Calling China from India might seem tricky at first, but once you know the right steps, it’s quite straightforward. Whether you want to connect with family, friends, or business contacts, understanding the dialing process and options can save you time and money. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make clear and affordable calls from India to China.
You’ll learn about the country codes, dialing formats, and the best ways to call, including mobile, landline, and internet-based options. By the end, you’ll feel confident making international calls to China without any hassle.
Understanding the Basics of International Calling
Before you dial, it’s important to understand how international calls work. When calling China from India, you need to use specific codes and follow a certain sequence.
- Exit Code (India): This is the code you dial to leave India’s phone network. For India, it’s 00.
- Country Code (China): China’s country code is 86.
- Area Code: This depends on the city or region in China you are calling. For example, Beijing’s area code is 10, Shanghai’s is 21.
- Local Number: This is the phone number of the person or business you want to reach.
So, the general format to call China from India is:
00 + 86 + Area Code + Local Number
For example, if you want to call a number in Beijing (area code 10) with the local number 12345678, you would dial:
00 86 10 12345678
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling China from India
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to help you make your call without confusion.
- Dial India’s Exit Code: Start by dialing 00.
- Enter China’s Country Code: Next, dial 86.
- Add the Area Code: Dial the area code for the city you want to reach. Remember, don’t add a zero before the area code when calling internationally.
- Dial the Local Number: Finally, enter the local phone number.
Example
If you want to call a Shanghai number 98765432, you would dial:
00 86 21 98765432
Make sure your phone plan supports international calls, or you might get a message saying the call cannot be completed.
Calling China from India Using Mobile Phones
Calling China from your mobile phone is very similar to calling from a landline, but there are a few extra tips to keep in mind.
- Use the Plus (+) Sign: Most mobile phones allow you to replace the exit code (00) with a plus (+) sign. So instead of dialing 00, you can dial +86 directly.
- Check Your Mobile Plan: Some mobile plans charge high rates for international calls. Check with your provider for international calling rates or packages.
- Use International Calling Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber can help you call China using the internet, often for free or at a lower cost.
On your mobile, you can dial:
+86 + Area Code + Local Number
For example:
+86 10 12345678
This method is often easier and works globally.
Using Internet-Based Calling Services to Call China
If you want to save money or avoid high international call charges, internet calling apps are a great option. Here are some popular services you can use:
- WhatsApp: Free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Skype: Offers both free Skype-to-Skype calls and paid calls to landlines and mobiles.
- Google Voice: Allows calling international numbers at affordable rates.
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams: Useful for business calls with video and audio.
Benefits of Internet Calling
- Cost-effective: Many calls are free or cheaper than traditional phone calls.
- Good for Video Calls: You can see the person you’re talking to.
- Works Anywhere: As long as you have internet access.
Things to Remember
- Both you and the person in China need the same app for free calls.
- Internet speed affects call quality.
- Some apps require you to buy credits for calling landlines or mobiles.
Tips to Reduce Costs When Calling China from India
International calls can get expensive, but there are ways to keep your phone bills low.
- Use Calling Cards: Prepaid international calling cards often offer cheaper rates.
- Buy International Calling Plans: Some Indian telecom providers offer special plans for calling China.
- Use Wi-Fi for Internet Calls: Avoid using mobile data to save money.
- Call During Off-Peak Hours: Some providers offer lower rates at certain times.
- Compare Rates: Check rates from different providers before making calls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling China from India
To ensure your call goes through smoothly, avoid these common errors:
- Dialing the Area Code with a Leading Zero: When calling internationally, do not dial the zero before the area code.
- Forgetting the Exit Code: Always start with India’s exit code (00) or use the plus (+) sign on mobiles.
- Not Checking Call Rates: International calls can be expensive if you don’t check your plan.
- Ignoring Time Differences: China is 2.5 hours ahead of India, so call at appropriate times.
- Not Testing the Call: If it’s an important call, try a test call first to check the connection.
How to Call Chinese Mobile Numbers from India
Calling a mobile phone in China is slightly different because mobile numbers don’t have area codes.
- Chinese mobile numbers start with 1 and are 11 digits long.
- To call a Chinese mobile number, dial:
00 + 86 + Mobile Number
For example, if the mobile number is 13812345678, dial:
00 86 13812345678
Or on mobile phones:
+86 13812345678
Understanding Time Zones When Calling China
China follows a single time zone: China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC +8 hours. India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30 hours.
- China is 2.5 hours ahead of India.
- When it’s 10:00 AM in India, it’s 12:30 PM in China.
- Plan your calls accordingly to avoid calling too early or too late.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Calling China
Sometimes your call might not connect or the quality is poor. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the Number: Make sure you dialed the correct country and area codes.
- Verify Your Plan: Confirm that international calling is enabled.
- Try Using the Plus (+) Sign: On mobiles, this often works better than 00.
- Use a Different Network: Sometimes switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi improves quality.
- Restart Your Phone: This can fix temporary network glitches.
- Contact Your Provider: If problems persist, your telecom provider can help.
Summary Table: Dialing China from India
| Step | Dialing Format Example | Notes |
| Exit Code (India) | 00 or + | Use 00 on landlines, + on mobiles |
| Country Code (China) | 86 | Always dial after exit code |
| Area Code (City) | 10 (Beijing), 21 (Shanghai) | No leading zero when calling internationally |
| Local Number | 12345678 | The phone number you want to reach |
| Full Number Example | 00 86 10 12345678 or +86 10 12345678 | For mobiles, + is easier |
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to call China from India, whether using a landline, mobile phone, or internet-based apps. Remember to use the correct exit and country codes, avoid common dialing mistakes, and consider cost-saving options like calling apps or special plans. With these tips, you can stay connected with your contacts in China easily and affordably.
International calling doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. By following the simple steps and using the right tools, you’ll make your calls clear and hassle-free. So go ahead, pick up your phone, and start calling China today!
FAQs
How much does it cost to call China from India?
The cost varies by provider and plan. Traditional calls can be expensive, but using internet apps like WhatsApp or Skype can be free or much cheaper.
Can I use my mobile phone to call China without an international plan?
You can, but charges may be high. It’s best to check with your mobile provider or use internet calling apps to avoid large bills.
What is the correct way to dial a Chinese mobile number from India?
Dial 00 or +, then 86, followed by the 11-digit mobile number starting with 1. For example, +86 13812345678.
Are there any apps recommended for calling China from India?
Yes, WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Google Voice are popular and cost-effective options for calling China.
What time should I call China from India to avoid disturbing?
Since China is 2.5 hours ahead, calling between 9 AM and 9 PM China time (6:30 AM to 6:30 PM India time) is usually best.
