How to Call China From the UK: +86 Dialing Code, Costs & Tips (2026)
Calling China from the UK is straightforward once you know the correct international dialing format. China uses +86 as its country calling code, while the UK uses 00 as the standard international call prefix.
The exact number you dial depends on whether you are calling a Chinese landline or mobile.
This guide explains how to call China from the UK, how to dial Chinese landlines and mobiles, what calls can cost, and which internet-based options you can consider in 2026.
What Is China’s Country Code?
China’s international country calling code is +86. It is the code used when calling Chinese telephone numbers from another country. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) lists China under country code 86 in its international numbering resources.
For example, an international number may be written in this format:
+86 [Chinese number]
When using a UK phone that accepts the plus sign, you can normally enter +86 instead of the UK international access code.
How to Call China From the UK?
The basic format for calling China from the UK is:
00 + 86 + Chinese phone number
You can also use:
+86 + Chinese phone number
The UK uses 00 as its standard international call prefix. China uses +86 as its country code.
Step 1: Dial the UK International Exit Code
If you are calling from a UK phone using the traditional international dialing format, start with 00.
It signals your phone network that the number you are dialing is outside the UK.
Step 2: Enter China’s Country Code
Next, enter 86, China’s country calling code.
Your number will now begin:
00 86
On many mobile phones, you can use the plus sign instead:
+86
Step 3: Enter the Chinese Phone Number
After +86, enter the Chinese number you want to call.
For a Chinese mobile, enter the mobile number after the country code. Chinese mobile number ranges listed by the ITU use an 11-digit national number format.
For a Chinese landline, you normally need the relevant area code followed by the local number. Chinese government information gives examples such as Beijing 010, Shanghai 021, Guangzhou 020, and Xi’an 029 for domestic dialing.
China Area Codes You Should Know
| City | Area Code |
| Beijing | 10 |
| Shanghai | 21 |
| Guangzhou | 20 |
| Shenzhen | 755 |
| Chengdu | 28 |
| Chongqing | 23 |
| Hangzhou | 571 |
| Wuhan | 27 |
| Xi’an | 29 |
How to Call a Chinese Landline From the UK?
To call a Chinese landline, you need China’s country code, the relevant area code, and the local number.
The general format is:
00 + 86 + area code without the first 0 + local number
Or:
+86 + area code without the first 0 + local number
For example, Beijing’s domestic area code is 010. When calling from outside China, the international format uses +86 10 followed by the local number.
Check the exact Chinese number before calling because area codes differ between cities.
How to Call a Chinese Mobile From the UK?
Chinese mobile numbers use the +86 country code followed by the mobile number.
The basic format is:
00 + 86 + mobile number
Or:
+86 + mobile number
Chinese mobile numbering includes 11-digit national numbers.
Unlike a Chinese landline, you do not need to add a city or area code when calling a mobile.
How to Call China From a UK Mobile
Calling China from a UK mobile is usually simple.
You can enter the number using the plus format:
+86 [Chinese number]
You can also use the traditional international format where supported:
00 86 [Chinese number]
How to Call China From a UK Landline?
From a UK landline, use the international dialing format:
00 + 86 + Chinese number
For a Chinese landline, include the appropriate area code after 86, but remove the domestic leading 0 from the area code.
For a Chinese mobile, use 00 + 86 + the mobile number.
How Much Does It Cost to Call China From the UK?
There is no single price for calling China from the UK. The cost depends on your mobile or landline provider, your tariff, and whether you have an international calling package.
For example, EE currently lists standard rates of £4.64 per minute for calls from the UK to Chinese mobiles and landlines on one of its tariffs. EE also lists international options that can reduce the price considerably.
EE’s Pay As You Go information also lists a £3 Rest of World minutes add-on with 100 minutes, and China is included among the countries covered by that add-on.
O2 also offers international options. Its International Bolt On is listed at £3 per month, with discounted international calls from 1p per minute depending on the destination and applicable terms.
Because prices and plans can change, check your provider’s current international calling rates before making a long call.
Can You Call China Using VoIP?
VoIP services can also let you call China, although the available options may vary based on the service and whether you’re calling a mobile or landline.
VoIP services transmit calls over an internet connection rather than relying entirely on a traditional telephone network. Some services provide app-to-app calling, while others allow you to call regular Chinese landline or mobile numbers.
When using internet calling services with someone located in mainland China, availability can also depend on China’s internet restrictions. GOV.UK warns that some international services are blocked in China and that internet access can be limited.
FAQS – Call to China From UK
Q1. What Is the Best Time to Call China From the UK?
China is:
- 8 hours ahead of the UK during GMT
- 7 hours ahead of the UK during British Summer Time
For example, when it is 9:00 AM in the UK during GMT, it is 5:00 PM in China.
A practical time for business calls is usually the UK morning, because it is afternoon or early evening in China.
Q2. Best Apps for Calling China From the UK
WeChat is widely used in China and can be useful for communicating with contacts who already use the service. .
Q3. Can You Call China From the UK for Free?
You may be able to make an app-to-app internet call without paying a traditional international per-minute telephone charge.
Q4. What is the 3 Digit Code for China?
China does not have a three-digit international calling code.
China’s international country calling code is +86, which is a two-digit code.
Q5. Are China Phone Numbers 11 Digits?
Chinese mobile numbers are generally 11 digits in the national numbering format.
Q6. What Is the Phone Code for China?
The international phone code for China is +86.
Final Words – Call to China From UK
Calling China from the UK is easy when you use the correct international format.
For a standard telephone call, start with the UK’s international prefix 00, followed by China’s country code 86, and then the Chinese telephone number. You can also use the +86 format on most mobile phones.
For Chinese landlines, use the appropriate area code and remove its domestic leading 0 when dialing internationally. For Chinese mobiles, dial +86 followed by the mobile number.
If you prefer internet calling, VoIP and messaging services can provide another option, but always check whether the service is currently available to the person in mainland China. Some international communication platforms are restricted or blocked there.
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