How to Call Mainland China from Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide

Here’s a little-known fact: Calling Mainland China from Hong Kong is not as straightforward as you might think. There are many small details that, if overlooked, could lead to confusion or additional costs. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the specifics of how to make this happen in the most efficient and cost-effective way. This guide will help you master the process, ensuring that you don’t hit any roadblocks along the way.

Imagine this scenario: You're sitting in a café in Hong Kong, ready to make an important business call to your counterpart in Shanghai. You dial the number, but suddenly, nothing happens. Or even worse, you find out later that you’ve incurred unnecessary charges. The key to avoiding these mistakes lies in understanding the calling structure between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Step 1: Dial the International Exit Code (001, 002, 0080)

To start, when calling Mainland China from Hong Kong, you need to enter the international exit code first. In Hong Kong, you typically have multiple options:

• 001: The most common international exit code, used by most carriers.
• 002: Another option provided by some service providers.
• 0080: Certain networks and VoIP providers may use this.

This step is crucial as it alerts your telecom provider that you intend to make an international call.

Step 2: Dial the Country Code for Mainland China (86)

Next, you’ll need to enter the country code for Mainland China, which is 86. This step is essential, and if omitted, your call will likely fail or reach an unintended destination.

Step 3: Enter the Area Code Without the Leading Zero

Now, here's a critical detail: when entering the area code for the specific city or region you're calling in Mainland China, omit the leading zero. For example, if you're calling Beijing (whose area code is 010), you'll dial 10 instead of 010. It may seem like a small detail, but it's crucial to ensuring that your call goes through smoothly.

Step 4: Enter the Local Number

Finally, you simply enter the local phone number for your contact. Here's a quick example to illustrate the complete process:

• To call Beijing from Hong Kong: You’d dial 001-86-10-XXXXXXXX.
• To call Shanghai: You’d dial 001-86-21-XXXXXXXX.

Step 5: Know the Cost Implications

While making international calls is generally more affordable these days, especially with the rise of VoIP and mobile apps, there are still certain cost implications to be aware of. For instance, the international exit code you use may impact the cost of the call. Different telecom providers in Hong Kong might charge differently based on whether you use 001, 002, or 0080.

For those looking to save on international calling fees, apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, or Skype can be an effective alternative. These apps allow you to make voice or video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data, often at little to no cost. However, be sure to check if your contact in Mainland China has access to these apps, as some may be restricted or have limited functionality in certain areas.

Step 6: Be Mindful of Time Zones

Lastly, always remember the time zone difference. Mainland China operates on China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8. Fortunately, Hong Kong is in the same time zone as Mainland China, so you won’t need to worry about time differences when making a call. However, if you're coordinating a conference call with other regions, this can become an important factor.

Bonus Tip: Avoid Unnecessary Voicemail Charges

When making international calls, one hidden cost many people overlook is the charge for voicemail. If the person you're calling doesn’t pick up and the call goes to voicemail, you may still be charged for the entire duration of the voicemail greeting, even if you hang up before leaving a message. To avoid this, simply hang up before the voicemail greeting starts.

Recap: The Simple Formula to Call Mainland China from Hong Kong

To summarize, here's the simple formula:

1. International Exit Code (001, 002, or 0080)
2. Country Code (86)
3. Area Code (without leading zero)
4. Local Number

By following this straightforward process, you can effortlessly make a call from Hong Kong to Mainland China, avoiding common pitfalls and unnecessary expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the process is simple, there are a few mistakes that people commonly make:

• Forgetting to omit the leading zero in the area code.
• Using the wrong international exit code (like 001 when your provider uses 002).
• Dialing the wrong country code—always double-check that you’re dialing 86 for Mainland China.

A Quick Comparison of Calling Options

Method	Cost	Quality	Speed
Traditional Call via 001/002	High (varies by provider)	High	Immediate
WhatsApp/WeChat Call	Low (data charges only)	High	Immediate
Skype International Call	Low/Moderate (credits required)	High	Immediate

As you can see, using mobile apps like WhatsApp or Skype can be a cost-effective alternative, though traditional calls may still be the best choice for critical business communications.

In conclusion, calling Mainland China from Hong Kong is a straightforward process once you know the exact steps and key details. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience, whether you're making personal or business calls.