How to call China from Singapore
- From mobile
- +86 xx xxxx xxxx
- From landline
- carrier code + 86 xx xxxx xxxx
From $1.06/min in your browser, no plan needed
How to dial China from Singapore
How to make a call to China from Singapore: dial the exit code, the country code, and the number. Drop the 0 that starts a Chinese area code, so Shanghai is 21 and not 021.
- +From a mobile
- 86Country code of China
- xx xxxx xxxxThe number, area code first
- M1021 86
- Singtel001 86
- StarHub018 86
Paste or type a number here to see how to dial it from anywhere
Example: +86 10 1234 5678
- Mobile
- +86 10 1234 5678
Main area codes in China
The area code comes right after 86, then the local number
- Shanghai+8621then the local number
- Chongqing+8623then the local number
- Chengdu/Ziyang/Meishan+8628then the local number
- Beijing+8610then the local number
- Guangzhou+8620then the local number
- Tianjin+8622then the local number
- Wuhan+8627then the local number
- XiAn/Xianyang+8629then the local number
Before you call China
Calling China cell phones
When calling China cell phones, dial +86 and then the number. A China number is not a 10-digit number: it has 7 to 12 digits.
Dial big cities from a Singtel landline
Dial the city code right after 86, with no 0 before it.
- Shanghai001 86 21
- Beijing001 86 10
- Guangzhou001 86 20
Remove the 0 from saved numbers
Saved Chinese landlines often keep the 0 of the area code. After 86, that 0 must go.
- Fails
- +86 021
- Works
- +86 21
Calling China from Singapore without an international plan
Suparelay calls China for $1.06/min from your browser, with no plan. Without one, carriers in Singapore charge up to $1.30/min. M1 and StarHub need an IDD add-on for China, and Singtel includes China only on the hi! Senior Plan.
| Carrier | Per minute |
|---|---|
SuparelayNo plan needed | $1.06 |
 | $1.30 |
 | $1.19 + tax with access code 001 |
 | $0.25 + tax with access code 018 |
Want to call China?
Type the number and call from your browser, with no app and no plan
When to call China
The time now in China, and the best hours to call. There is no time difference between China and Singapore, because China has no daylight saving time.
- Time difference
- All year: the same time as Singapore
- Daylight saving time
- None, the clocks never change
- Time zones
- 2
Why a call to China fails
Singtel IDD 001 needs activation
A Singtel line must have IDD access activated before IDD 001 calls work. Application is free, so ask Singtel before you call abroad.
Singtel, IDD 001M1 charges a plus sign call at IDD 002 rates
On M1, a call that starts with + is charged at the Premium IDD 002 rate, so you do not need to dial 002.
M1, Premium IDD 002From any country, a call to China also fails when
- The exit code is wrong for your country
- The number does not take calls from abroad
Questions
How to call a China mobile from Singapore on a Singtel cell phone?
Dial +86, then the number. It works from any mobile in Singapore
Are calls to China included in Singapore phone plans?
On some plans. Singtel includes calls to China in its plans. M1 and StarHub charge less with an add-on or another plan. Without one of these plans, you pay the carrier's rate per minute
How much does it cost to call China from Singapore?
With no plan, carriers in Singapore charge up to $1.30 a minute. Suparelay charges each started minute, from your browser
How to call Shanghai from Singapore?
For Shanghai, dial +86 21, then the local number
How do I dial a +86 number?
Press and hold 0 until + appears, then dial 86 and the number
Can I call China on my iPhone?
Yes. In the Phone app, press and hold 0 for +, then dial 86 and the number. Your plan must allow calls to China
Why isn't my call going through to China?
The usual causes: the exit code is wrong for your country and the number does not take calls from abroad. Each one is listed above, with a link to its fix
How to call China from Singapore for free?
An app calls for free only when both sides have it. A call to a landline, or to a phone without the app, costs money
How to call China from Singapore on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp and FaceTime call for free, but only someone with the same app. To ring a landline or a phone in China without the app, use your phone plan, a calling service, or Suparelay
How to call China number from Singapore on a landline?
From a landline in Singapore, dial your carrier's code, then 86 and the number: 021 with M1, 001 with Singtel, and 018 with StarHub
When is the best time to call China?
Call between 8:00 and 22:00 in China. All year: the same time as Singapore
How to make an international call to China?
Dial +86, then the number. From a mobile, +86 works too
Does Singtel include calls to China?
Yes, up to 1200 minutes. Singtel includes 1200 minutes to China with $35 hi! 5G+ Enhanced Plan