How to Call China
From the UK
From United Kingdom to China, the country code is +86. With StartACall you skip the codes and the downloads and dial China from any browser tab.
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 the UK: Step-by-Step
Connect to the world's largest economy in seconds.
Dial 00
The UK Exit Code.
(Or hold '0' to get '+' on mobile)
Dial 86
The Country Code for China.
Current sequence: 00 86
Dial Number
Enter the area code and number.Drop the leading zero!
Example: Calling a Business in Shanghai
Calling China for Business?
Know the Time Difference
China is 8 hours ahead of the UK (GMT). When it's 9:00 AM in London, it's already 5:00 PM in Beijing.
The best time to call from the UK is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM UK time, which catches the end of the Chinese working day.
Secure VoIP
Encrypted calls over WebRTC. Secure communication for business.
Call Mobiles
Reach China Mobile, Unicom, and Telecom subscribers easily.
No VPN Needed
Our browser-based dialer works directly without complex setups.
Save 90%
Avoid expensive international rates from UK carriers.
Major Chinese City Codes
Drop the leading zero when dialing these codes from the UK.
UK to China Calling FAQs
How do I call a Chinese mobile number from the UK?
Dial 00 86 followed by the 11-digit mobile number. Chinese mobile numbers usually start with 1 (e.g., 139, 186). You do not need an area code for mobile numbers.
Why can't I connect to a number in China?
Check if you dropped the leading zero from the area code. Also, ensure you are dialing the correct country code (86). If calling a business, remember the time difference; they might be closed.
Is it expensive to call China from the UK?
With traditional carriers (BT, Virgin, Mobile networks), yes, it can cost over £1.50/min. With StartACall, you use VoIP technology to call for a fraction of that price.
Do I need a special app to call China?
Not with StartACall. You can make calls directly from your Chrome, Safari, or Edge browser on your phone or computer. No WeChat or Skype installation required.
Connect with China Instantly
Reliable, secure, and affordable calls to the PRC.
Related guides from the UK
Explore more routes and browser based calling guides. These links help you find the right dialing rules faster.