How to Call China from USA: +86 138-1234-5678 Format & 8 Best Methods (2026)
Call China from USA: dial +86 138-1234-5678 format explained. 8 best methods from free (WeChat) to $0.01/min (BubblyPhone). Mobile prefixes, area codes, and 99% savings guide.
Looking to call China from the USA? With over 5 million Chinese Americans and growing business ties between the two countries, finding an affordable and reliable way to make international calls to China is essential. This comprehensive guide shows you 8 proven methods to call China, from completely free options to ultra-cheap paid services starting at just $0.01/minute.
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Dial China from USA
Standard Format from USA to China:
China Area Codes Quick Reference
| City | Area Code | Landline Format | Mobile Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 10 | +86 10 XXXX XXXX | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX |
| Shanghai | 21 | +86 21 XXXX XXXX | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX |
| Guangzhou | 20 | +86 20 XXXX XXXX | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX |
| Shenzhen | 755 | +86 755 XXXX XXXX | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX |
| Chengdu | 28 | +86 28 XXXX XXXX | +86 1XX XXXX XXXX |
| Hong Kong | 852 | +852 XXXX XXXX | (separate country code) |
8 Best Ways to Call China from USA
1. BubblyPhone - Best Overall Value
BubblyPhone offers the best combination of price and convenience for calling China. At just $0.01/minute to Chinese mobile and landline numbers, it's 99% cheaper than traditional carriers. Your family or business contacts in China don't need to install any app.
- 1. Visit BubblyPhone.com in your browser
- 2. Buy credits (starting from $5 = 500 minutes)
- 3. Enter Chinese phone number with +86
- 4. Click call - works instantly in Chrome, Safari, Edge
- • Cheapest paid option at $0.01/min
- • Crystal clear HD voice quality
- • No app installation needed
- • Works on any device with browser
- • No VPN required
- • Same rate for mobiles and landlines
- • Requires internet connection
- • Not completely free (but extremely cheap)
2. WeChat - Most Popular in China
WeChat (微信) is by far the most popular messaging and calling app in China with over 1.3 billion users. If your contacts in China use WeChat (which is almost certain), this is an excellent free option for voice and video calls.
- • Completely free
- • Video calling included
- • Nearly universal in China
- • Works without VPN in China
- • Also messaging, payments, more
- • Both parties need the app
- • Both need internet connection
- • Can't call regular phone numbers
- • Privacy concerns
3. Google Voice - US Residents Best Choice
Google Voice provides a free US phone number and charges $0.01/minute to call China (both mobiles and landlines). Only available for US residents, but offers excellent value with additional features.
- • Same low rate as BubblyPhone
- • Free US phone number
- • Voicemail transcription
- • Call forwarding
- • SMS to US numbers free
- • US residents only
- • Requires Google account
- • Less reliable in some areas
4. Skype - Established International Service
Skype has been connecting people internationally since 2003. Rates to China are competitive at $0.023/minute, though slightly more expensive than BubblyPhone and Google Voice.
- • Well-established service
- • Can call regular phone numbers
- • Monthly subscription options
- • Works worldwide
- • 2.3x more expensive than BubblyPhone
- • Requires account setup
- • App installation needed
5. WhatsApp - Limited Use in China
WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China without a VPN. While popular globally, it's not ideal for calling China unless your contact has VPN access or is outside mainland China.
- • Completely free
- • Video calling included
- • End-to-end encryption
- • Works in Hong Kong
- • Blocked in mainland China
- • Requires VPN in China
- • Both need the app
- • Can't call phone numbers
6. FaceTime Audio - For iPhone Users
If both you and your contact in China use iPhones or Apple devices, FaceTime Audio provides excellent free calls. Works in China without VPN.
- • Completely free
- • Excellent audio quality
- • Built into iPhones
- • Works in China without VPN
- • Both need Apple devices
- • iPhone/iPad/Mac only
- • Requires internet connection
7. International Calling Cards
Traditional calling cards are still available but have become outdated due to hidden fees, expiration dates, and poor quality. Not recommended unless you have no internet access.
- • No internet required
- • Available at retail stores
- • Can use from any phone
- • Hidden fees and connection charges
- • Minutes often expire
- • Poor call quality
- • 3-15x more expensive than VoIP
8. Traditional Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
Not recommended: Traditional US carriers charge extremely high rates for international calls to China. AT&T charges up to $5/minute, Verizon charges $3/minute, and T-Mobile charges $3/minute for pay-per-use international calling.
