Chinese Phone Number Format: Local and International Codes

Accurate formatting is crucial when dialing China, as even a minor error in the phone number can result in a failed connection. It’s important to ensure that you follow the correct number format to successfully reach your destination.

Whether you are making a local call or an international one, ensuring you have the correct phone number helps facilitate effective communication. 

Let’s dive into the essentials of Chinese phone number format and make sure you’re always on the right track 🚀.

🔑Key Highlights

• Chinese Phone Numbers consist of a country code (+86), area code (landlines), and local number (mobile or landline).
• To dial a Chinese local number internationally, use the format XX-86-10-XXXX XXXX or  XX-86-931-XXX XXXX. 
• To dial a Chinese mobile number internationally, use the format XX-86-139-XXXX XXXX.
• To dial a Chinese toll-free number internationally, use the format XX-86-400-XXX XXXX.
• Consider the time difference (CST, UTC+8) and avoid peak hours like morning and evening rush times. The ideal calling window is 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM CST for personal calls.

What is a Chinese Phone Number Format? 

A Chinese phone number structure follows a specific format depending on whether it’s a mobile number or a landline number. Typically, a Chinese phone number format includes a country code, an area code for landlines, and a local number. Understanding how these elements fit together will ensure that you’re dialing correctly, especially when calling internationally.

1. Country Code for China:

The country code for China is +86, which is used when dialing China from outside the country.

2. Area Code:

China has several area codes that help route calls to specific regions. Area codes are used when dialing landline numbers, but mobile numbers do not require an area code. The area code typically consists of 2-4 digits and represents the geographic location of the phone number.

3. Local Number:

After the area code (for landlines), you will dial the local number, which typically has 7 or 8 digits. For mobile numbers, you will dial the mobile prefix followed by the local number.

For example:

A mobile phone number might look like this: +86 139 1234 5678.

Where,

• +86 is the China’s country code
• 139 is the mobile prefix (indicating China Mobile)
• 1234 5678 is the local mobile number

A Chinese phone number example landline number in Beijing, would be: +86 10 8765 4321.

Where,

• +86 is the country code for China
• 10 is the area code for Beijing
• 8765 4321 is the local landline number

Understanding the Structure of the Chinese Phone Number Format with Examples

When dialing a Chinese phone number, it’s essential to understand the structure and format to avoid errors, whether you’re calling China from abroad or locally.

Chinese phone numbers can be categorized into local numbers, mobile numbers, toll-free numbers, and special service numbers, each following its own unique format. This guide breaks down each type of number to help you dial with ease.

1. Chinese Local Numbers

Chinese local numbers are used for landline calls within a specific geographic area. These numbers consist of a 2-4 digit area code followed by a 7-8 digit subscriber number.

The basic pattern for a Chinese local number is:

Country Code – Area Code – Subscriber Number

For example, the local number for Peking University in Beijing is 10-6275 1201.

The format for dialing the Chinese local number within China is 10-6275 1201.

The format for dialing the Chinese local number internationally is XX-86-10-6275 1201.

Where,

• XX is the exit code
• +86 is China’s country telephone code
• 10 is the area code for Beijing,
• The remaining numbers, 6275 1201 are the Chinese local number or subscriber number.

2. Chinese Mobile Numbers

Chinese mobile numbers do not follow the same area code system as local landline numbers. Instead, they typically start with a 3-digit network identifier, such as 139, followed by an 8-digit mobile number.

The structure for dialing a Chinese mobile number is:

Country Code – Network Prefix – Subscriber Number.

For example, a mobile number for ABC Company might be 139-1234 5678.

To call a Chinese mobile number from within China, you would dial 139-1234 5678. 

When dialing a Chinese mobile number from abroad, the format is XX-86-139-1234 5678.

Where,

• XX is the exit code
• +86 is China’s country telephone code
• 139 represents the network carriers
• The remaining  1234 5678 numbers represent the Chinese mobile number.

3. Chinese Toll-Free Numbers

Chinese toll-free numbers are typically used by businesses and customer service lines. These numbers begin with 400 or 800, followed by a 7-digit toll-free number.

The structure for dialing a Chinese toll-free number is:

Country Code – Toll-Free Prefix – Toll-Free Number.

For example, JD.com, an online retailer in China, has the toll-free number 400-656 1155.

To call a Chinese toll-free number from  within China, you would dial

400-656 1155.

When dialing a Chinese mobile number from abroad, the format is XX-86-400-656 1155.

Where,

• XX is the exit code.
• +86 is China’s country telephone code.
• 400 is one of the Chinese toll-free prefix numbers. 
• The remaining 656 1155 numbers are the Chinese toll-free numbers.

4. Special Service Numbers 

China also has special service numbers that are shorter in length and are used for emergencies or specific services. These numbers typically range from 3 to 6 digits and are dialed to reach services like emergency help, fire departments, and police. Here’s a table of important emergency service numbers in China:

Service	Phone Number	Description
Police	110	Call for assistance with criminal matters or emergencies.
Fire Department	119	For fire-related emergencies.
Medical Emergency	120	For urgent medical assistance, first aid, or ambulance.
SMS Police Alarms	12110	Send an SMS alert to the police for emergencies.
Maritime Accidents	12395	For maritime accidents and emergencies at sea.
Directory Assistance	114	Call for information about phone numbers or services.
Traffic Accidents	122	For reporting traffic accidents.

