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How to Call China from the United States

Country code +86 — Dial 011 86 13X XXXX XXXX from a US landline or +86 13X XXXX XXXX from a mobile phone.

+86
China Country Code

What to Dial

  1. 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
  2. 2Dial 86, the country code of China.
  3. 3Dial the number: 11 digits for mobiles and 7 to 11 for landlines.
Calling a… Written in China From a US landline From a cell phone
Mobile 13X XXXX XXXX 011 86 13X XXXX XXXX +86 13X XXXX XXXX
Landline (Beijing) 010 XXXX XXXX 011 86 10 XXXX XXXX +86 10 XXXX XXXX

X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 13–19. More number types: China phone number format.

Mobile or Landline?

China had 132 mobile subscriptions and 11.7 landlines per 100 people in 2024. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to China mobiles.

Source: World Bank (ITU).

Calling Tips for China

Best Time to Call

To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Beijing, call between 8:00 PM–7:00 AM EST (5:00 PM–4:00 AM PST). China doesn’t change its clocks, so the gap moves by an hour when the US does.

China is on UTC+8, 13 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.

Cost Saving Tips

  • VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
  • WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
  • Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.

Time Difference

US Eastern (EST)
--:--
UTC-5
+13h
China
--:--
UTC+8

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call China from the US?
From a US landline, dial 011, then 86, then the number: 011 86 13X XXXX XXXX for a mobile. From a cell phone, dial +86 13X XXXX XXXX.
How many digits is a phone number in China?
11 digits for mobiles and 7 to 11 for landlines after the country code +86. Mobile numbers start with 13–19.
What time should I call China from the US?
China is 13 hours ahead of New York (UTC+8 in Beijing). To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM there, call between 8:00 PM–7:00 AM EST, or 5:00 PM–4:00 AM PST on the West Coast. China doesn't change its clocks, so the difference shifts by an hour when the US switches to or from daylight saving time.
How do people in China call the US?
They dial the exit code 00, then 1 and the 10-digit US number: 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX, or +1 from a mobile.
How much does it cost to call China?
It depends on your plan: many US plans charge per minute for international calls, and calls to China mobiles often cost more than calls to landlines. Internet calling apps are free when both people have the same app.
China Quick Info
Country Code +86
ISO Code CN
Capital Beijing
Time Zone UTC+8
Exit Code (US) 011
Full Country Profile
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