize and return your calls, improving answer rates.
What if my call to China does not connect or the quality is poor?
Check your internet connection, then try again via HelloAirDial. If issues persist, test another number and contact support with time, number, and call details.