How Many Area Codes are there in China?

China has over 300 area codes. These codes are used for landline numbers and are usually 2 to 4 digits long, depending on the city or region. Here is a table showing some of the area codes in China:

City/Region	Area Code
Beijing	010
Shanghai	021
Guangzhou	020
Chengdu	028
Shenzhen	0755
Xi’an	029
Tianjin	022
Wuhan	027
Hefei (Anhui)	0551
Lanzhou (Gansu)	0931
Nanning (Guangxi)	0771
Harbin	0451
Dalian	0411
Changsha	0731
Hangzhou	0571

How to Dial Chinese Phone Numbers

Dialing a Chinese phone number involves a few simple steps, whether you’re calling locally or making an international call.

Step-by-Step Guide for International Calls:

When calling China from abroad, you need to follow this process:

• Dial the exit code for your country (e.g., 011 for the U.S., 00 for the UK).
• Dial the country code for China: +86.
• Dial the area code (without the leading 0) if calling a landline. For a mobile number, you don’t need an area code, just the mobile number.
• Finally, dial the local number.

Example:

From the U.S. to Beijing: 011 + 86 + 10 + 1234 5678 (for a landline).

From the U.S. to a mobile number: 011 + 86 + 139 1234 5678 (for a mobile).

Step-by-Step Guide for Local Calls:

Making a local call within China is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

• Dial the area code if calling a landline.
• Dial the local number.
• If calling a mobile number, simply dial the mobile prefix (starting with 1) and the remaining digits.

Example:

To call a landline in Beijing: 10 + 1234 5678

To call a mobile number: 139 1234 5678

What is the Best Time to Call China?

The best time to call China largely depends on your time zone and whether you’re making a business or personal call. China uses China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC +8 and does not observe daylight saving time.

Ideal Times for Calling China:

For Business Calls:

The best time to call is during working hours, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST. This ensures that the person you’re calling is likely available and at work.

For Personal Calls:

If you’re calling friends or family, the ideal time is typically 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM CST when people are home from work and available to chat.

Best Time to Call China Based on Your Location:

Location	Time Difference	Best Time to Call China
USA (Eastern)	UTC -5	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (ET)
USA (Pacific)	UTC -8	11:00 PM – 1:00 AM (PT)
United Kingdom (UK)	UTC +0	3:00 AM – 5:00 AM (BST)
Australia (Sydney)	UTC +10	6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (AEST)
India	UTC +5:30	5:30 AM – 7:30 AM (IST)

Things to Avoid When Calling China

• Morning Rush: Avoid calling between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM CST when people are busy commuting.
• Evening Rush: The 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST period is when people are wrapping up their workday, so it may be harder to get in touch.

 

Public Holidays in China:

Be aware of Chinese public holidays, such as Chinese New Year or National Day, when many businesses may be closed. It’s best to check before calling during these times.

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Dialing Chinese Phone Numbers: Domestic vs. International

Dialing a Chinese phone number involves following a specific format that includes the country code, area code, and local number. 

However, the format can vary depending on whether you’re calling from within China or from abroad. 

Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the dialing process for both domestic and international calls.

A. Domestic Calls in China

When making a domestic call within China, the dialing format differs based on whether you’re calling within the same area code or to a different region.

1. Calling Within the Same Area Code

If you’re calling a number within the same city or region, you don’t need to dial the area code. You can directly dial the local number. This applies to both landline and mobile numbers.

2. Calling From a Different Area Code

If you’re calling someone in another city or region, you must dial the area code followed by the local phone number. However, for mobile phones, you can skip the area code and dial only the mobile number.

Here’s s step-by-step guide to calling within China:

1. For Calling a Landline in China:

• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the area code for the specific city or region.
• Then, dial the local landline number.

1. For Calling a Mobile Number in China:

• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the mobile prefix (usually a 3-digit code specific to the mobile provider, which can be found in a mobile number directory).
• Dial the 8-digit mobile number.

III. For Calling a Toll-Free Number in China:

• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the toll-free prefix (e.g., 400 or 800).
• Then, dial the toll-free number.

B. International Calls in China

International calls refer to calls made from outside China to a Chinese phone number. To make an international call to China, you need to dial your country’s exit code, followed by China’s country code (+86), and then the area code and local number or mobile prefix.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to calling China from another country: 

1. For Calling a Chinese Landline:

• Dial your country’s exit code (e.g., 011 for the USA).
• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the area code for the specific Chinese city or region.
• Finish by dialing the landline number.

1. For Calling a Chinese Mobile Number:

• Dial your exit code (e.g., 011 for the USA).
• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the mobile prefix (a 3-digit code assigned to specific mobile providers, which you can find in a mobile number directory).
• Dial the 8-digit mobile number.

