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A Guide On How To Call Nigeria From China

Calling Nigeria from China doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down exactly how to dial Nigerian numbers from China, what time to call, and how to save money doing it; whether you're calling family, friends, or business partners.

Africhange

27 May 2025 • 2 min read

Photo by Surface / Unsplash

With the deepening ties between Nigeria and China, staying connected across borders has now become more important.

Whether you're a Nigerian student in Beijing, a businessperson in Guangzhou, or simply reaching out to loved ones back home, this guide will walk you through the process of making calls from China to Nigeria.

Understanding the Nigeria-China Connection

The relationship between Nigeria and China has seen significant growth over the years. In 2024 alone, over 19,000 Nigerians were issued Chinese visas, which emphasises the increasing migration rate between the two countries.
Cities like Guangzhou have become hubs for African communities, with Nigerians forming a substantial part of this demographic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Nigeria from China

1. Dial China's Exit Code:

To initiate an international call from China, start by dialling ‘00’, which is China's international call prefix.

2. Enter Nigeria's Country Code:

Next, input Nigeria's country code, 234. This connects your call to Nigeria's telephone network.

3. Dial the Nigerian Phone Number:

For Mobile Numbers: Omit the leading ‘0’ from the Nigerian mobile number. For example, if the number is 08012345678, dial it as 8012345678.
For Landline Numbers: Include the area code without the leading ‘0’. For example, Lagos has the area code ‘1’, so a landline number like 01 234 5678 should be dialled as 1 234 5678.

Complete Dialling Format is:

00 (China's exit code) + 234 (Nigeria's country code) + Nigerian phone number (without leading 0)

Example:

Calling a Nigerian mobile: 00 234 8012345678
Calling a Lagos landline: 00 234 12345678

Time Difference Considerations Between Nigeria and China

Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1, while China is on China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8. This means there's a 7-hour time difference, with Nigeria being behind.

Best Times to Call:

Morning in China (8 AM - 11 AM): Corresponds to early morning in Nigeria (1 AM - 4 AM).
Afternoon in China (12 PM - 5 PM): Corresponds to morning in Nigeria (5 AM - 10 AM).
Evening in China (6 PM - 9 PM): Corresponds to late morning or early afternoon in Nigeria (11 AM - 2 PM).

📝Tip: For personal calls, evenings in China are ideal, aligning with Nigeria's daytime hours.

Alternative Communication Methods For Calls From Nigeria To China

Beyond traditional calls, consider these internet-based options:

WhatsApp: Widely used in Nigeria for voice and video calls.
Skype: Offers both free and paid calling options.
Zoom or Google Meet: Ideal for business meetings or group calls.

📝Ensure both parties have a stable internet connection for optimal call quality.

Wrapping Up…

Staying connected with Nigeria from China is straightforward once you're familiar with the dialling process and available communication tools. With the growing Nigerian community in China and the strengthening bilateral relations, maintaining personal and professional ties has become more important.