Affordable international calls to China with no hassle
Call mobiles and landlines in China at low, transparent rates
No contracts, no hidden fees. Clear voice from $1.60/min - call from your browser in under a minute.
How to call China from the US
Calls to China from the US split into two practical use cases: business calls to landlines in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, and personal calls to mobile numbers across the country. The format is similar in both cases – dial +86, then the area code or mobile prefix without the leading 0, then the subscriber number. Chinese mobiles are typically 11 digits total beginning with 1, and major-city landlines use 2-digit area codes (10 for Beijing, 21 for Shanghai, 20 for Guangzhou).
China's termination market is unusually price-competitive, which is why our per-minute rate is one of the lowest on the destination list. That low rate matters more here than in most countries because cross-border meetings tend to run long: tax returns, supplier negotiations, manufacturing QA reviews. With per-second billing through Phonecall, an hour-long call to a factory in Shenzhen costs the same as that hour at the rate you see on the page – no rounding up, no connection fee.
China's country calling code is +86. From the US, dial + 86 + area code or mobile prefix + number (no leading 0). Mobile numbers are 11 digits starting with 1. Major landline area codes: 10 (Beijing), 21 (Shanghai), 20 (Guangzhou), 755 (Shenzhen), 28 (Chengdu), 24 (Shenyang).
Why call China with Phonecall?
- Browser-based. Call from any device with a web browser – no app to install.
- Affordable rates. Pay-as-you-go pricing; save compared to traditional carriers.
- Crystal-clear quality. HD voice so your conversations stay clear.
- Secure & private. Encrypted calls and no hidden fees.
Why choose Phonecall for calls to China?
Lowest rates
Pay-as-you-go pricing – no hidden fees, no monthly commitments. Transparent, affordable calling to China.
Global coverage
Call landlines and mobiles across China. Whether you're calling the capital or other cities, we've got you covered.
Instant setup
No downloads or complicated setup. Start calling China from your browser in under a minute.
Calling rates for China
Save up to 50× vs traditional providers
$5
Calling credit
Landline3 min
Mobile3 min
$10
Calling credit
Landline6 min
Mobile6 min
$20
Calling credit
Landline12 min
Mobile12 min
Rates from the US. Other origins may vary. See full rates
Sign up and start calling China in under a minute
Start callingReady to connect with China?
Create a free account and make your first call in under a minute. No credit card required for the first call.
Create free accountHow Phonecall makes calling China better
Traditional carriers charge premium rates for international calls. Phonecall uses modern VoIP so you get the same quality at a fraction of the cost.
- Crystal-clear voice quality – we work with major carriers for excellent call clarity to China
- No app required – call directly from your browser on any device
- Transparent billing – see exactly what you pay with per-minute pricing
- Secure & private – encrypted calls and your data is protected
Who uses our service to call China?
- Families staying in touch across borders
- Expats and travelers calling local numbers in China
- Small businesses with partners or clients in China
- Remote teams coordinating internationally
How to dial a phone number in China
- Country code: +86
Always include the country code when dialing China from abroad.
Need the country code and dialing format? See China country code (+86) for number formats and examples.
About calling China
International calls to China from the US, UK, and 180+ countries are easy with Phonecall – no app or SIM required. See cheap international calls for all destinations.
China is a major destination for business and family calls from global diaspora. Rate transparency and quality are priorities.
China uses the country calling code +86. When calling China, dial the country code so your call reaches the right network. The primary languages spoken in China are Mandarin, Cantonese. Being aware of local communication customs helps when making business or personal calls. Typical business hours in China are 9am–6pm local, Monday–Friday. Calling during these hours makes it easier to reach businesses and professionals. Enter the full number including the country code in Phonecall and we handle the rest. You can call both landlines and mobiles across China.
Major cities include:
- Beijing – Capital and administrative center.
- Shanghai – Major economic and cultural center.
- Guangzhou – Key commercial and transport hub.
Call China from anywhere
Select your location to see rates. Phonecall supports calls from many countries.
| Calling from | Calling to | Action |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | China | View rates & details |
| Canada | China | View rates & details |
| Australia | China | View rates & details |
| Germany | China | View rates & details |
| France | China | View rates & details |
| Spain | China | View rates & details |
| Italy | China | View rates & details |
| Netherlands | China | View rates & details |
Don't see your country? Phonecall supports calls to China from many countries. Check the rates page for full details.
Current time comparison
See the current time in your location and China to plan your calls effectively.
Time zones in China
China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Best times to call are typically 9 AM – 5 PM local time in China. Avoid calling during early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 9 PM) local time.
Calling tips for China
Calling tips
- Check the local time in China before calling to avoid very early or late hours.
- Have the full number including country code +86 ready.
- Use a quiet spot and a stable internet connection for clearer calls.
Business etiquette
- Be punctual for scheduled calls.
- Introduce yourself and state the purpose of the call clearly.
- Keep a professional tone and allow time for the other person to respond.
Popular cities in China
Beijing
Capital and administrative center.
Shanghai
Major economic and cultural center.
Guangzhou
Key commercial and transport hub.
Frequently asked questions about calling China
Can I reach a Chinese mobile from the US without WeChat?
Yes. Phonecall connects to the standard mobile network in China, so the recipient hears a normal incoming call on their SIM – they don't need WeChat, WhatsApp, or any app installed. That's the point of the service: it works for elderly relatives, factory managers, and customer service lines that won't be on chat apps.
Do I need to dial 011 before +86 from the US?
On a US-based browser session with Phonecall, just dial +86 – we handle the international exit code automatically. If you ever dial from a physical US landline or a US mobile carrier, replace the + with 011, so the full string is 011 86 followed by the rest of the number.
Why is the landline rate to China lower than the mobile rate?
Chinese mobile operators charge a slightly higher termination fee per minute than fixed-line carriers, and we pass that difference through. The gap is usually small, but if you have the choice (for example a relative who has both a home phone and a mobile), the landline number is marginally cheaper.
Can I call China without a local SIM card?
Yes. No local SIM or contract is required. Call China from your browser using Phonecall.
Do I need internet to call China?
Phonecall runs in your browser, so you need an internet connection. Call quality is best on a stable connection.
Can I call China from anywhere in the world?
Yes, as long as your location supports international calling. Check the rates page for rates from your country.
How much does it cost to call China?
Rates depend on whether you're calling a mobile or landline. We display pricing upfront before you dial.
Can I call China from my browser?
Yes. Phonecall lets you call China landlines and mobiles directly from your browser - no app or SIM required.
Start calling China today
Stay connected without overpaying for international calls.