Cheap Calls to China — From $1.4620/min
Country code: +86
Landline
BEST VALUE10 min call = $14.62
Mobile
10 min call = $14.62
Call from your browser, or download our iOS / Android app
How Much Does a Call to China Cost?
Quick reference at our base rate of $1.4620/min:
Rate Breakdown — China
Rates vary by carrier and line type. Here's exactly what you'll pay per minute.
| Destination | Rate/min | 10 min call |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.4620/min | $14.62 |
| China - Mobile Unicom | $1.4620/min | $14.62 |
| China - Mobile Telecom | $1.4620/min | $14.62 |
| China - Mobile Others | $1.4620/min | $14.62 |
Rates are per minute, billed per started minute. No connection fees. Updated regularly.
Calling China — Things to Know
- WeChat (Weixin) is China's dominant communication super-app with over 1 billion users — it handles messaging, voice/video calls, and payments. However, WeChat calls only work when both parties have an internet connection. For reaching landlines or anyone without internet, traditional phone calls are the only option.
- China is 12–16 hours ahead of the US depending on time zone and daylight saving. The easiest overlap is early morning US time (6–8 AM Eastern) which catches evening hours in China (7–9 PM).
- China has three major carriers — China Mobile (57% market share, world's largest), China Unicom, and China Telecom. Together they serve over 1.7 billion connections with widespread 5G coverage.
- WhatsApp, Google, Facebook, and most Western communication apps are blocked in China by the Great Firewall. If your contact is in China, WeChat is the only reliable free messaging option — or call their phone number directly with BubblyPhone.
- Peak calling periods include Chinese New Year / Spring Festival (9 days in February — the world's largest annual migration) and National Day Golden Week (October 1–7). Expect high call volumes from the diaspora during these holidays.
- BubblyPhone works from any web browser — no app download required. Also available on iOS and Android for calling on the go.
- Enable AI transcription ($0.02/min) to get a written record of your call — available in English and Mandarin. Useful for business calls or keeping track of family conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call China?
The cheapest per-minute options are Rebtel ($0.029/min) and Google Voice ($0.04–$0.07/min). BubblyPhone at $1.462/min is cheaper than AT&T ($3.00/min), Verizon ($2.49/min), and T-Mobile ($3.00/min) without a plan — and requires no monthly subscription or contract.
How much does a 10-minute call to China cost?
With BubblyPhone at $1.462/min, a 10-minute call costs $14.62. Compare that to AT&T at $30.00, Verizon at $24.90, or T-Mobile at $30.00 without a plan.
Why are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile so expensive for calls to China?
Major US carriers charge premium rates ($2.49–$3.00/min) for China calls without an add-on plan. Each offers a $15/mo unlimited international plan that covers China, but that requires a monthly commitment. BubblyPhone offers pay-as-you-go pricing at $1.462/min with no subscription needed.
Can I call China mobile numbers, or only landlines?
BubblyPhone connects to both landlines and mobile numbers in China. Mobile numbers are 11 digits starting with 1 after the +86 country code. Rates start at $1.462/min; the table above lists each type of number.
Do I need to download an app to call China?
No — BubblyPhone works directly from your web browser at bubblyphone.com. Just sign up, add credit, and start calling. You can also download the iOS or Android app for mobile calling.
What time should I call China?
China Standard Time (UTC+8) is 12–16 hours ahead of US time zones. To reach someone during evening hours (7–9 PM China time), call at 6–8 AM US Eastern. For business hours (9 AM–6 PM China), call between 8 PM–5 AM Eastern the night before.
Are there any hidden fees or connection charges?
No hidden fees with BubblyPhone. You pay the per-minute rate shown for your talk time, with no connection fee. The minimum top-up is $5 (about 3 minutes to China). Larger top-ups earn bonus credit: $20 gets $23, $50 gets $60, $100 gets $125.
How much credit do I need to start calling China?
The minimum top-up is $5, which gives you about 3 minutes to China. For longer conversations, a $20 top-up gets you $23 in credit thanks to the bonus tier.
Can I get a transcript of my calls to China?
Yes — BubblyPhone offers AI-powered call transcription for just $0.02/min extra. You'll get a full written transcript and summary after your call ends. Available in English and Mandarin.
Why not just use WeChat to call China?
WeChat is the best option when both parties have a stable internet connection. But WeChat only works over data or Wi-Fi — it cannot reach landline phones, and call quality depends on internet speed. BubblyPhone connects directly to any Chinese phone number via the telephone network, guaranteeing a connection even without internet on the receiving end.
Is Skype still available for calling China?
No — Skype was permanently shut down on May 5, 2025. Microsoft migrated users to Microsoft Teams, which does not offer affordable PSTN calling to China. BubblyPhone is a straightforward alternative with no monthly fees.
Does BubblyPhone work for calling China from any country?
Yes — BubblyPhone works from any country with an internet connection. Whether you're in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, or anywhere else, you can call China at the same rates through the web app or mobile app.
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