Have you tried calling the most populous country? Making a phone call to China from any part of the world is very quick and easy if you know the international calling system. Read the instructions below for a quick explanation of how to call China.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Collecting the Required Numbers
Step 1. Find your country's international prefix or dialing code
This number allows you to make calls to other countries outside the country you are calling from. Keep in mind that each country has a different outgoing dialing code. For example, if you make an international phone call from the United States, you will use the exit code 011; while from Argentina, you will use the dialing code 00.
Do a simple search using the search engine to find your country code. You can find your country code by doing an online search with the keyword “-Your Country Name-Outgoing dialing code”
Step 2. Get the national prefix/dialing code of the country you want to call
The country code usually consists of 1-3 digits and identifies the country you are calling from. The country code of China is 86.
Step 3. Get the area code
This number can consist of 1-3 digits and will narrow your phone's reach geographically within the country you wish to call. China uses a 2-4 digit area code. For example, the area code for Shanghai is 21, while the area code for Zibo is 533. Some area codes for major cities are:
- Baicheng Area Code: 436
- Baoan Xian Area Code: 755
- Baoding Area Code: 312
- Baoji Area Code: 917
- Beihai Area Code: 779
- Beijing (Peking) Area Code: 10
- Bengbu Area Code: 552
Step 4. Get a local phone number
This number is the residential, company, or mobile phone number you want to call in China. China uses local phone numbers of 6 to 8 digits.
Part 2 of 2: Calling
Step 1. Check the local time
China is a vast country with a geographic area equivalent to five time zones, but only has one time zone due to political decisions made by the People of the Republic of China after the Chinese Civil War in 1949. China's time zone is China Standard Time, or Beijing Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time plus 8 hours (GMT+8). It is very important to check the local time before calling to make your call convenient for both parties.
Step 2. Call using the complete international phone number
When you have gathered the required numbers, call, and wait for the dial tone indicating a good connection. The following example shows the sequence of making phone calls to Shanghai, China from New York, USA: (For this example, the local phone number used is 55-5555) 011-86-21-55-5555
Step 3. Consider international phone prices
International calls may be very expensive. You may want to contact your telephone service provider for information on international calling plans or use a prepaid phone card to reduce costs.
