How to Call the US from China: Dialing Steps, Codes & Costs

Before dialing the US number from China, you must know the China exit code and components of the US phone number.

The exit code or international access code is a prefix that you dial to initiate an international call. For China, the exit code is ‘00’. It informs your phone carrier that you’re calling abroad. If you’re calling from a mobile phone, the exit code is often replaced with the ‘+’ sign for convenience.

The US phone number format has three parts: the country code, the area code, and the subscriber’s number. When calling the US from abroad, you need to dial all three in the order: country code (1) + 3-digit area code + 7-digit local number, following the exit code.

It's also important to note that there is no difference between US mobile and landline numbers in terms of format. Both use the same 10-digit structure (area code + local number).

To place a call to the USA from China, dial the China exit code, the US country code, the area code of a specific region, and the US local phone number.

To contact a US landline number from China, dial China’s exit code, the US country code (1), the area code (3-digit), and the 7-digit landline number.

• Step 1: Dial ‘00’, the China exit code, or ‘+’.
• Step 2: Add the US’s country code, 1.
• Step 3: Enter the three-digit area code of the specific US city you’re calling.
• Step 4: At last, dial the 7-digit recipient's landline number.

To contact a US mobile number from China, dial China’s exit code (00 or +), the US country code (1), and the 10-digit mobile number.

• Step 1: Dial ‘00 or +’, the Chinese exit code.
• Step 2: Add the US country code, 1.
• Step 3: At last, enter the 10-digit mobile number.

To call a United States toll-free number from China, dial China’s exit code, the US country code, the toll-free prefix, and the 7-digit local number.

• Step 1 - Dial China’s exit code, 00 or +.
• Step 2 - Enter the USA’s country code, 1.
• Step 3 - Add 3-digit toll-free prefix.
• Step 4 - Now, dial the remaining 7-digit subscriber’s number.

The best time to call the USA from China is between 9 AM and 5 PM in the US, which corresponds to the standard business hours in the country. But, be mindful, China is 12 to 15 hours ahead of the US (depending on different time zones in the US). It's important to consider the time differences to ensure your call reaches your recipient at the appropriate time.

Here’s the best time to make a call from China to the US based on different time zones:

The cost of calling America from China ranges from $0.03 to $1.28, depending on your carrier operators. The calling cost is typically higher for international calls. However, some providers may offer special packages and discount rates for international calls in various plans. So, it's ideal to compare the plans before choosing the service provider.

Here’s how much it costs to call China from the USA with some popular Chinese mobile carriers:

Consider using calling cards, online calling apps, or a virtual phone number to save costs when calling the US from China. These services often offer lower prices for international calls compared to traditional carrier services.

Calling cards are one of the oldest and cost-effective ways to make international calls. These cards are prepaid and can be purchased online or at local convenience stores in China.

To use one, you simply dial a local access number, enter your card’s PIN, and then dial the US number. While they’re affordable, you should always check the terms before buying, as some cards have connection fees or expiry dates that can impact your talk time.

Apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice let you call the US over an internet connection, either for free or at very low cost. If both parties use the same app, the call is usually completely free. These apps are ideal for casual or personal conversations and only require a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. However, they may not be suitable if you need to call landlines or people who aren’t using the same platform.

A virtual phone number also allows you to make calls over the internet. However, unlike the other internet calling apps, you can make calls to any landline or mobile number.

VoIP service providers offer these types of numbers, often with a low calling rate for international calls. Plus, you don’t need any extra hardware—simply purchase the number, install the relevant VoIP app, configure the settings, and start making calls.

Calling the USA from China is simple once you understand the correct dialing format. The key is to use the various international telephony codes, such as exit codes, country codes, and area codes, following the right sequence.

To avoid high charges, consider using online calling services, virtual numbers, or international calling cards. Virtual phone numbers, like those offered by Calilio, are especially useful because they don’t just reduce call costs; they also allow you to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection.