Calling China from the United States may seem like a daunting task, but with these 9 simple steps, you can easily connect with friends, family, or business associates overseas.

1. Find the right time to call: First and foremost, consider the time difference between China and the U.S. China is typically 12-15 hours ahead of the U.S., so check the local time in China before making your call.

2. Check your phone plan: Before placing international calls, review your phone plan to determine if it supports international calling. If it doesn’t, you may need to purchase an add-on or switch to a plan offering international calling coverage.

3. Dial the U.S exit code: To make an international call from the United States, start by dialing the U.S exit code (011).

4. Dial China’s country code: Next, enter China’s country code (86), which indicates that you are calling a number in China.

5. Dial the area or city code: After entering China’s country code, input the domestic area or city code for the location you wish to call in China. These codes are typically 2-4 digits long. For example, Beijing’s area code is 10, while Shanghai’s is 21.

6. Enter the local phone number: Now, dial the complete local phone number where you are trying to reach someone in China. Local numbers typically have 8 digits.

7. Use a calling card (optional): If you don’t have an international calling plan and wish to save money on your calls to China, consider purchasing an international calling card. These cards usually offer lower rates per minute compared to standard international rates and come with varying amounts of prepaid minutes.

8. Connect using internet-based services (optional): If you want to bypass traditional phone lines altogether, consider using internet-based communication services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber. These apps usually allow users to make free calls or offer lower rates when calling international numbers.

9. Mind the potential language barriers: Keep in mind that communication can sometimes be difficult if you don’t speak Chinese, especially Mandarin or Cantonese. However, many Chinese people speak English well, and it is increasingly common for Chinese businesses to have English-speaking staff members.

By following these 9 steps, you’ll be well-prepared to call China from the U.S. Whether you’re connecting with loved ones or engaging in international business discussions, understanding how to make these calls is a valuable skill.