How to Dial China from Australia (Step-by-Step Guide)

International calls can feel confusing at first, especially when country codes and exit numbers are involved.

Whether you're calling family, friends, or business contacts, this guide keeps it simple.

To Call China from Australia, Dial:

+86 [area_code] [local_number]

Example:

If someone gives you: (10) 1234 5678 (a number in Beijing)

Dial: +86 10 1234 5678

If the number is written with brackets, ignore the brackets and dial the digits only.

If the Chinese landline number you have starts with a '0', you must remove it before dialling. This '0' is a domestic trunk prefix and is not used for international calls. For example, a number written as 010 1234 5678 should be dialled as +86 10 1234 5678. Mobile numbers do not use a leading zero.

What Is the China Country Code?

The country code for China is +86.

Step-by-Step Dial Format (From Australia)

1. Dial + (or 0011)

2. Dial 86

3. Dial the area code (and remove the leading '0' if present)

4. Dial the local number

Full format: +86 [area_code] [local_number]

Or using Australia's exit code: 0011 86 [area_code] [local_number]

+ vs 0011 — What's the Difference?

The + symbol works globally and is the recommended method. The 0011 exit code works specifically when dialling from Australia. Either format will connect your call.

Is Calling China Expensive?

International calls can become expensive if your plan charges per minute.

All E.Tel mobile plans include international minutes to call China directly from your mobile — 100, 200, or 300 minutes depending on your plan. No per-minute fee within your allowance, and predictable monthly billing.

Cheapest Way to Call China

There are three main options:

Internet calling apps — free or low cost but require a stable data connection.

Standard international dialling — reliable but billed per minute without an included allowance.

Mobile plan with included international minutes — best for regular callers who want simplicity and cost control.

Regular overseas callers typically benefit from a bundled international allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the China country code?

The country code for China is +86.

How do I call China from Australia?

Dial +86 followed by the area code and local number. You can also use 0011 instead of +.

Do mobile numbers use a different format?

Yes. Chinese mobile numbers are 11 digits long and usually start with the number 1. To call a mobile, dial +86 followed directly by the 11-digit mobile number. There is no separate area code or leading zero to remove.

Can I use + instead of 0011?

Yes. The + symbol works globally and is the preferred method. 0011 is Australia's exit code and works the same way.

Summary

To call China from Australia: +86 [area_code] [local_number]

Once you know the correct dial format, calling China from Australia is straightforward.

Before making frequent international calls, check if your plan includes international minutes.