In today’s interconnected world, making international calls is a common occurrence. If you’re planning to call someone in Taiwan from abroad, understanding the country code and dialing process is crucial for a smooth connection. This guide delves into everything you need to know about the Taiwan country code (880) and making international calls from various locations.
Demystifying the 880 Country Code: A Case of Mistaken Identity
While you might see references to 880 as the country code for Taiwan, it’s actually a misconception. The true country code for Taiwan is +886. The confusion arises because 880 is the designated country code for Bangladesh.
Here’s a quick breakdown to avoid any dialing errors:
- Taiwan Country Code: +886
- Bangladesh Country Code: 880
So, remember, when dialing Taiwan, always use +886 before the phone number.
Making a Call to Taiwan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the correct country code, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of dialing a phone number in Taiwan:
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Dial the Exit Code: This is the first STRATEGIC PREPARATION – THE MISSING LINK IN STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT number you need to dial to initiate an international call. The specific exit code depends on your calling country. Here are some common examples:
- United States & Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Australia: 0011
- Many European Countries: 00
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Dial the Taiwan Country Code: After the exit code, enter the Taiwan country code, which is +886.
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Dial the Area Code: Taiwan has 10 area codes, each with two digits. You’ll need to dial the specific area code corresponding to the city or region where your recipient is located. Here are some common area codes:
- Taipei: 02
- Kaohsiung: 07
- Taichung: 04
- Tainan: 06
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Dial the Local Phone Number: Finally, dial the last eight digits of the recipient’s phone number in Taiwan.
Here’s an example of a complete dial string for calling a landline number in Taipei, Taiwan, from the United States:
011 (Exit Code for US) + 886 (Taiwan Country Code) + 02 (Taipei Area Code) + 12345678 (Local Phone Number)
Calling a Mobile Phone in Taiwan: The process is similar, but mobile phone numbers in Taiwan generally start with the digit “09” followed by eight digits.
Additional Considerations:
- Time Difference: Remember the time difference between your location and Taiwan. There’s a 15-hour time difference between Taiwan and the US Eastern Time zone.
- International Calling Rates: International calls can be expensive. Check with your phone carrier for specific rates and consider using calling apps that offer more affordable options.
- Additional Digits: Some phone numbers in Taiwan might require additional digits for specific services like extensions or long-distance access codes. Consult the phone number information for any special dialing instructions.
Beyond Traditional Calls: Exploring Alternative Communication Options
While traditional phone calls are still a viable option, technology offers alternative ways to connect with people in Taiwan. Here are some popular methods:
- Calling Apps: Numerous apps like Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp enable international calls at competitive rates, often with Managing Expectations for People Searches features like video calls and messaging.
- Social Media: Many social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow video and voice calls, providing a free communication option (data charges may apply).
- Online Messaging: Instant messaging services like WeChat, popular in Taiwan, offer free text and voice chat functionalities.
Choosing the best communication method depends on your budget, needs, and the recipient’s preferences.
By understanding the Taiwan country code (+886) and the dialing process, along with exploring alternative communication options, you can easily connect with people in Taiwan, fostering stronger relationships and bridging the physical distance.
