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Updated : January 9, 2026

Housing more than 1.4 billion people,  China has become the second-largest economy in the world after the USA. Whether you have a customer base in China or expanding your markets, you must know how to call China from USA.

In this blog, we have curated ways to call China from the USA using local, toll-free, and mobile numbers. If you are exploring ways to make an international call to China from the USA, this blog has all the details you may need.

How to Call China from the US: Step-by-Step Instructions

With deeper internet penetration and digital technologies, international calling has become easier and more affordable than ever. There are several ways to call China from the USA, and using a VoIP phone system is the most economical and reliable.

The best thing about the VoIP phone system is to approach your customer through a virtual number, like a local, toll-free, or mobile number. In this section, we have covered each of them in detail.

1. How to call China’s local number from the US?

You should follow the steps to call a China local number from the US.

Step 1: Dial the US exit code, “011”.

Step 2: Dial China country code, “86”

Step 3: Dial the specific area code in China you want to reach

Step 4: Enter the local number

The last step is to enter the local number of China, which is 8 digits.

So, the Entire Format is:

• US Exit Code: 011
• China Country Code: 86
• Area Code
• Phone Number

If you are dialing Beijing from the US, the dialing format is

011- 86 – 10- XXXX- XXXX

(US exit code- China country code – Beijing area code – Phone number)

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2. How to call China toll-free number from US?

When calling a Chinese toll-free number from the US, the first two steps are the same as dialing a local number.

Step 1: Enter the US exit code

The first step is dialing the US exit code, 011.

Step 2: Dial China country code

Following the US exit code, you must enter the China country code, 086.

Step 3: Enter the toll-free number

After entering the US exit code and China country code, you must enter the toll-free number. Chinese toll-free numbers have a toll-free code, and it is usually 800, followed by an 8-digit phone number.

So, the dialing format to call a China toll-free number from the US is 011- 86 – 800- XXXX- XXXX.

(US exit code- China country code – Toll-free code – 8-digit number)

Pro-Tip

Save Chinese mobile numbers in international format (+86) in your contacts before calling. This avoids dialing errors, works seamlessly across devices, and makes repeat calls faster when you are working with overseas teams..

3. How to call a China mobile number From US?

Unlike landlines, Chinese mobile numbers do not use city area codes. Instead, they begin with specific mobile prefixes assigned to telecom operators, most commonly 13, 15, 17, or 18.

How to Dial a Chinese Mobile Number from the US

To place the call, follow this sequence:

• US Exit Code: 011
• China Country Code: 86
• Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number

Example (mobile call):
011-86-138-XXXX-XXX

Recommended Read : How to Call International for Free

Popular China Area Codes

We have listed the area code of major Chinese cities in the following table.

How to Get a China Phone Number?

When you are located outside China and have a professional network or customer base, the best way to reach them is to use a local or toll-free phone. With VoIP phone systems, you can get a China virtual phone number from anywhere.

CallHippo is a leading virtual phone system that provides Chinese phone numbers for free. You can get a local, toll-free, vanity, or international phone number based on your requirement. Beyond that, the platform offers extensive call management features for businesses to manage their incoming and outbound international calls.

You must follow the steps to get a China phone number using CallHippo.

Step 1: Signup to CallHippo

The first step in getting a China phone number using CallHippo is downloading the CallHippo app and completing the signup steps. It is relatively straightforward and requires basic details like email id. CallHippo setup is easy, and it only takes three minutes of your time.

Step 2: Log in to CallHippo

Once you have entered the basic details, you should log in to CallHippo using your username and password.

Step 3: Enter the country

On the left side of your screen, choose ‘Numbers’ and then click ‘Add number.’ You must select ‘China’ from the list of countries and then enter the area code of the city of your preference.

Step 4: Select the type of virtual number

CallHippo provides different virtual numbers, including local, toll-free, vanity phone numbers, etc. After choosing the area code, select the type of virtual number.

Step 5: Choose the number

Once you choose the country, area code, and type of virtual number, CallHippo will display a pool of available phone numbers that match your preference. Select the number.

Step 6: Configure your system

Once you have finalized the phone number, you should look for call management features. CallHippo offers call recording, power dialer, call queuing, voicemail transcription, intelligent routing, ring groups, etc. Choose a plan based on your required features and configure the system.

If you are exploring how to call China from USA and expand your professional network in China, the easiest way is to use the CallHippo phone system. The best thing about CallHippo is that it offers a free plan and a free trial in all its premium plans.

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What is the Best Time for Calling China?

China follows a single time zone, CST (China Standard Time), and this is 8 hours ahead of the Universal Time (UTC + 8). On the other hand, the US follows 6 different time zones, including,

The Central Standard Time zone in the USA is 13 hours behind China Standard Time, i.e., 9 AM in China will be 8 PM in your place. Chinese standard working hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and this is 8 PM to 4 PM in your place.

So, if you are trying to call someone for professional purposes or reach your customers, the best time to call China from the US would be between 7 PM and 11 PM your time, which will be 8 AM and 12 PM for the Chinese. Or you can also try between 5 AM and 9 AM in your place, which falls between 6 PM and 10 PM in China. Overall, your late evenings or early mornings may work best to call China from US.