III. For Calling a Chinese Toll-Free Number:

• Dial your exit code (e.g., 011 for the USA).
• Dial China’s country code (+86).
• Dial the toll-free prefix (e.g., 400 or 800).
• Complete the dialing with the toll-free number.

Let’s consider an example of making an international call from the US to China and vice versa:

From the US to China:

• To call a landline: Dial 011 (US exit code), then 86 (China’s country code), the area code, and the phone number.

Example: To call a landline in Beijing, dial 011 86 10 1234 5678.

• To call a mobile phone: Dial 011 (US exit code), then 86 (China’s country code), the mobile prefix, and the 8-digit number.

Example: To call a Shanghai mobile, dial 011 86 138 1234 5678.

• To call a toll-free number: Dial 011 (US exit code), then 86 (China’s country code), the toll-free prefix (400 or 800), and the number.

Example: To call a toll-free number in China, dial 011 86 400 1234 5678.

From China to the US:

• To call a landline: Dial 00 (China’s exit code), then 1 (US country code), the area code, and the landline number.

Example: To call a landline in New York, dial 00 1 212 1234 5678.

• To call a mobile number: Dial 00 (China’s exit code), then 1 (US country code), the area code, and the mobile number.

Example: To call a mobile phone in California, dial 00 1 415 1234 5678.

• To call a toll-free number: Dial 00 (China’s exit code), then 1 (US country code), the toll-free prefix (800, 888, etc.), and the number.

Example: To call a US toll-free number, dial 00 1 800 1234 5678.

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Domestic vs. International Calls to China

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:

Aspect	Domestic Calls in China	International Calls to China
Country Code	No country code is needed.	Must dial China’s country code (+86).
Area Code	Required for landlines in different areas.	Required for landlines, mobile prefix for mobile.
Dialing Format	Local number or area code + local number.	Exit code + country code + area code/mobile prefix + number.
Cost	Low or included in a phone plan.	Usually higher, especially from mobile networks.
Time Zones	No time zone differences.	Must consider time zone differences (China is GMT+8).
Call Quality	Typically clearer and faster.	May experience slight delays due to distance.

How to get a Chinese Virtual Number from Dialaxy?

If you want to establish a phone presence in China, a virtual phone number can be a great solution. Here’s how you can get a Chinese phone number from dialaxy to meet your needs:

Step 1: Visit the Dialaxy Website

Step 2: Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Step 3: Select China as the country for your virtual number.

Complete Payment

Step 4: Receive your Chinese virtual number and start using it.

Final Words 

Dialing China is easy once you know the format. Just remember to use the country code (+86), the correct area code for landlines, and skip the area code for mobile numbers. Whether you’re calling within China or from abroad, following these steps will make your calls smooth and hassle-free. 

For even more convenience and lower costs, consider using a service like Dialaxy. 💡 With a virtual Chinese phone number, you can avoid hefty international fees while staying easily connected. 

Dial with confidence and enjoy seamless, affordable communication with China! 🌟

FAQs

How to format a china phone number?

To format a Chinese phone number, start with the country code +86, then add the area code (for landlines) or the mobile number prefix. Mobile numbers are usually 11 digits long, while landlines have the area code plus a 6-8 digit local number.

Which country code is +86?

The country code +86 is for China.

How many digits are in a Chinese phone number?

A Chinese mobile phone number has 11 digits, while a landline number typically has 8-9 digits, including the area code.

What is the standard format for a Chinese phone number?

The standard format for a Chinese phone number includes the country code (+86), followed by a 2 to 4-digit area code for landlines and a 7 to 8-digit subscriber number. If you’re calling from outside of China, you must first dial your country’s exit code, then the +86 country code, followed by the area code and the subscriber’s number.

How do I dial a Chinese phone number from abroad?

To dial a Chinese phone number from abroad, follow these simple steps:

• Dial your country’s exit code (for example, 011 in the US or 00 in many European countries).
• Dial the country code for China, which is +86.
• Enter the area code (for landlines) or the mobile number, followed by the local number.

For example:

Calling a landline in Shanghai: 011 + 86 + 21 + local number

Calling a mobile number: 011 + 86 + mobile prefix + local number

Do I need to include the area code for all Chinese numbers?

Yes, you need to include the area code for all landline numbers in China. For mobile numbers, you don’t need the area code, just the mobile prefix and the local number.

What are common mistakes when formatting Chinese phone numbers?

Here are the common mistakes when formatting Chinese phone numbers:

• Forgetting to include the country code (+86) when dialing from abroad.
• Using the wrong area code for landline numbers.
• Misdialing the mobile prefix for different network providers.
• Not confirming the total number of digits, especially for landlines.

How can I get a Chinese virtual phone number?

You can buy a Chinese virtual phone number with online services such as Dialaxy. Such services will let you select an area code of your choice and make and receive calls as if you were located in China without being physically there.

Can I use a free China number?

Yes, you can get a free China number using some services, but they usually come with certain limitations. Such numbers might not be able to support other features, such as call forwarding or international calling.