- • AT&T: Up to $300
- • Verizon: $180
- • T-Mobile: $180
- • BubblyPhone: Only $0.60
You could save 99.7% by using BubblyPhone instead!
Cost Comparison: Save Thousands Per Year
| Service | Rate/Min | 1 Hour | Weekly 2hrs | Annual Cost | vs. BubblyPhone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 BubblyPhone | $0.01 | $0.60 | $1.20 | $62 | Baseline |
| FREE | $0 | $0 | $0 | Save $62 | |
| Google Voice | $0.01 | $0.60 | $1.20 | $62 | Same |
| Skype | $0.023 | $1.38 | $2.76 | $144 | +$82 |
| AT&T International | $5.00 | $300 | $600 | $31,200 | +$31,138 |
| Verizon International | $3.00 | $180 | $360 | $18,720 | +$18,658 |
💰 Real Savings Example
David from California calls his business partners in Shanghai for 2 hours every week:
Understanding Time Zones: USA to China
China uses a single time zone (China Standard Time, CST/UTC+8) for the entire country, despite spanning five geographical time zones. Here's how it compares to US time zones:
| US Time Zone | Hours Behind China | When it's 9 AM in China | When it's 9 PM in China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern (EST/EDT) | 13 hours (DST) / 12 hours (std) | 8 PM previous day | 8 AM same day |
| Central (CST/CDT) | 14 hours (DST) / 13 hours (std) | 7 PM previous day | 7 AM same day |
| Mountain (MST/MDT) | 15 hours (DST) / 14 hours (std) | 6 PM previous day | 6 AM same day |
| Pacific (PST/PDT) | 16 hours (DST) / 15 hours (std) | 5 PM previous day | 5 AM same day |
Best Times to Call China from USA
- ✓Early Morning (USA): 6-9 AM EST = 7-10 PM China (evening, after dinner)
- ✓Late Evening (USA): 8-11 PM EST = 9 AM-12 PM China (morning, business hours)
- ✗Avoid: 12-6 PM EST = 1-7 AM China (overnight)
8 Money-Saving Tips for Calling China
1. Use VoIP Services for Massive Savings
Save 99% by switching from traditional carriers to BubblyPhone ($0.01/min) or Google Voice. The savings are massive - you'll pay $62/year instead of $31,200/year for weekly 2-hour calls.
2. Use WeChat for Free Personal Calls
WeChat is universal in China. For personal calls with family and friends who have smartphones, WeChat provides excellent free voice and video calls. Works without VPN in China.
3. Combine Free and Paid Services
Use WeChat for personal calls and BubblyPhone for calling landlines, business numbers, or people without WeChat. This gives you the best of both worlds.
4. Never Use Carrier International Dialing
AT&T's "World Connect Value" charges $15/month + $2/minute - still 200x more expensive than BubblyPhone. Carrier "deals" are designed to look good but remain extremely overpriced.
5. Schedule Calls During Business Hours (China Time)
For business calls, call during China business hours (9 AM - 6 PM China = 8 PM - 5 AM EST). This ensures you reach people and internet quality is typically better during daytime hours.
6. Use WiFi for Better Call Quality
For VoIP calls with BubblyPhone or WeChat, WiFi typically provides better quality than mobile data. This is especially true if your contact in China has reliable home or office WiFi.
7. Avoid International Roaming
If you're traveling to China, don't use your US carrier's international roaming. Get a local Chinese SIM card or use WiFi with VoIP services - you'll save hundreds of dollars.
8. Be Aware of Chinese Holidays
Chinese New Year (late January/early February) and National Day (October 1st) are major holidays. Plan calls accordingly as many businesses close for 7-10 days during these periods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Dropping the Leading "0" from Area Codes
Wrong: +86 010 1234 5678 (Beijing)
Right: +86 10 1234 5678
Chinese phone numbers include a leading "0" for domestic calls, but you must drop it when calling from abroad.
❌ Using Traditional Carrier International Dialing
Calling 011-86-xxx directly from your AT&T or Verizon phone costs $3-5/minute. You're throwing away thousands of dollars per year.
Solution: Use BubblyPhone for 99% savings at $0.01/min.
❌ Relying on WhatsApp for China Calls
WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China. Unless your contact has VPN access (which is becoming more restricted), WhatsApp won't work reliably.
Solution: Use WeChat (free) or BubblyPhone (paid but works anywhere).
