How to Call UK Phone Numbers from China: A Complete Guide

The most cost-effective way to call UK phone numbers from China is by using VoIP (Voice over IP) apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over a high-speed data connection. Since traditional UK roaming is expensive and local Chinese SIM cards block many Western apps, using a travel eSIM that routes data outside the Great Firewall is the most reliable solution. This allows you to use your existing apps natively to call home without needing a VPN.

The Challenge of International Calling in China

When you land in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, your primary concern for staying in touch with the UK will be navigating the unique digital landscape of mainland China. For British travelers, the traditional method of simply 'roaming' with your home provider can lead to a significant 'bill shock.' Major UK networks like EE, Vodafone, and O2 often charge between £6 and £8 per day just to access your data allowance, or worse, they charge exorbitant per-minute rates for international calls.

Furthermore, the Great Firewall of China restricts access to many of the services we take for granted. If you buy a local SIM card from a kiosk at the airport, you will find that WhatsApp, Google, and many social media platforms are blocked. To call the UK using these apps, you would normally need a VPN, which can be unreliable and slow. This is why many travelers are turning to travel eSIMs, which provide a 'data-only' connection that is already routed outside these restrictions.

Using VoIP Apps to Call the UK

Since most travel eSIMs, including those from ChinaRoam, are data only and do not come with a local phone number, you will not be making traditional cellular calls. Instead, you will use data-based applications. This is actually an advantage, as it bypasses international calling rates entirely.

WhatsApp and FaceTime

For most people, WhatsApp is the go-to solution. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can make high-definition voice and video calls to any other WhatsApp user in the UK. FaceTime is another excellent option for iPhone users, offering seamless integration and high quality. Because ChinaRoam plans route your traffic through nodes outside of mainland China, these apps work exactly as they do in London or Manchester.

Calling Landlines with Skype or Rebtel

If you need to call a UK landline—perhaps to contact your bank, an insurance company, or an airline—WhatsApp won't work. In these cases, apps like Skype or Rebtel are invaluable. You can load a small amount of credit onto these apps and call any UK mobile or landline number for pennies per minute. This is significantly cheaper than the £2+ per minute you might pay on a roaming plan.

Choosing the Right Connectivity for Calling

To ensure your calls are clear and don't drop, you need a robust data connection. In China, the infrastructure is world-class, but your experience depends on which carrier your eSIM connects to.

Local Carrier Realities

China has three major state-owned carriers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Each has its strengths. China Mobile has the largest 5G network in the world, providing exceptional coverage even in remote areas. China Unicom is often praised for its compatibility with international devices, while China Telecom offers a very stable backbone. When you see plans for China, look for options that allow you to switch between these networks or that offer 5G access on all three to ensure you always have the best signal for a VoIP call.

Coverage: Cities vs. Rural Areas

In major hubs like Shenzhen or Hangzhou, you will almost always have a full 5G signal, making video calls home effortless. However, if you are traveling on the high-speed rail or exploring rural provinces like Yunnan, the signal can fluctuate. Most travel eSIMs will automatically hunt for the strongest signal. If you find yourself in a dead zone, it is often worth checking your settings to see if you can manually select a different local carrier.

How to Install and Set Up Your eSIM

Setting up your connection before you depart the UK is the best way to ensure you can call home the moment you land.

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your device is carrier-unlocked and supports eSIM technology. You can check if your phone is compatible on our dedicated list.
2. Purchase and Download: Once you choose a plan, you will receive a QR code.
3. Installation (iPhone): Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code and label the plan 'ChinaRoam'.
4. Installation (Android): Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add More > Download a SIM instead. Scan the QR code.
5. Activation: Turn on 'Data Roaming' for the eSIM line when you arrive in China. For a more detailed walkthrough, see our installation guide.

Comparison: Calling Methods from China

Method	Cost	Reliability	Ease of Use
UK Carrier Roaming	High (£6-£8/day)	High	Easiest (Automatic)
Local Chinese SIM	Low	Low (Blocks Apps)	Difficult (Requires ID)
ChinaRoam eSIM	Medium	High (Uncensored)	Easy (QR Scan)
Hotel Wi-Fi	Free	Variable	Medium (Requires VPN)

Data Usage for International Calls

If you plan on making frequent calls, you need to budget your data accordingly. A standard WhatsApp voice call uses roughly 0.5MB to 1MB per minute. A high-quality video call can use anywhere from 5MB to 15MB per minute. If you are staying for a month and plan to call home every day, a 10GB or 20GB plan is usually sufficient for both calls and general browsing, including using the Trip.com app for your travel bookings.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Occasionally, you might find that your data is active but your calls aren't going through. This is rarely a problem with the apps themselves and usually a configuration issue. If you see 'No Service' on your device, it may be because the phone is trying to connect to a restricted frequency. We have a guide on iPhone No Service in China Troubleshooting that can help you resolve these common hiccups quickly.

Practical Tips for Calling the UK

• Time Differences: Remember that China is 8 hours ahead of GMT (7 hours during BST). A 6:00 PM call in Shanghai is 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM in London.
• International Dialing Codes: When using apps like Skype to call a landline, always use the +44 prefix and drop the leading zero of the UK area code (e.g., +44 20 for London).
• Emergency Services: Note that your travel eSIM cannot be used to call 999 or 112 in the UK. It also cannot call Chinese emergency services (110, 120). For local emergencies, you would need a local SIM or use a hotel phone.
• Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi in airports or malls for sensitive calls. These networks are often heavily monitored and may require a Chinese phone number to log in.

The bottom line

Calling the UK from China doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By using an uncensored travel eSIM from ChinaRoam, you can bypass the Great Firewall and use the apps you already know, like WhatsApp and FaceTime. This 'data-only' approach provides the best balance of cost, speed, and reliability, ensuring you stay connected with family and colleagues throughout your trip.