You May Also Read : A Holistic Guide On How To Make International Calls

Tips for a Successful International Call to China

International calling isn’t only a matter of dialing correctly; it’s about timing and cost as well, not to mention cultural sensitivity. Here are the tips on the best way to call China from the US:

1. Time Zone Considerations When Calling China

China has one time zone covering its expanse, despite being a huge geographical area. It has a 12 to 13 hour difference from the USA, depending on Daylight Saving Time.

Best Time to Call:

• The best time to call China from the US is 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM ET, which corresponds to 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM China Standard Time.

Do not call during Chinese New Year, when the country virtually shuts down for several days or weeks between mid-January and late February to celebrate this major national holiday. Making calls at the wrong time can lower response rates and ruin business relationships.

2. Understanding Call Costs and How to Save Money

The cost of calling a China virtual phone number is different depending on your carrier, calling plan, and whether you are using landlines or VoIP technology.

Typical Calling Costs:

• Normal international rates are $0.20 to $1.50 per minut.

Ways to Reduce Costs:

• International bundle plans from carriers.
• Monthly global calling packages.
• VoIP and hosted calling from service providers with cheaper per-minute rates.

Many US companies don’t go with traditional carriers but opt for international calling apps such as CallHippo to avoid billing surprises and save on the per-minute rate of calls.

3. Cultural Etiquette & Business Calling Tips

Knowing the basics of Chinese business etiquette is crucial for having meaningful conversations and establishing long-term relationships.

Best Practices to Follow:

• Show respect by using professional titles and surnames.
• Speak clearly and maintain a calm, moderate pace.
• Avoid slang, idioms, or overly casual language.
• Get comfortable with silence; it’s a sign of deep thought.

4. Troubleshooting Common Call Issues

If your call fails to connect or gets disconnected, then that is more likely a technical issue that can be easily fixed.

Common Problems and Solutions:

• Call does not go through > Recheck the exit and country code
• Low Voice Quality > Transition from Landline to VoIP.
• Dropped calls > Try calling on a different day or off-peak time

Ensuring a stable network, updated calling plans, and a reliable service provider greatly improves call quality and success rates.

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What Actually Works:

Open with context, not credentials. Chinese decision-makers value relevance and respect for time. Reference something specific, like a recent product launch, market expansion, or partnership, before stating why you’re calling. Keep your tone calm, professional, and direct. Mobile numbers work better than landlines, especially for senior stakeholders.

What Doesn’t Work:

Do not use too much informal language or slang. Lengthy introductions and hurried conversations eliminate trust at once. Also, don’t call during lunch (Noon – 2:00 PM ) or late evenings. And steer clear of trying to connect at times like Chinese New Year or Golden Week, when there is a significant drop in response rates.

When to Actually Call:

Late afternoon to early evening China Standard Time works best, especially midweek. Wednesday between 4–6 PM CST consistently sees higher pickup rates. This window aligns with wrap-up hours when professionals are more open to short, focused conversations. Timing and restraint matter more than call volume in China.

Conclusion

Knowing how to call China from the United States is an important part of the international business sector. With the right dialing format, calling internationally can be quick and affordable.

If you are using the telephone to do business, conduct bank transactions, or communicate with family and friends in China, then this guide can be critical for your business. If you are looking for an affordable and trustworthy way of making international calls, a VoIP phone system like CallHippo offers a cloud-hosted platform for everyone, focused on scalability, clarity, and simplicity.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to dial to China?

The cost of dialing China from outside the country depends on your country and the carrier you use. The best way to make international calls to China is to use a VoIP system. You can get free virtual phone numbers, and as it routes the call over the internet, it is very economical compared to other carriers.

2. What is the Chinese phone number format?

Chinese phone number format depends on whether it is a landline or mobile number. Landline numbers in China usually have 6-8 digits, whereas cell phone numbers have 11 digits. The first digit in a China mobile number is always 1.

3. How to call Shanghai from the USA?

To call Shanghai from the USA, follow the steps given below.

• Dial 011, the US exit code,
• Enter 86, China’s country code,
• Enter 21, the Shanghai area code,
• Dial the phone number.

4. How to call Beijing from the US?

To call a phone number in Beijing, China, from the United States,

• First, dial 011, which is the US exit code.
• Next, dial 86, which is China’s country code.
• Then dial 10, which is the area code for Beijing.
• Lastly, dial the local phone number.

For example, to call the number 123-456-7890 in Beijing, you would dial 011-86-10-123-456-7890.

5. What is the difference between calling a Chinese landline and a mobile number?

A landline requires a city area code, while a mobile number only uses a carrier prefix and subscriber number.

6. Can I use +86 instead of 011-86 when calling China from my mobile phone?

Yes. Most smartphones allow +86 as a direct replacement for the international exit code.

7. Do I need to check my phone plan or carrier before making international calls to China?

Yes. Always verify with your carrier, as international calling may be disabled or billed at premium rates.

8. How much does it typically cost to call China from the US, and are there cheaper alternatives?

Costs vary by service provider, but cloud phone systems typically offer much lower rates.

9. Are there any tips for proper business call etiquette when calling China?

Be prepared, respectful, concise, and follow up important conversations with written summaries or emails.

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Published : January 6, 2026

Harsh Bairagi is a B2B SaaS content writer with over 4 years of experience in the tech industry. Harsh believes in creating good copies to bridge the gap between tech and emotion. When not chasing clean copy or clever metaphors, he is busy catching up on his favorite sports.

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