The country code for Taiwan is 886. To call a Taiwanese phone number from another country, you will need to dial your international exit code, followed by 886, and then the local Taiwanese phone number, making sure to drop the leading zero.
Making an international call can seem complicated, but it’s simple once you understand the formula. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for dialing Taiwan from anywhere in the world, along with helpful information on time zones and Taiwanese phone number formats.
What is the Country Code for Taiwan?
The official international dialing code for Taiwan is 886. When you see this number written for international use, it will often be prefixed with a plus sign, like this: +886.
The “+” symbol is a universal placeholder for the “exit code” of the country you are calling from. The exit code tells your phone network that you are about to make an international call.
How to Call Taiwan from Other Countries (Step-by-Step)
The dialing sequence depends on where you are calling from. Below are the instructions for calling from North America and Europe.
How to Call Taiwan from the USA or Canada
- Dial the U.S./Canada Exit Code: 011
- Dial the Taiwan Country Code: 886
- Dial the Local Taiwanese Number: Dial the local number, but be sure to drop the leading “0”. (More on this below).
Example (calling a mobile number): 011 + 886 + 912 345 678
How to Call Taiwan from the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the European Exit Code: 00
- Dial the Taiwan Country Code: 886
- Dial the Local Taiwanese Number: Dial the local number, also dropping the leading “0”.
Example (calling a Taipei landline): 00 + 886 + 2 1234 5678
Understanding Taiwanese Phone Numbers
This is the most important step to avoid dialing errors. Local numbers in Taiwan always begin with a “0” when dialed from within the country. When calling internationally, you must always drop this leading “0”.
- Mobile Numbers: Taiwanese mobile numbers are 10 digits long and almost always start with 09. For international dialing, you drop the 0 and dial the remaining 9 digits.
- Local Format: 0912 345 678
- International Format: +886 912 345 678
- Landline Numbers: Landlines have a 1 or 2-digit area code (like 02 for Taipei) and a 7 or 8-digit number. You must also drop the leading 0 from the area code.
- Local Format (Taipei): (02) 1234 5678
- International Format (Taipei): +886 2 1234 5678
Time Zone in Taiwan for Calling
Before you place your call, it’s important to be aware of the time difference. Taiwan operates on China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8 year-round.
Taiwan does not observe daylight saving time. Be sure to check the current local time in Taipei before calling to avoid waking someone up or calling after business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taiwan country code for WhatsApp?
The country code for adding a Taiwanese number to WhatsApp is the same: +886. You must save the number in your phone’s contacts in the full international format, remembering to drop the leading 0 from the local number (e.g., +886 912 345 678).
Are calls to Taiwan expensive?
Yes. Calling Taiwan from North America, Europe, or other regions is an international long-distance call and will be billed at a higher rate than domestic calls. To avoid surprises on your bill, check the specific rates for calling Taiwan with your phone service provider.
Is +886 the same as +86 (China’s country code)?
No, and this is a critical distinction. They are two different country codes for different locations. +886 is for Taiwan, while +86 is for mainland China. Using the wrong code will connect you to the wrong destination.
What is the area code for Taipei?
When calling internationally, the area code for Taipei is 2. You would dial [Your Exit Code] + 886 + 2 + [Local Number].
Conclusion
In summary, the Taiwan country code is 886. To place a call successfully, you must first dial your country’s exit code (such as 011 from the US/Canada), followed by 886, and then the local Taiwanese phone number, making sure to drop the leading ‘0’ from the start of the number. By following this format and being mindful of the local time, you can easily connect with friends, family, and businesses in Taiwan.
