The sequence “area code 853” does not refer to a domestic U.S. or Canadian area code. Instead, +853 is the international country calling code for Macau (also spelled Macao), a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, located on the western side of the Pearl River estuary in Asia.
If you have received an unexpected call from a number beginning with +853, it is an international communication originating from this bustling region, famous globally as a major entertainment and gaming hub.
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The +853 Country Code: Macau, China
The international code +853 is the prefix that must be used when dialing any landline or mobile phone number located within the Macau SAR.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Macau, China (Special Administrative Region) |
| Continent | Asia (East Asia) |
| Time Zone | Macau Standard Time (MST): UTC+8 |
| Dialing Format | 8 digits (Landlines start with 28 or 8; Mobiles start with 6) |
Time Zone Note: UTC+8
Macau observes a single time zone, which is UTC+8 year-round. This means Macau is significantly ahead of North American time zones.
- Calling from U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT): Macau is typically 12 to 13 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast. For example, if it is 9:00 AM in New York, it is 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM in Macau.
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Dialing Instructions for Macau (+853)
Macau operates a closed numbering plan where all local numbers are 8 digits long. Unlike many other regions, Macau does not use city-specific area codes; instead, the first digits of the local number indicate whether it is a fixed line or a mobile phone.
How to Call Macau from the U.S. or Canada
To call a number in Macau, you will use your exit code, the country code, and the 8-digit national number.
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Or use the + symbol on a mobile device).
- Dial the Macau Country Code (853).
- Dial the 8-Digit Local Number.
Full Dialing Format Example (U.S. to Macau):
Macau Numbering Scheme
The first digit of the 8-digit local number identifies the service type:
- Fixed Line Numbers: Begin with 28 or 8.
- Mobile Phone Numbers: Begin with 6.
- Status in the U.S. and Scam Warning
The sequence 853 is not and has never been a designated area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
- Unassigned in NANP: Area codes 851, 852, 853, and 854 are currently listed as unassigned for geographic use in the U.S. and Canada.
- Scam Risk: Due to its status as an international code, unsolicited calls from +853 should be viewed with caution. These calls may be related to “One Ring” scams (designed to trick you into calling back a premium line) or phishing attempts. Never return a missed call from an unfamiliar +853 number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 853 a U.S. area code?
No. The code 853 is the international country calling code for Macau, China. It is not assigned to any U.S. state, Canadian province, or Caribbean territory.
How many digits are in a Macau phone number?
When dialed internationally, Macau phone numbers consist of the +853 country code followed by 8 digits for the local subscriber number, totaling 11 digits (excluding the exit code).
What is the emergency number in Macau?
The primary emergency number to dial for Police, Fire, and Ambulance services within Macau is 999.
