The number 791 is not an Area Code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Instead, 791 is the city code for Nanchang, the capital of the Jiangxi province in China.
If you have received a call that appears to start with 791 or are trying to dial a phone number with this prefix, it is an international call. This guide will clarify the true location of the 791 code, explain how to dial it correctly, and provide essential tips to avoid international calling scams.
Where is the 791 Code Located?
The 791 code identifies a specific region for international dialing purposes, and its primary location is in East Asia.
The 791 Code Belongs to Nanchang, China
The numerical prefix 791 is the designated city code for Nanchang, a major city in southeastern China. Nanchang is the capital and largest city of the Jiangxi province.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type | City Code (for international dialing) |
| City | Nanchang |
| Province/Region | Jiangxi Province |
| Country | China (Country Code: +86) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8 |
Is 791 a US Area Code?
No, 791 is not a valid Area Code in the United States or the rest of the NANP. The NANP reserves area codes that start with numbers between 2 and 9 for the first digit. While there are some unassigned codes in the 7xx range within the NANP, the code 791 is specifically documented as an international city code for Nanchang, China. If you see a number formatted as (791) XXX-XXXX in the US, it is an incorrect format and is likely spam, a scam, or a misrepresentation of an international number.
How to Dial a Phone Number with the 791 City Code
Since 791 is an international city code, dialing it requires adding both the country exit code and the country code for China.
To successfully place a call to a landline in Nanchang, China, from the United States or Canada, you must use the following sequence:
- 011: The International Exit Code for the US and Canada. This tells your phone carrier you are making a call outside of the NANP.
- 86: The Country Code for China.
- 791: The City Code for Nanchang.
- Local Number: The 8-digit landline number within Nanchang.
Pro-Tip for Mobile Users: You can simplify the process by replacing the “011” with the plus sign (+). Most modern mobile phones recognize the + as the universal international exit code:
Security and Scam Awareness for the 791 Code
Any time you receive an unexpected or suspicious call from an international number, caution is advised. While the 791 code is legitimate for Nanchang, China, scammers often use technology to mask their true location, known as spoofing.
The One-Ring Phone Scam
A common telecommunications fraud to be aware of is the “One-Ring” scam, sometimes targeting codes that are less familiar to North American users.
- How it Works: You receive a call from a number you don’t recognize. The phone rings only once or twice, not giving you time to answer.
- The Trap: Scammers hope you will call back out of curiosity or concern.
- The Cost: If you call back a premium-rate international number, you are charged a hefty per-minute fee, and the scammer receives a portion of that revenue.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Do not answer a call from an unrecognized international number, including one starting with 791, unless you are expecting it.
- Never call back an unknown number that only rings once.
- Check your phone bill If you notice unexpected international calling charges, contact your mobile provider immediately to report the fraud.
- If the call seems like a scam, block the number immediately on your smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 791 a toll-free or premium-rate number?
No, the 791 code itself is neither toll-free nor premium-rate. It is a standard city code for Nanchang, China. However, calling any number with the 791 prefix from a country outside of China will incur international long-distance charges as determined by your phone carrier’s calling plan.
Could a 791 number be a text message short code?
No. Short codes are special 5- or 6-digit numbers (like 88888 or 21000) used for mass text messaging services, such as two-factor authentication, marketing alerts, and polls, primarily in the US and Canada. The 791 code, being a standard 3-digit city code for landlines in China, has no relation to text message short codes.
How can I tell if a call from the 791 code is a scam?
If you receive a call from a number that shows a +86 791 prefix and you do not know anyone in Nanchang, China, treat the call with suspicion. Legitimate businesses or individuals will typically communicate their intentions or pre-arrange contact. Hang up immediately if the caller asks for personal information, financial details, or pressures you to make an immediate payment or transfer of funds.
Conclusion
The 791 code is definitively the city code for Nanchang, China, and is not an area code within the US, Canada, or any North American territory. If you are attempting to dial the number, remember the full international sequence is required: 011 86 791 followed by the 8-digit local number. To protect yourself from common international scams like the “One-Ring” fraud, exercise caution and do not return calls to unknown international numbers.
