If you are looking up the abbreviation TW country code, you are referencing the official international code for Taiwan.
TW is the ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 code for Taiwan (officially the Republic of China). The mandatory international dialing prefix required to call Taiwan is +886. This code is essential for connecting with phone and mobile numbers throughout the island, including the capital city, Taipei.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the correct international dialing procedure, lists the major city codes in Taiwan, and provides time zone information for effective communication.
The +886 Country Code: Taiwan
The +886 dialing code is used to route calls to all regions under the administration of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Unlike many larger countries, Taiwan utilizes a moderately open numbering plan where city codes vary in length and often include a leading zero when dialing domestically.
Key Facts About Taiwan’s Codes
| Detail | Information |
| ISO Alpha-2 Code | TW (Used for domain names, data, and shipping) |
| International Dialing Code | +886 |
| Capital City | Taipei |
| Time Zone | National Standard Time (NST) – UTC+8:00 |
| Mobile Numbers | Begin with 09 (10 digits in national format). |
How to Correctly Dial a Number in Taiwan
The key to successful international dialing to Taiwan is omitting the leading ‘0’ from the city or mobile code when using the international prefix +886.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 886.
- Dial the Area Code/Mobile Prefix (OMITTING THE LEADING 0):
- For a Landline in Taipei: The national code is 02. Dial 2.
- For a Mobile Phone: The national prefix is 09. Dial 9.
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the remaining 7- or 8-digit subscriber number.
Full Examples:
| To Call | National Number Format | International Dialing Format |
| Taipei Landline | (02) XXXX XXXX | 011 – 886 – 2 – XXXX XXXX |
| Taiwan Mobile | 09X XXXX XXX | 011 – 886 – 9 – XXXX XXXX |
Key City Codes (Landlines)
| City/Region | National Area Code | Dial Internationally as |
| Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung | 02 | 2 |
| Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Yilan | 03 | 3 |
| Taichung, Changhua | 04 | 4 |
| Tainan | 06 | 6 |
| Kaohsiung | 07 | 7 |
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
Taiwan observes National Standard Time (NST) at UTC+8:00 year-round (it does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
- Taiwan is typically 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Scam and Safety Risk
While Taiwan is not generally a source of malicious high-volume international scams, consumers should still be aware of possible domestic-level phishing attempts, often pretending to be banks or e-commerce sites.
Safety Tip: If you receive an unexpected international call or text from +886, be cautious. Never provide financial details or personal information unless you initiated the contact with a trusted source.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is TW the same as Taiwan, China?
TW is the ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 code assigned to the territory of Taiwan. In official ITU documents, the name is sometimes listed as “Taiwan, China,” reflecting a complex political designation. However, the code +886 is the undisputed telephone prefix for the region administered by Taipei.
Are mobile numbers and landline numbers in Taiwan the same length?
Mobile numbers in Taiwan are generally 10 digits long (starting with 09) in the national format, while landline numbers (including the area code) are typically 9 or 10 digits long. Both omit the initial ‘0’ when dialing internationally.
How much does it cost to call a +886 number?
Calls to +886 are billed at international long-distance rates. These rates vary significantly by your carrier and plan. It is almost always cheaper to use a Voice over IP (VoIP) application like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype for conversation, provided you have a stable internet connection.
Conclusion
The abbreviation TW and the prefix +886 are the official international identifiers for Taiwan. By remembering to omit the leading zero from the local code when dialing internationally, you can ensure a successful connection to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and all other regions of the island.
