How to Call
China from Canada
To call China from Canada, dial 011 (Canada's exit code), then 86 (China's country code), then the area code and number. With StartACall you call China straight from your browser, no app and no SIM, and the person you reach needs nothing installed. Your first call is free, then it is pay as you go with no subscription.
Product facts
- Outbound: No dedicated number required.
- Inbound: Requires US/Canada digital number ($2.14 to $5/month).
- No apps: Works in Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox.
Product facts: Calls to China
- Outbound calling: Call worldwide instantly. No dedicated number required.
- Inbound calling: To receive calls in your browser, a unique US or Canada digital number is required ($2.14 to $5/month).
- App-free: Works directly in Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox.
Dialing China from Canada: 3 Easy Steps
Follow this standard international dialing format to reach any number in China.
Canada Exit Code
Dial 011.
This is required for all international calls from Canadian landlines.
(On mobile, just hold '0' until '+' appears)
China Code (+86)
Dial 86.
This connects your call to the Chinese telecommunications network.
Area Code & Number
Dial the City Code or Mobile Number.Drop the leading zero!
Dialing Examples
Note: Beijing area code is 010, but you dial just 10.
Chinese mobiles start with 1 (e.g., 139, 186).
Major Chinese City Codes
Use these area codes for landline calls. Remember to remove the leading '0' (e.g., dial 21 for Shanghai, not 021).
| City | Province | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Municipality | 10 |
| Shanghai | Municipality | 21 |
| Guangzhou | Guangdong | 20 |
| Shenzhen | Guangdong | 755 |
| Tianjin | Municipality | 22 |
| City | Province | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Sichuan | 28 |
| Chongqing | Municipality | 23 |
| Nanjing | Jiangsu | 25 |
| Hangzhou | Zhejiang | 571 |
| Wuhan | Hubei | 27 |
China Mobile Prefixes
Chinese mobile numbers are 11 digits long and always start with 1.
Cheap Calls to China
From Canada
Whether for business in the Greater Bay Area or chatting with family in Sichuan, StartACall offers the most reliable connection to China. Bypass traditional carrier fees and enjoy crystal-clear audio.
Time Difference
China (CST) is 12 to 15 hours ahead of Canada.
Example: 9:00 AM in Toronto = 9:00 PM in Beijing.
Low Rates
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All Regions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exit code for Canada?
The exit code for Canada is 011. You must dial this before the country code when calling from a landline. On mobile phones, you can simply use the '+' symbol.
How do I call a mobile number in China?
Dial 011 + 86 + the 11-digit mobile number. Chinese mobile numbers start with 1 (e.g., 139, 186, 150). You do not need to add any extra zeros.
What is the area code for Shanghai?
The area code for Shanghai is 021. When calling from Canada, you drop the leading zero, so you dial 011-86-21 followed by the 8-digit landline number.
Is it expensive to call China from Canada?
With traditional carriers like Rogers or Bell, yes. However, StartACall uses VoIP technology to route calls over the internet, making it incredibly cheap (often just a few cents per minute) to call China.
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Related guides from Canada
Explore more routes and browser based calling guides. These links help you find the right dialing rules faster.