China – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for China, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Mainland China’s international dialling code is +86, allocated by the International Telecommunication Union. The special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau operate on entirely separate numbering plans, with calling codes +852 and +853 respectively. This distinction matters for anyone planning a move, since a SIM card purchased in either of those regions will not function on the mainland’s numbering system.

To dial internationally from within the People’s Republic of China, you first dial the international access code 00, then the destination country’s code, followed by the local number. When someone abroad wishes to reach a Chinese number, they dial +86 followed by the subscriber’s number.

When calling a Chinese landline from outside the country, you enter your own country’s international dialling prefix, then 86 for China, then the area code minus its leading zero, and finally the local number. Dropping that leading zero is the step most frequently overlooked: it is only used for domestic long-distance calls within China itself, and must be removed when dialling from abroad — much like callers omit the leading zero from UK area codes when phoning from overseas.

In China’s major cities, landline numbers are made up of a two-digit area code and an eight-digit local number. Elsewhere in the country, a three-digit area code is followed by seven or eight local digits. The area codes for the cities most frequently chosen by expatriates are shown in the table below.

Area codes apply only to landline numbers; mobile numbers carry no geographic identifier. All mobile phone numbers in China consist of eleven digits and are not tied to any particular city or province, so you can continue using a mobile number registered in one location even after relocating to another with no complications.

Who are the major landline providers in China, and how can you contact them?

China’s telecoms sector is controlled by three state-owned operators: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. Of these, China Telecom and China Unicom hold nationwide fixed-line licences, making them the principal choices for residential landline service. By June 2024, the country had approximately 170 million fixed-line subscribers — a number that continues to decline as mobile usage grows — but landlines remain a feature of many rented apartments and commercial premises.

China Telecom holds the leading position among fixed-line providers in China. Its product range spans fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and television services. The company operates through regional subsidiaries — such as Shanghai Telecom and Beijing Telecom — so your day-to-day dealings may be with a provincial arm of the business. Round-the-clock customer support is available by dialling 10000. The official website is www.chinatelecom.com.cn. Given how frequently pricing changes, always consult the website directly for up-to-date tariff information.

China Unicom is the other significant fixed-line operator. Its service portfolio covers mobile networks, local and long-distance calling, data communications, internet access, digital television, and IP telephony. For landline enquiries, China Unicom’s customer service line is 10010. Its official website is www.chinaunicom.com. By 2024, both operators were offering bundled landline-and-broadband packages, but plan details should always be confirmed directly on each provider’s website, as offerings are subject to change.

The vast majority of residential properties in China already have a landline connection with one of these two operators. Which provider is accessible to you will typically depend on which company installed the cabling in your building, so it is advisable to ask your landlord about this before signing a lease.

All providers in China fall under the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Its official website at www.miit.gov.cn contains regulatory guidance for consumers, including information on how to lodge complaints against service providers.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in China, and how can you contact them?

China’s mobile market is concentrated among three state-run operators: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. All three were granted 5G licences in 2019. A fourth player, China Broadnet (China Broadcasting Network), has since entered the national market, leveraging 700MHz spectrum for improved rural and indoor coverage, with around 25.22 million 5G users recorded by the close of June 2024.

China Mobile stands well apart from its rivals in scale. By 2024, it had consolidated its status as the world’s largest mobile operator, reporting 1.004 billion mobile subscribers — nearly 19% of all mobile subscriptions globally. Its network spans both densely populated urban centres and remote rural regions, making it the natural choice for anyone who travels frequently within China. Customer service: 10086. Official website: www.chinamobile.com.

China Unicom ranks second in subscriber numbers. The operator is particularly associated with strong network performance across northern China, making it a preferred option for residents and visitors in that part of the country. Its 4G travel SIM is widely regarded as the most internationally compatible option for foreign visitors, owing to its high degree of handset compatibility. Customer service: 10010. Official website: www.chinaunicom.com.

China Telecom is the third major mobile operator. It delivers solid coverage throughout southern China, which makes it a sensible pick for those living or spending significant time in that region. At the end of 2024, China Telecom reported 424.52 million mobile subscribers and 351.48 million 5G package subscribers. Customer service: 10000. Official website: www.chinatelecom.com.cn.

Within city limits, the three carriers maintain comparable numbers of base stations and deliver broadly similar signal quality in major urban centres. It is in rural and remote areas that China Mobile’s more extensive infrastructure tends to give it an advantage. Beyond the three main operators, several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) resell capacity from the big carriers, and these occasionally offer more competitively priced plans, particularly for short-stay visitors. Mobile tariffs in China are updated frequently, so always check the latest plan details on each operator’s official website before making a decision.

How do I get a landline connected in China?

Because most apartments and houses already have a landline installed with China Telecom or China Unicom, the process for new tenants usually involves activating an account rather than arranging a full installation — unless telephone service is bundled into the rental agreement by the landlord. This account-activation route is considerably simpler than a fresh installation and is by far the most common scenario for expatriates renting furnished accommodation.

