Calling on a Phone
Enter the exit code for your country. The exit code, also called the international call prefix or the dial out code, is the number that allows you to dial outside of the country you are currently in. Different countries have different exit codes. For instance, the exit code for the United States is 011, for Nigeria it’s 009, and for Saudi Arabia it’s 00. You can find the exit codes by contacting your phone company or doing a quick internet search. Just type in the name of your country followed by “dial out code” or “exit calling code.”
Dial 86 to connect with China. This is the country code for China. The country code is typically 1-3 digits long. This code identifies the country to which you are placing a call; each nation has a different country code.
Determine whether the number is for a landline or mobile phone. In China, mobile phone numbers are 11 digits (not including the exit or country codes), and they always begin with 1, whereas landlines are usually 6-8 digits (without the exit or country codes). It is important to know whether the number is a landline or not, as you do not use area codes for Chinese mobile phones.
Dial the mobile number to call a mobile phone. If you were dialing a mobile Chinese number from the United States, it would look like: 011-86-155-5555-5555. 011 is the exit code, 86 the country code, and 155 5555 5555 is the mobile number.
Enter the area or city code to call a landline. The area code will narrow your call to the specific region in China that you are calling. Chinese area codes are 2-4 numbers long. For example, the area code for Shanghai is 21 while the area code for Ganzhou is 0787. check this page for a complete list of Chinese area codes.
Dial the phone number after the area code to call a landline. For example, if you were dialing a landline in Shanghai from the United States, you would dial: 011-86-21-55-5555. 011 is the exit code, 86 the country code, 21 the area code for Shanghai, and 55-5555 the landline number.
Check the local time. Even though it geographically covers 5 different time zones, all of China uses China Standard Time, or Beijing Time. This is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8). This means that if you called at 1:00PM from London (GMT), it would be 9:00PM in China. If you called at 1:00PM from Washington, DC (EDT), it would be 1:00AM in China. Make sure you know the local time before you make your phone call to ensure you don’t call at an inconvenient time. Many websites will let you check the current time in China; this is an excellent way to certify that you are calling at an appropriate hour.
Consider purchasing an international phone card. You can buy these online or at many convenience or department stores. They often offer a cheaper rate than your phone provider, and since they are prepaid, you will not receive an unexpectedly high phone bill.
Using Apps to Call China
Make sure you are connected to wi-fi. If you have a wi-fi connected device, you can use an app to phone China. Make sure that your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device is connected to the wi-fi. If you don't have a wi-fi connection at home, find a hotspot at a library, cafe, or restaurant and connect there. Remember that many apps, such as Facebook or WhatsApp, are banned in China. Make sure the app you choose will work in China.
Use Skype to call China. Sign into Skype and click the call phones icon. This will open up the dialing pad. The screen will also display the current calling rates. These rates are based on the currently selected country. Click on the country name above the dial pad. This will open a drop-down menu of countries, you should select China. The country code will be entered automatically. Enter the area code (if calling a landline) and the phone number you want to call. Remember that if you are calling a mobile number, it should begin with 1. After you have entered the number, click the blue call button, and your call will be placed.
Use FaceTime to call China. If you have an Apple device, FaceTime is probably included. Open the app and sign in with your Apple ID. If you are using an iPhone, you will be automatically signed in. In the app, enter the phone number or email address of the person you want to FaceTime. Then type either the video or audio icon to make the call. The audio icon will be sound only. To use FaceTime, the person you are calling will have to also have FaceTime.
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