Dial China directly through your phone carrier using country code 86 — convenient, but international rates can add up fast.
Prepaid calling cards let you reach China at lower rates, though you'll juggle access numbers and PINs each time.
MeraTalk connects you to China over the internet with HD-clear audio, low rates, and no hardware to set up.
Dial 011, then 86, then the number, dropping the leading 0.
On a mobile you can replace the exit code with a + sign and dial +86 directly, which works from any country without knowing the local exit code.
Full dialing sequence
Start by dialing your own country's international access code. From the US or Canada this is 011; from most of Europe it's 00. This tells your network you're making an international call.
Immediately follow with China's country code — no spaces or dashes. This routes your call to China's telephone network. On smartphones, replace the exit code with a + sign.
Add the city or regional code for your destination in China. If the local number starts with a 0 (trunk prefix), drop it — the country code replaces it when dialing internationally.
Enter all remaining digits of the local number exactly as written. For mobile numbers, include every digit — no abbreviations. Press call and your carrier does the rest.
A strong, stable internet connection is the foundation of every clear call — use Wi-Fi or solid data whenever you can.
A quality headset sharpens both ends of the conversation, making your calls to China clearer and more comfortable.
Keep the time difference in mind — UTC+8 — so you reach people at a reasonable hour and not in the middle of the night.
The price of calling China swings widely depending on whether you use a carrier, a calling card, or VoIP — and VoIP usually wins.
How to get started with MeraTalk
Find international dialing codes for every country. Click any country to get the full calling guide & tips.
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