❌ Confusing Hong Kong and Mainland China Codes
Hong Kong uses country code +852 (separate from China's +86). Make sure you're using the correct code for your destination.
❌ Ignoring the Massive Time Difference
China is 12-16 hours ahead of the US. Calling at a convenient time for you might be 3 AM in China. Always check the time difference before calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call China from USA?
The cheapest paid options are BubblyPhone and Google Voice, both at $0.01/minute to Chinese mobile and landline numbers. For completely free calls, use WeChat if both parties have the app and internet connection. BubblyPhone is 99% cheaper than traditional carriers like AT&T ($5/min) or Verizon ($3/min).
How do I dial China from USA?
To call China from USA, dial: 011 + 86 + Area Code + Local Number (or use +86 instead of 011). Always drop the leading "0" from Chinese area codes. For example: +86 10 1234 5678 for Beijing landline, or +86 138 1234 5678 for mobile.
What is China's country code?
China's country code is +86. When calling from USA, you dial 011 (US exit code) + 86 (China country code) + the local number. On mobile phones, you can use +86 directly. Note: Hong Kong uses +852, Macau uses +853.
Can I call China for free?
Yes, you can make completely free calls to China using WeChat, the most popular app in China with 1.3+ billion users. FaceTime Audio also works if both parties have iPhones. However, to call regular Chinese phone numbers without requiring the recipient to have an app, use affordable paid services like BubblyPhone at just $0.01/minute.
Does WhatsApp work in China?
No, WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China along with many other Western apps and services. While it's possible to use WhatsApp with a VPN, VPNs are increasingly restricted in China. WeChat is the standard messaging and calling app in China and works without any VPN. For calling Chinese phone numbers directly, use BubblyPhone.
How much do AT&T and Verizon charge to call China?
AT&T charges up to $5.00/minute for pay-per-use calls to China. Verizon charges $3.00/minute. T-Mobile charges $3.00/minute. These rates are 300-500x more expensive than VoIP services like BubblyPhone ($0.01/min). Weekly 2-hour calls cost $31,200/year with AT&T vs. only $62/year with BubblyPhone - a savings of $31,138 per year.
What are the major area codes in China?
Major China area codes include: 10 (Beijing), 21 (Shanghai), 20 (Guangzhou), 755 (Shenzhen), 28 (Chengdu), 23 (Chongqing), and 27 (Wuhan). Mobile numbers don't use area codes - they're 11 digits starting with 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19.
Why BubblyPhone is the Best Choice for Calling China
Start Calling China for $0.01/min
Save 99% compared to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile
Lowest Rates
Only $0.01/minute to Chinese mobiles and landlines
No App Required
Your contacts receive normal phone calls - no app installation needed
Crystal Clear Quality
HD voice quality better than traditional phone calls
No subscription required • Pay as you go • Cancel anytime
Chinese Mobile Number Prefixes: +86 1XX Format Explained
Chinese mobile numbers follow the format +86 1XX-XXXX-XXXX (e.g., +86 138-1234-5678). The first three digits after +86 identify the carrier. Here are the major mobile prefixes:
| Prefix | Carrier | Dial from USA |
|---|---|---|
| 130-132 | China Unicom | +86 130-XXXX-XXXX |
| 133, 149, 153 | China Telecom | +86 133-XXXX-XXXX |
| 134-139 | China Mobile | +86 138-XXXX-XXXX |
| 150-152 | China Mobile | +86 150-XXXX-XXXX |
| 155-156 | China Unicom | +86 155-XXXX-XXXX |
| 157-159 | China Mobile | +86 158-XXXX-XXXX |
| 170-171 | Virtual carriers (MVNO) | +86 170-XXXX-XXXX |
| 176-178 | China Unicom / Telecom / Mobile | +86 176-XXXX-XXXX |
| 180-189 | China Telecom / Mobile / Unicom | +86 186-XXXX-XXXX |
| 191, 198, 199 | China Telecom / Mobile / Unicom | +86 199-XXXX-XXXX |
Key rule: All Chinese mobile numbers are 11 digits (e.g., 138-1234-5678). When dialing from the USA, add +86 in front: +86 138-1234-5678. There is no area code for mobile numbers — the carrier prefix replaces it.
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Bottom Line: For calling China from USA, BubblyPhone offers the best combination of price ($0.01/min), convenience (no app required), and reliability. WeChat works great for free personal calls when both parties have internet, but for calling regular phone numbers or business contacts, BubblyPhone saves you 99% compared to traditional carriers while delivering superior call quality.