Asia · CN
China country code: +86
- Exit code from China: 00
- Time zone: CST (UTC+8, no DST)
Reviewed by Sujan ThapaliyaLast updated
What is the country code for China?
The country code for China is +86. To call China from the United States, dial 011 86 followed by the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile, dial +86 directly. A China number in full international format looks like +86 138 1234 5678.
China at a glance
- Country calling code
- +86
- ISO country code
- CN
- Exit code (dialling out of China)
- 00
- The prefix people in this country dial to reach another country.
- National trunk prefix
- 0
- Drop the 0 when dialling from abroad.
- Number length
- 8 digits for landlines plus area code; 11 for mobiles
- Time zone
- CST (UTC+8, no DST)
Dialing
How to call China: step by step
The full sequence is: exit code + 86 + local number (minus the leading 0).
- 1
Dial your exit code
From the United States and Canada that is 011. From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa it is 00. On any mobile you can simply press and hold 0 to get a + instead, which works from anywhere. - 2
Dial 86
86 is the country calling code for China. It never changes and it is the same from every country in the world. - 3
Drop the leading 0
Numbers written for domestic use in China start with a 0. That is a national trunk prefix, not part of the number; remove it when dialling from abroad. 10 1234 5678 is what you dial after +86. - 4
Check the time first
China is on CST (UTC+8, no DST). Business calls placed outside local working hours are the most common reason an international call goes unanswered.
Worth knowing
All of mainland China runs on a single time zone despite spanning five geographic ones, and every Chinese mobile is 11 digits starting with 1.
Number format
What a China phone number looks like
The examples below are format patterns showing digit grouping. They are not working numbers.
| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Landline | +86 XX XXXX XXXX | +86 10 1234 5678 |
| Mobile | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX | +86 138 1234 5678 |
City codes
China area and city codes
Written domestically these carry a leading 0. Drop it when dialling from abroad.
| City / region | Code | Dial from abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 010 | +86 10 |
| Shanghai | 021 | +86 21 |
| Guangzhou | 020 | +86 20 |
| Shenzhen | 0755 | +86 755 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for China?
The country code for China is +86. Written in full international (E.164) format, a China number looks like +86 138 1234 5678.
How do I call China from the United States?
Dial 011, then 86, then the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile you can dial +86 directly instead of 011.
How many digits is a China phone number?
8 digits for landlines plus area code; 11 for mobiles. Written internationally it becomes +86 followed by that national number.
Do I keep the 0 when calling China from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is a domestic trunk prefix. Dial +86 followed by the number with the 0 removed. Including it is the single most common reason calls to China fail.
What time is it in China?
China is on CST (UTC+8, no DST). Check the local time before calling; the safe business window is roughly 9am to 5pm local.
Sources
- ITU-T Recommendation E.164 — The international public telecommunication numbering plan — International Telecommunication UnionThe international number format, the 15-digit maximum, and how country codes and national numbers compose.
- ITU-T International Numbering Resources — International Telecommunication UnionThe assignment of country calling codes and the published national numbering plans they belong to.
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