China Communications: Dialing Guide
Basic Calling Information
Area Codes and Local Numbers
- Local fixed network numbers in China have area codes. Area codes are two to three digits.
- Local numbers contain between seven and eight digits.
- Area code + subscriber number in China equal up to 11 digits.
Mobile Phones
- Mobile phone numbers in China do not have area codes. The first three digits of the local number indicate the carrier, and always start with "13" or "15."
- Mobile phone numbers contain up to 11 digits.
- When calling between cities from a fixed line phone to a mobile phone within China, dial the DAC ("0") before the 11-digit number. Do not dial this access code when calling from another country. Local calls do not require a DAC.
- When calling between cities from a mobile phone to a mobile phone within China, there is no DAC, simply dial the 11-digit number regardless of the origin or destination of the call.
Special Numbers and Services
- Toll-free numbers start with the prefix "10-800."
- China currently does not provide premium number services.
- Dial "9" or "0" to get access to an outside line if you are calling from a business or other self-contained (PBX) telephone system.
Tones
- Ring tone: Long equal on and off tones
- Busy tone: Equal length on and off tones
Online Directories
Business Directories: www.yalwa.cn and www.chinainfo.org
| Code Type | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Country Calling Code | Code to call China from another country | 86 |
| International Direct Dialing Code (IDD) | Prefix to make an international call from China | 00 |
| Domestic Access Code (DAC) | Prefix to make a call between cities in China | 0 |
| International Calls To China |
Calls Within China |
International Calls From China |
|---|---|---|
| Dial your country's IDD + country code for China + area code in China + local number | Local: Dial the local number Long distance: Dial the DAC for China + area code + local number |
Dial the IDD for China + country code of country being dialed + area code (or mobile phone prefix) + local number |
| Example of an international call from the US to Beijing, China: 011 + [86] + (10) + local number |
Example of a long distance call from Xian to Beijing: 0 + (10) + local number |
Example of an international call from China to San Francisco, US: 00 + [1] + (415) + local number |
Source: International Telecommunications Union
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