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How to Call the UK from China?
To call the United Kingdom from China, dial China’s international exit code 00, followed by the UK country code 44, area code, and then the local phone number.
When dialing a UK number, you must remove the leading “0” from the area code for landline numbers and from the mobile number prefix, as it is only used for domestic calls within the UK.
To call the UK from China, dial:
Landline: 00 + 44 + area code + local number
Mobile: 00 + 44 + mobile number (without the initial ‘0’)
Calling a UK Toll-free Number from China
Follow these steps to call a UK toll-free number from China:
Dial China’s exit code
Enter 00 to start an international call from China.
Dial the UK country code
Enter 44 to connect your call to the United Kingdom.
Enter the toll-free prefix
Dial the UK toll-free prefix, commonly 800 and 808, after the country code.
Dial the remaining digits
Complete the number by entering the rest of the toll-free phone number.
Note: Some UK toll-free numbers may not be reachable from outside the UK, and international charges may still apply for those that connect, depending on your carrier.
Dialing Codes Involved While Calling the United Kingdom from China
To call the United Kingdom from China, you need to use China’s international exit code, followed by the UK country code, area code, and then the UK subscriber number in the correct format.
1. China Exit Code
The China exit code is 00. It is used when making any international call from China. This code tells your phone network that the call is being placed outside the country.
2. UK Country Code
The United Kingdom uses the country code 44. This code directs your call from China to the UK telephone system. It must always be entered after the exit code and before the local number.
3. UK Area Code
UK area codes are used to identify specific geographic regions for landline numbers. They begin with a 0 when used inside the UK, but the leading 0 is removed for international calls. For example, London uses 020, which becomes 20 when dialed from China. Area codes typically contain 2 to 5 digits, depending on the city or region.
Popular UK Area Codes:
City/Region | Domestic Code | International Format |
| London | 020 | 20 |
| Manchester | 0161 | 161 |
| Birmingham | 0121 | 121 |
| Glasgow | 0141 | 141 |
| Liverpool | 0151 | 151 |
| Edinburgh | 0131 | 131 |
4. UK Local Subscriber Number
The local subscriber number is the final part of a UK phone number and is assigned to a specific landline or mobile user. It usually contains 7 to 8 digits.
Alternative Methods to Call the UK from China
You can call the UK from China using VoIP services, social messaging apps, calling cards, and Wi-Fi calling. These alternatives can offer lower calling costs and flexibility than traditional international phone services.
Social Media Apps
Social media apps such as WeChat and Tencent QQ are widely used in China for messaging, voice, and video calls over the internet. These platforms allow users to communicate easily, but both the caller and receiver must use the same app for the call to connect. A stable internet connection is required to ensure good voice quality and smooth communication without interruptions.
VoIP Services
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services allow users to make international calls using an internet connection instead of traditional telephone networks. These services enable direct calling to mobile and landline numbers in the United States from China, without needing the same app on both sides. Many VoIP platforms also offer telephony features such as call recording, call forwarding, call blocking and more.
Calling Cards
Calling cards are prepaid services that provide you with a set amount of minutes to make international calls at a fixed cost. To make a call, you need to dial an access number, enter your PIN, and a UK number. This method works even in areas with limited or no internet access. However, call rates, connection quality, and validity periods may vary depending on the service provider.
Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling allows you to make phone calls using a Wi-Fi internet connection instead of a mobile network. It is built into most smartphones and lets you use your regular phone number to make calls. This feature is helpful when the mobile signal is weak, but Wi-Fi is available. However, its availability and international calling charges depend on your mobile carrier and device settings.
What is the Best Time to Call the UK from China?
The best time to call the UK from China is usually during UK business hours, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM UK time. For personal conversations, late afternoon or early evening in the UK is often more convenient, as most people are available after work hours.
China operates on China Standard Time (CST), while the UK follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving periods. The UK is generally 7 to 8 hours behind China, depending on the season. As a result, placing calls from China during the afternoon or evening usually matches morning or office hours in the UK, which is often the most suitable time for calls.
Here’s a quick reference for the best calling times:
UK Time Zone | Time Difference from China | Best Time to Call from China | Correspondent Time in the UK |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | The UK is 8 hours behind China. | 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| British Summer Time (BST) | The UK is 7 hours behind China. | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
What to Consider Before Calling the UK from China?
Correct Dialing Format
Make sure you enter the number in the correct international format, including China’s exit code (00) and the UK country code (44). Also, remove the leading “0” from the UK number before dialing internationally.
International Calling Charges
Calling the UK from China via traditional networks can be expensive, and rates vary based on your provider, plan, and number type. However, for a more affordable option, internet-based calling services are usually more cost-effective.
Internet Connection Quality
If you are using VoIP or internet-based calling methods, a stable internet connection is important for smooth communication. Weak connectivity may cause delays, poor audio quality, or dropped calls.
How Much Does It Cost to Dial the UK from China?
The cost of calling the UK from China typically ranges from around $0.05 to $1.50 per minute, depending on your telecom provider, calling plan, and whether you are dialing a landline or mobile number. Traditional mobile and landline carriers usually charge higher international rates, especially for long-duration calls.
VoIP services offer an affordable alternative by using the internet instead of standard phone networks. These services significantly reduce per-minute costs and often provide better flexibility for frequent international calling.
If you regularly need to call the UK from China, using a VoIP solution like Calilio can help reduce your calling expenses and ensure clear and reliable call quality. It also provides useful call management features such as call recording, call routing, power dialer, and more, making it suitable for both personal and business communication.
Use the pricing tool below to check the current call rates with Calilio:
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These rates are for reference purposes only and don't represent a binding agreement between the customer and Calilio. Price may vary according to number operator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a text message from China to the United Kingdom?
Yes, you can send a text message from China to the UK using your mobile network, but it is usually charged at international SMS rates. For an affordable option, you can use internet-based messaging apps like WeChat or similar services, which allow free communication when both users are online.
What happens if I dial the UK number incorrectly?
Can I call UK numbers without adding the country code from outside the US?
Still have questions?
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