Dialing Country Code 86 for International Calls to China

Whether you’re connecting with loved ones, conducting business, or reaching out to a crucial contact, knowing How to Dial to Country Code 86 from Various Countries is essential for seamless communication with China. It's often simpler than you think, but a few critical details can make all the difference between a successful connection and a frustrating "number not recognized" message. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your call goes through clearly and correctly.

At a Glance: Key Takeaways for Dialing China

• China's Country Code: Always 86.
• Landline Calls: Use your country's Exit Code + 86 + City/Area Code + Local Number.
• Mobile Calls (the easy way): Dial +86 + the 11-digit mobile number.
• Dropping the '0': If a Chinese landline area code or local number starts with a 0 domestically, omit it when dialing internationally. For example, Beijing's domestic area code 010 becomes 10.
• Mobile Numbers are 11 Digits: They always start with 1 and do not use an area code for international calls.
• Double-Check: Always confirm the exact area code and local number with your recipient.

Decoding International Dialing: Your Path to China's Landlines

Calling a landline in China requires a specific sequence that ensures your call correctly routes from your country to the intended city and recipient. Think of it as a postal address for your phone call – each part is crucial.

The Universal Landline Formula

To connect with a landline number in China from almost any country, you'll follow this structure:
[Your Country's Exit Code] + 86 + [Chinese City/Area Code] + [Local Number]
Let's break down each component and provide examples.

Step 1: Find Your Country's Exit Code

The exit code, also known as an International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix or access code, tells your phone network that you're about to make an international call. This code varies by country.

• From the United States or Canada: Your exit code is 011.
• From most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of South America (e.g., UK, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa): Your exit code is 00.
• From Brazil: Your exit code is 00 followed by the carrier code (e.g., 0021 for Embratel, 0041 for Tim).
• From India: Your exit code is 00.
  If you're unsure about your specific country's exit code, a quick online search for "exit code [your country]" will provide the answer. For a deeper understanding of these crucial prefixes, you might want to review the principles of understanding your country's exit code.

Step 2: Input China's Country Code: 86

Once you've dialed your exit code, the next piece of the puzzle is China's country code, which is always 86. This tells the global telephone network that your call is destined for China.

Step 3: Add the Chinese City/Area Code (and the Crucial 'Zero' Rule!)

After the country code, you'll need the specific city or area code for the landline you're trying to reach. Chinese city codes typically range from two to three digits.
Here's the critical part: If the Chinese city/area code begins with a 0 when dialed domestically, you must drop that leading 0 when calling internationally.

• Example: Beijing's domestic area code is 010. For international calls, you'll use 10.
• Example: Shanghai's domestic area code is 021. For international calls, you'll use 21.
• Example: Shenzhen's domestic area code is 0755. For international calls, you'll use 755.

Step 4: Dial the Local Landline Number

Finally, you'll dial the unique local number for the specific landline you wish to reach. Chinese local landline numbers are usually 7 or 8 digits long.

Putting It All Together: Landline Examples

Let's illustrate with practical examples for calling a Beijing landline number 1234 5678:

• From the U.S. or Canada: 011 86 10 1234 5678
• From the UK or Australia: 00 86 10 1234 5678
• From Germany: 00 86 10 1234 5678
  Notice how 010 for Beijing became 10 in all international examples. This is one of the most common errors to avoid!

The Mobile Method: Calling China's 11-Digit Numbers

Calling a Chinese mobile phone is generally more straightforward, thanks to a universal dialing convention. You can bypass the need for an exit code and even an area code in most cases.

The Convenient '+' Sign

Modern smartphones allow you to use the + symbol as a universal stand-in for any country's exit code. This makes dialing incredibly simple.
+86 + [11-digit Chinese Mobile Number]
Chinese mobile numbers are distinctive: they are always 11 digits long and always begin with the digit 1 (e.g., 13x, 15x, 18x, 19x). Crucially, when dialing a Chinese mobile number from abroad, you do not use an area code.

Mobile Dialing Examples

Let's say the Chinese mobile number you want to reach is 138 1234 5678:

• From any smartphone, anywhere in the world: +86 138 1234 5678
• If you're on a traditional landline or older mobile that doesn't support the '+' sign: You would revert to the exit code method:
• From the U.S.: 011 86 138 1234 5678
• From the UK: 00 86 138 1234 5678
  This simple method is why using +86 for mobile calls is highly recommended. It eliminates potential errors with exit codes and area codes. It's a key reason why understanding how to use your mobile phone internationally is so beneficial.

Understanding Chinese Phone Number Formats: Landlines vs. Mobiles

Chinese telephone numbers have distinct characteristics that are helpful to recognize, especially when you're given a number and need to determine if it's a landline or a mobile.

Landline Number Structure

Chinese landline numbers consist of two main parts: an area code followed by the local subscriber number.

• Area Code: Typically 2 or 3 digits (e.g., 10 for Beijing, 21 for Shanghai, 755 for Shenzhen). Remember, drop the leading 0 for international calls.
• Local Number: Usually 7 or 8 digits.
  International Format for Landlines: +86 [Area Code] [Local Number]
• Example: +86 10 1234 5678 (A Beijing landline)
• Example: +86 21 8765 4321 (A Shanghai landline)
  For a deeper dive into the specific codes for various regions, a more comprehensive guide to China's city codes can be an invaluable resource. This includes All about the 86 area code itself, which encompasses everything related to calling into mainland China.

Mobile Number Structure

Chinese mobile numbers are much simpler in their international format:

• Fixed Length: Always 11 digits.
• Starting Digit: Always begins with 1.
• No Area Code: When dialing internationally, the 11-digit number is the complete address after +86.
  International Format for Mobiles: +86 [11-digit Mobile Number]
• Example: +86 139 1122 3344
• Example: +86 150 9988 7766
  These clear distinctions help prevent common dialing errors. The international standard E.164 format, which you might encounter in professional settings, simply concatenates these without spaces, like +861012345678 for a landline or +8613911223344 for a mobile.

Common Pitfalls and How to Sidestep Them

Even with the correct numbers, international dialing can sometimes go awry. Knowing the typical stumbling blocks can save you time and frustration.

1. The Incorrect Exit Code Blunder

As mentioned, your country's exit code is paramount. Using 011 from the UK or 00 from the U.S. will result in a failed call. Always verify the correct exit code for your current location. If you're using a mobile and the + sign method, this particular pitfall is neatly avoided!

2. The 'Leading Zero' Trap

This is arguably the most frequent error when calling Chinese landlines. Domestically, many Chinese area codes start with a 0 (e.g., 010 for Beijing). However, for international calls, that leading 0 must be dropped.
Correct: +86 10 1234 5678 (from 010)
Incorrect: +86 010 1234 5678
Always assume you need to remove a leading 0 from an area code when dialing internationally.

3. Missing Area Codes for Landlines

A landline number in China is incomplete without its corresponding city or area code. Just having "1234 5678" isn't enough; you need "10 1234 5678" (Beijing) or "21 1234 5678" (Shanghai). Ensure you have both parts for landline connections.

4. Applying Area Codes to Mobile Numbers

Conversely, a common mistake is trying to add a city area code to an 11-digit Chinese mobile number. Mobile numbers are standalone and globally unique.
Correct: +86 138 1234 5678
Incorrect: +86 10 138 1234 5678 (This will likely fail or connect you to an unintended number if it happens to exist.)
These simple reminders can dramatically improve your success rate when making international calls to China. Understanding the basic principles of international dialing can help clarify these nuances for any country you might call.

Key City and Area Codes for Major Chinese Destinations

While you'll always confirm the specific area code with your contact, here are some of the most frequently called city/area codes in China, illustrating the format once the leading 0 is removed:

Dialing Within China: A Quick Overview for Travelers

While this guide focuses on calling into China, understanding domestic dialing practices can be invaluable if you're traveling there and making calls locally or internationally from a Chinese SIM card.

Local Calls Within China

• Landline to landline (same city): Dial the local subscriber number directly (e.g., 1234 5678).
• Landline to landline (different city): Dial 0 + Area Code + Local Number (e.g., 010 1234 5678 to Beijing from Shanghai).
• To a mobile number: Dial the 11-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 138 1234 5678).
• From a mobile number to a landline: Dial 0 + Area Code + Local Number (e.g., 010 1234 5678).

Making International Calls from China

If you're in China and need to call a number in another country:

• Dial 00 (China's international exit code) + Country Code + Number.
• Example (calling a U.S. number): 00 1 555 123 4567
• Example (calling a UK number): 00 44 20 7XXX XXXX
  Knowing these local quirks can make your experience of traveling to China much smoother when it comes to staying connected.

Essential Emergency & Tourist Helplines in China

For travelers or residents in China, having access to emergency and support numbers is crucial. Note how these differ from international dialing patterns.

Emergency Services

• 110: Police
• 120: Ambulance / Medical Emergency
• 119: Fire
• 122: Traffic Accidents (Highway Police)
• 12395: Maritime / River Rescue
• 12369: Environmental / Chemical Hazards
  Important for Foreign SIM Cards: If you are using a foreign SIM card or an international roaming service, directly dialing 110, 120, etc., might not work as expected in all regions. It's often safer to dial these numbers with China's country code prefix: +86 110 or +86 120.

Tourist & Government Helplines

• 12301: National Tourism Service Hotline. English support is generally available. This is your go-to for tourist inquiries or issues.
• 12345: General government service & information hotline. Available in most major cities. While primarily in Mandarin, in major cities, pressing 9 during the call often directs you to an English-speaking operator.

Your Call to Action: Connect with Confidence

With this guide, you now have the knowledge to confidently dial country code 86 from almost anywhere in the world, whether you're reaching a landline or a mobile phone. Remember to:

1. Identify your country's exit code (or use the + sign for mobiles).
2. Add China's country code 86.
3. For landlines: Include the city/area code (dropping any leading 0!) and the local number.
4. For mobiles: Simply add the 11-digit mobile number directly after +86.
5. Always confirm the full number with your contact before dialing.
   Connecting across borders should be simple, and with these clear steps, your next international call to China will be just that.