The step-by-step process for arranging a new landline connection is as follows:

1. Establish which provider serves your property. Speak with your landlord or building management to find out which operator has cabled the building. You will generally be bound to that provider’s infrastructure for your service.
2. Get in touch with the provider. Call the 24-hour customer service line and press 2 to reach English-language assistance. The relevant numbers are: China Telecom — 10000; China Unicom — 10010.
3. Assemble the required documents. At minimum, you will need a passport, a valid visa, proof of your address, and a copy of your tenancy agreement. If you need a completely new line installed rather than simply activating an existing one, a visit to a provider branch in person will be necessary.
4. Attend a branch if a fresh installation is needed. Where a new line must be laid rather than an existing one reactivated, you will need to go in person to a local China Telecom or China Unicom branch. Both operators maintain branches and retail outlets in most cities across China.
5. Pay any deposit that is required. Some providers ask for a refundable deposit at the time of sign-up. This sum is returned when you close the account. Confirm the current deposit requirement directly with your chosen provider.
6. Arrange for the technician visit. After your account is established, the operator will schedule a technician to come to your address and fit the required equipment. In larger cities, new installations are generally completed within a few working days, though this can vary based on location and current workload. Verify timescales with your provider at the time of sign-up.
7. Set up billing. Landline billing in China typically takes the form of a fixed monthly charge that covers local calls, with domestic long-distance and international calls billed separately at applicable rates.

Foreign nationals may encounter additional steps when arranging a telephone connection. Extra documentation may be requested, and language difficulties with service providers can arise. Your landlord or employer may be willing to assist with setting up the account, which can be invaluable if your command of Mandarin is limited. Always verify the most current documentation requirements with your chosen provider or the MIIT at www.miit.gov.cn.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in China?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in China is a fairly uncomplicated process in cities, but it does come with some requirements that set it apart from many other countries. All three major operators — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom — offer both prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (contract) options.

You must visit an official operator store in person and bring your passport. A hotel address or local address will be needed for registration purposes. Unlike in some countries where SIMs can be picked up anonymously from a vending machine or newsstand, China enforces a real-name registration policy for all SIM purchases — a requirement that extends equally to foreign nationals and local residents.

For prepaid SIMs, the sign-up process is quick. An initial top-up of at least RMB 30–50 (as of 2024) is usually required to activate the card. Operators provide a range of monthly plans offering set data allowances, as well as unlimited-data plans subject to fair usage conditions. Additional data top-up packs are also available as needed. Prepaid SIMs are accessible to tourists and recent arrivals who have not yet obtained a permanent residence permit.

For postpaid contracts, the requirements are more involved. In addition to your passport, you will typically need to present a valid residence permit or work visa, and some operators may expect you to hold a Chinese bank account for direct debit billing. If you are in the early stages of settling in and your residency paperwork is still being processed, it is generally more practical to begin with a prepaid SIM and switch to a contract once your documentation is finalised.

Topping up a prepaid SIM is straightforward: you can add credit through WeChat Pay by linking a foreign debit or credit card, or purchase top-up scratch cards from convenience stores and redeem them online or at a carrier outlet. This flexibility makes the prepaid route especially practical during the initial weeks of a relocation.

When weighing up which operator to choose, your location should be a key consideration. All three carriers offer near-nationwide coverage, but China Unicom is noted for particularly strong performance in northern China, while China Telecom tends to excel in the south. For anyone moving to a rural area, China Mobile’s more extensive rural infrastructure typically makes it the most reliable choice. Check each operator’s official website for the latest plan details and pricing before committing.

How do I pay my telephone bill in China?

Telephone bills in China can be settled through several channels — online, via mobile apps, by direct debit, or in person — and China’s highly sophisticated digital payments ecosystem means that most expatriates quickly find mobile payment methods become their preferred approach to bill management.

Online and app-based payments are by far the most widely used method. Most providers allow customers to pay via their website using a credit or debit card, and account holders can log in from anywhere with an internet connection to settle outstanding amounts. In everyday practice, however, the majority of residents pay through WeChat Pay or Alipay, both of which let you link a bank card and settle utility bills — including mobile and landline accounts — without leaving the app. The level of integration between daily communication platforms and bill payment in China is considerably more advanced than in most other countries.

Automatic direct debit payments offer a low-maintenance alternative. Several providers give customers the option of authorising monthly automatic deductions from a linked bank account, which removes any risk of missed payments or late fees. Establishing this arrangement generally requires holding a Chinese bank account.

In-person payments are still available for those who prefer them. Bills can be settled at a provider’s branch or an authorised payment centre using cash, cheque, or a credit or debit card. This is particularly useful for new arrivals who have not yet opened a Chinese bank account or set up a mobile payment wallet.

