Area Code 133 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 133 (international format +86133). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 133
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
Overview of China Mobile Prefix 133
The +86 133 prefix is a non-geographic mobile network code assigned within the People's Republic of China's national numbering plan, as governed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Unlike geographic area codes that correspond to specific cities or provinces, 133 is allocated to mobile services and is not tied to any physical location. This prefix is operated by China Telecom, one of the country's major state-owned telecommunications carriers, and is used for both voice and data services across the nation.
Technical Specifications and Formatting
In the international E.164 format, a Chinese mobile number using the 133 prefix is written as +86 133 XXXX XXXX, totaling 13 digits after the country code. The national format omits the +86, resulting in 11 digits: 133 XXXX XXXX. The prefix 133 is part of China's mobile numbering scheme, which includes other prefixes such as 130-132, 134-139, 150-159, 188, and 189, among others. These numbers are portable, meaning subscribers can retain their 133 number when switching to another mobile network operator (MNO) or mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), subject to MIIT regulations.
Dialing Instructions
For callers within China, dialing a 133 number requires only the 11-digit national number (e.g., 133 1234 5678). No trunk prefix is needed for mobile-to-mobile or fixed-to-mobile calls within the country. For international callers, the correct format is +86 133 1234 5678, where +86 is the country calling code for China. When calling from a foreign country, replace the plus sign with the international access prefix of the originating country (e.g., 011 from the United States, 00 from most European countries).
Service Characteristics and Usage
As a mobile prefix, 133 supports standard cellular services including voice, SMS, and high-speed mobile data (4G/5G). China Telecom operates a nationwide network, and 133 numbers are widely used for personal and business communications. Because the prefix is non-geographic, it does not indicate the subscriber's location; therefore, callers should be aware that a 133 number could be registered in any province or municipality. For international SMS, the recipient's number should be entered in full international format, and standard international messaging rates apply.
Regulatory and Porting Considerations
China's mobile number portability (MNP) service allows users to switch carriers while keeping their 133 number. However, the prefix does not necessarily reflect the current operator after porting. For example, a number originally assigned by China Telecom may be ported to China Mobile or China Unicom. This is an important consideration for businesses using 133 numbers for customer contact, as routing and billing may be affected. Always verify the current operator through official databases if such information is critical.