Chinese Phone Number Format

A Chinese phone number follows a structured format, making it easier to distinguish mobile, landline, and toll-free numbers. It generally consists of a country code, area code (for landline), mobile prefix (for mobile), and subscriber number.
 

• Country Code: The international dialing code of China is +86.
• Area Code: Chinese area codes consist of 2 or 3 digits. For example, the area code for Beijing is 10, while the area code for Qingdao is 532.
• Mobile Prefix: Mobile prefixes are generally three digits (e.g., 138, 152, 186) to identify the mobile network operator.
  
  Note: While landlines use area codes to identify geographic regions, mobile numbers use a different system to identify the network provider.
• Subscriber Number: A subscriber number is unique to each individual or business line, and its number of digits depends on whether it's a landline or mobile (7-8 digits).

Mobile phone numbers in China are 11 digits long and begin with a "1" ( if excluding country code) followed by prefixes that identify the service provider or network and a phone number. These numbers can be 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19.
 

• The format of the Chinese mobile number is “+86 1XX-XXXX-XXXX”.

Landline numbers in China have a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit local number. However, in some places, they can have a three-digit area code followed by a seven or eight-digit local number.
 

• The format of landline numbers in China is “+86 [Area Code] [Subscriber Number].”

Toll-free numbers in China are 11 digits long and start with 800 or 400. They are designed to be free of charge for the caller. 

While 800 numbers are only accessible by landline users and are free for the caller, 400 numbers are accessible by both landline and mobile users, but the caller is responsible for local access charges.
 

• The format of toll-free numbers in China is: “400-XXXX-XXXX or 800-XXXX-XXXX.”

Dialing a Chinese phone number locally and internationally varies slightly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to dialing Chinese numbers both domestically and internationally.

When dialing within China, the format differs based on whether the number is a mobile or landline:
 

1. Dialing a Mobile Number Locally
    

   You only need to dial the 11-digit mobile number without any country or area code.

   💡 For Example:

   If the mobile number is 138 1234 5678, simply dial 138 1234 5678 within China.

   *Disclaimer: Mobile numbers do not have an area code, so you can dial them directly from any location within the country.
    

2. Dialing a Landline Number Locally
    

   When calling from a landline, you need to dial an area code, but the code you dial depends on whether you're calling from the same area or a different area.
   
   If you call within the same area, dial the 8-digit subscriber number without the area code.

   💡 For Example:

   For a local call within Qingdao, you would dial 1234 5678.

   If you call from a different area, dial the area code and then the subscriber number.

   💡 For Example:

   From outside Qingdao, dial 0532 1234 5678, where 0532 is the area code for Qingdao, preceded by 0.

When calling a Chinese number from outside China, you need to include the exit code and country code (+86) before the phone number. Here’s how to dial both mobile and landline numbers internationally:
 

1. Dialing a Mobile Number Internationally
    

   Start with the international exit code (which varies by country), followed by China’s country code (+86), and then the 11-digit mobile number.
   
   The format would be: [Exit code] [China’s country code] [Mobile prefix] [Phone number]

   💡 For Example:

   If you are calling China from the US, you would dial “011 86 138 1234 5678.” Here, 011 is the international exit code from the US.

2. Dialing a Landline Number Internationally
    

   Start with your country’s international exit code, then add +86 (China’s country code), the area code (without the leading 0), and the 8-digit subscriber number.

   💡 For Example:

   To call a landline in Qingdao from the U.S., you would dial “011 86 532 1234 5678.”

Small formatting errors lead to failed connections or miscommunication when dialing phone numbers. Here are some common mistakes people make with Chinese phone numbers and tips on how to avoid them.
 

1. Forgetting the international Exit Code (for International Calls): Not including the international exit code when dialing from abroad.
    
2. Omitting the Country Code (86): When dialing from outside China, forgetting to include the country code ‘86’ can result in a failed call or incorrect connections.
    
3. Incorrect Use of Area Code for Landlines: People often forget to add the correct area code or include the leading "0" when dialing a landline from a different region within China.
    
4. Failing to Distinguish Toll-Free and Regular Numbers: Dialing toll-free numbers (400 or 800) like regular numbers, which may not work if dialed incorrectly or from a mobile phone for 800 numbers.

Considering these factors, like time zone, cost, connection quality, language, and dialing codes, helps ensure a smooth and cost-effective call to China.

China follows a single time zone, China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8. This time zone varies significantly from other countries, especially if you’re calling from the U.S., Europe, or other parts of the world.

Area codes are key in the Chinese phone number format, especially for landline numbers. They ensure that calls are accurately routed to the correct location across the vast country. China has dozens of area codes, each representing a city or region. 

Here’s a list of some major area codes in China:
 

Calling China from abroad can be expensive, depending on your service provider. Rates may vary between landlines and mobile numbers. To save on costs, consider using VoIP or international calling apps, which provide lower rates or free options for calls to China.

Understanding Chinese phone numbers is essential for anyone looking to communicate effectively with contacts in China. For local calls, you must dial the area code followed by the subscriber’s number. However, you need to add two more steps for international calls: initially, dial your country exit code and the China country code.

Moreover, consider time zones, which can help you make a successful call. However, the call cost may be pretty high. Alternatively, consider choosing a reliable virtual number provider that allows you to make local and international calls at a lower price.

Yes, China’s country code is +86, and you must include it when calling from outside China to ensure your call connects correctly.

Chinese mobile numbers are 11 digits long and start with a "1," followed by a prefix that identifies the network.

No, mobile numbers in China do not require an area code. Area codes are only used for landlines.

The 800 numbers are only accessible via landlines and are entirely free for the caller, while the 400 numbers can be called from both mobile and landlines; the caller pays local access charges.