Landline bills are issued on a monthly cycle. If a bill goes unpaid, service is liable to be suspended. Having service restored after a disconnection for non-payment typically requires settling the full outstanding balance and completing a reconnection process at a provider branch — which makes setting up automatic payments well worth doing as soon as a local bank account is in place.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in China as a newcomer?

International roaming. Before relying on your home country SIM in China, confirm whether your carrier has a roaming agreement with any of the Chinese operators. Roaming charges can be steep, and while some carriers offer discounted international roaming packages, a local SIM will almost invariably work out cheaper for any stay beyond a few days.

eSIMs. International eSIM providers do offer data plans that work in mainland China, and some make it possible for visitors to maintain internet access without a physical SIM. That said, eSIM activation by the three domestic operators for holders of foreign passports is not yet as straightforward as in markets such as Australia or Germany, where the entire process can be completed online. Check with your preferred operator or a reputable international eSIM provider for the most up-to-date options.

The Great Firewall and internet restrictions. China’s government-operated internet firewall blocks or limits access to a wide range of websites and services, including Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and many others. Using these platforms on a standard Chinese SIM requires a VPN. This is a significant practical matter — many expatriates arrange VPN access before arriving, as downloading VPN software once inside China is itself subject to restrictions.

Number porting. Foreign phone numbers cannot be transferred to a Chinese network; you will be issued a new Chinese mobile number. Domestic number porting between Chinese operators is possible but requires an in-person visit to a store and may take several days to complete — a notably different experience from the single-working-day process available in some other countries. Check the current porting procedure with your provider.

WeChat is indispensable. To a greater degree than almost anywhere else in the world, day-to-day communication in China — including with banks, employers, landlords, and government offices — flows through WeChat rather than traditional phone calls or text messages. Getting WeChat set up on your new Chinese number as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

Signal quality in expat areas. In cities, the three carriers maintain broadly comparable coverage, and signal quality in major urban centres is generally reliable for all three. Expat districts in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou typically enjoy strong 4G and 5G connectivity. In rural or mountainous terrain, coverage can become inconsistent, and China Mobile’s wider rural infrastructure tends to make it the most dependable option in those settings.

Emergency numbers. In an emergency in China, dial 110 for the police, 119 for the fire service, and 120 for an ambulance or other medical assistance. These calls are free from any phone, regardless of credit balance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to China?

No. It is not possible to port a foreign mobile number onto a Chinese network. You will need to register a new Chinese mobile number with one of the three domestic operators. Many expatriates keep their overseas SIM active in a second SIM slot for occasional use, or retain a number in their home country for as long as they are resident in China.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in China?

You will need to visit an official operator store and present your passport. SIMs are available from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom outlets. A hotel address is accepted for registration, which means new arrivals can get connected right away, even before finding permanent accommodation.

Can tourists and new arrivals get a postpaid contract, or only prepaid SIMs?

Prepaid SIMs are open to anyone who can show a valid passport and provide a local address, including a hotel address. Postpaid contracts generally require a valid residence permit or work visa and, in many instances, a Chinese bank account. Most expatriates find it easier to begin with a prepaid SIM and move to a postpaid plan once their residency documents have been issued.

How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in China?

An initial top-up of at least RMB 30–50 is typically required to activate a prepaid SIM (as of 2024). The SIM card itself is usually provided free or for a token charge at operator stores. Monthly plan costs differ considerably depending on the data allowance and call minutes included — consult the current tariff pages on the official websites of China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom for up-to-date pricing.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural China?

China Mobile offers the most extensive nationwide coverage, connecting users reliably in both city and rural environments, and is the best option for those who move around different parts of the country regularly. China Unicom is a strong performer in northern cities, while China Telecom is particularly well regarded in southern China.

How do I pay my mobile bill without a Chinese bank account?

Credit or debit cards from overseas can be linked to WeChat Pay to top up a prepaid SIM. Alternatively, scratch cards sold at convenience stores can be used to add credit online or at a carrier outlet. Cash payments at operator branches are also accepted. Once you have a Chinese bank account, setting up automatic monthly billing is the most convenient ongoing arrangement.

Are there English-language customer service options?

Pressing 2 on the main customer service lines connects callers to English-language assistance. This is available at China Telecom (10000) and China Unicom (10010). China Mobile (10086) also provides some English-language support, though the extent of non-Mandarin service can vary. In larger cities, branches located in expat-heavy neighbourhoods are more likely to have English-speaking staff available.

Who regulates telephone services in China, and how can I make a complaint?

The body responsible for overseeing telecommunications in China is the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Consumer guidance and regulatory information are available at www.miit.gov.cn. Complaints may first be raised with your provider’s customer service team — 10000 for China Telecom, 10010 for China Unicom, 10086 for China Mobile — and escalated to the MIIT if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily.