How to Call Hong Kong From the US [A 2024 Guide]
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Communication is essential to connect between two parties, whether it’s your near ones or for business purposes. Especially in business, a lack of effective communication can cause financial loss.
The US is the global trade center, and Hong Kong is a business and cultural hub having ties with Western countries. Hence, if you are in the US, it is vital to connect with Hong Kong to grow your business further. Since the two locations lie on different continents, they have different time zones. In addition to time zones, there are a few things to know before learning how to call Hong Kong from the US.
Understanding Country Codes
Each country has a unique calling code, which varies among nations. The country code or International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code is used when making international calls. It is a telephone prefix used in International Direct Dialing (IDD).
Hong Kong’s country code is 852, and it is crucial to connect calls from other countries. If you wish to call from the US, the caller must dial the US exit code (011), Hong Kong’s ISD code, and Hong Kong’s phone number.
Consider Time Zones When Dialing Hong Kong From USA
The distance between Hong Kong and the US is approximately 12,720 KM. These regions are too far from each other and have different time zones. The US, being a large country, has nine different time zones, while Hong Kong, a small region, follows only one time zone (UTC/GMT +8).
For example, if you place a call from US Pacific Standard Time (PST) California at noon on January 1, then it’d be 3 am in Hong Kong on January 2. So, it’s important to note time zones to avoid untimely calls. To simplify this, you can download a time zone app or browse current times in Hong Kong.
Here is a comparison.
US time zones | Hong Kong time zone |
UTC-4 Atlantic Time Zone (AST) | SGT is 11 hours ahead of AST |
UTC-5 Eastern Time Zone (EST) | SGT is 12 hours ahead of EST |
UTC-6 Central Time Zone (CST) | SGT is 13 hours ahead of CST |
UTC-7 Mountain Time Zone (MST) | SGT is 14 hours ahead of MST |
UTC-8 Pacific Time Zone (PST) | SGT is 15 hours ahead of PST |
UTC-9 Alaska Time Zone (AKST) | SGT is 16 hours ahead of AKST |
UTC-10 Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HST) | SGT is 18 hours ahead of HST |
UTC-11 American Samoa Time Zone (SST) | SGT is 19 hours ahead of SST |
Steps on How to Call Hong Kong From the US
Using your preferred device, you can call a landline or mobile phone directly in Hong Kong.
Follow the steps mentioned below.
Steps to Call on Hong Kong Landline
Hong Kong is a small region with a country code (852). Every landline number in Hong Kong has eight digits; hence, calling these numbers is easy.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Enter the US exit code (011)
Step 2: Enter the Hong Kong Code (852)
Step 3: Enter the eight-digit receiver’s telephone number (XXXX-XXXX)
For example, if the receiver’s landline number in Hong Kong is “12345678”, you need to dial “001-852-12345678”.
Steps to Call on Hong Kong Mobile Phone
The steps for making calls to mobile phones are similar to those for landlines. The only difference is it needs mobile codes. As many mobile carrier service providers in Hong Kong, mobile codes start with 4,5, 6, 7, or 9, followed by the seven-digit phone number.
Step 1: Enter the exit code of the US (011)
Step 2: Dial the country code of Hong Kong (852)
Step 3: Press the mobile code
Step 4: Enter the recipient’s mobile phone number
For instance, if the receiver’s mobile number in Hong Kong is “2345678” with mobile code 5, you must dial “011-852-5-2345678”.
Steps to Call Toll-Free Number
Dialing a Hong Kong toll-free number works exactly like calling any other phone number. The Hong Kong toll-free number starts with 800, and you can follow the steps below to make a call.
Step 1: Dial the US exit code (011)
Step 2: Enter the Hong Kong’s country code (852)
Step 3: Enter the toll-free number
For example: To dial the “800-123-456” toll-free number, use this format: “011-852-800-123-456”.
Note: A Hong Kong toll-free number may not be internationally accessible. Even if the call is successful, the caller must pay the international roaming charges.
How to Call Hong Kong Using VoIP Services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a popular way to connect with you in Hong Kong from the US. These are internet-based platforms where people must use the same app to call someone. For example, one person on WhatsApp cannot place a call to Viber.
Here are some of the most popular apps that support VoIP calls.
- Facebook Messenger
- Skype
- FaceTime
- Viber
- Telegram
The benefit of using these platforms is that they are cost-effective. These platforms only require you and the person you’re calling to be on the same app and have a good Ethernet connection.
With an advantage, there’s a disadvantage, too, as you may not always have an Internet connection or a phone that doesn’t support the Internet.
Cost of Calling Hong Kong From the USA
Depending upon the carrier provider, the cost of dialing from the US to Hong Kong can vary. For instance, AT&T and T-Mobile in the US charge $15 monthly for unlimited international calling for 70+ countries.
While some other carriers can have international plans for a few minutes to hours, once you use all the minutes, you will be charged more. Because of this, international calls can cost you a lot. Thus, you must choose an alternative to make a call cost-effective.
Here are some tips for reducing call costs.
- Leverage Wi-Fi calling: To use Wi-Fi calling, first enable it on your device. Then, go to settings and turn on this feature if available on your mobile. Now, you can use Wi-Fi to make calls over a traditional mobile network.
Note: In most cases, it works on Android 6 and above.
- Choose internet-based calling methods: Use apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or other platforms to get the most cost-effective call. These methods use the internet to connect people.
- Use international calling cards: You can use calling cards for both mobile and telephones. These credit card-sized cards can be purchased via local stores or online. An international calling card can cost you between $10 to $50.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s economic and cultural growth has made it a favorite for entrepreneurs. Connecting with this region increases your business reach and builds your brand image. Calling Hong Kong from the United States isn’t much of a deal if a proper call format is used.
Placing the exit code, country code, and receiver's phone number in the correct order, along with knowing the appropriate time to call based on the time zone, is all you need to connect with Hong Kong.
Alternatively, VoIP services have made calls easy and cost-effective. You can also get a Hong Kong online phone number from a virtual number provider like Calilio, which offers advanced VoIP features such as Unified Callbox, AI-powered call summary, call notes and tags, and many more, integrated with the business phone systems at a lower cost. Minimize the company’s calling expenses, grow your business call volume, and generate revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to call Hong Kong from the US?
First, enter the US exit code, then the Hong Kong country code, followed by the receiver’s phone number.
How to call Hong Kong from the US for free?
To call Hong Kong for free, use VoIP service providers like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber.
What time should I call Hong Kong from the US?
The appropriate time to dial Hong Kong from the U.S. is between 6 PM and 9 PM EST. The usual working hours in Hong Kong are between 9 AM to 6 PM. This region is typically 12 to 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), which makes these times convenient for business or personal calls.
What is the country code for Hong Kong?
The country code for Hong Kong is 852, and it is needed when making international calls from other countries.
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