Area Code 138 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 138 (international format +86138). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 138
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Overview of China's Mobile Prefix 138
The prefix 138 is a non-geographic mobile network code within China's national numbering plan, assigned under the country calling code +86. Unlike geographic area codes (such as 010 for Beijing or 021 for Shanghai), 138 does not correspond to any specific city or region. Instead, it is part of the mobile numbering range allocated to China Mobile, one of the country's largest mobile network operators. Subscribers with numbers beginning with 138 can be located anywhere in mainland China, and the prefix does not indicate the subscriber's current location or the network's regional headquarters.
Number Structure and Formatting
Chinese mobile numbers are 11 digits long and always start with '1'. The first three digits (e.g., 138) represent the mobile network code, followed by an eight-digit subscriber number. The full international format is +86 138 XXXX XXXX, where spaces are often used for readability. When dialing domestically, callers must include the leading '0'? Actually, for mobile numbers, the '0' is not used; you simply dial 138 XXXX XXXX. For international callers, the format is +86 138 XXXX XXXX. It is crucial to drop the leading '1' when dialing from abroad? No, you keep the entire 11-digit number after the country code.
Dialing Instructions
- Domestic call (within China): Dial the 11-digit number directly, e.g., 138 1234 5678.
- International call (to China): Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then 86, then the 11-digit mobile number: 011 86 138 1234 5678.
- Receiving calls while roaming: The number remains the same; no additional prefixes are required.
Regulatory and Technical Aspects
The 138 prefix is managed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan. China Mobile holds a significant portion of the 138 range, but due to number portability, a subscriber may have moved to another operator while retaining their 138 number. This means that the prefix no longer guarantees the operator. The numbering plan also supports mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that lease capacity from MNOs, but the 138 range is primarily associated with China Mobile's legacy GSM network, which now supports 4G and 5G services.
Commercial and Practical Significance
Numbers starting with 138 are among the oldest mobile prefixes in China, introduced in the 1990s. They are widely recognized and often considered reliable. Some businesses may use 138 numbers as a sign of longevity. For marketing purposes, certain numbers with auspicious digit combinations (e.g., 138 8888 8888) can be sold at premium prices, though this practice is regulated. For callers, there are no special charges: calls to 138 numbers are billed as standard mobile calls, and SMS/MMS work as usual. For international SMS, the format is +86 138 XXXX XXXX.
Conclusion
Understanding the 138 prefix is essential for anyone communicating with Chinese mobile users. It is a non-geographic code that offers nationwide reach, and its dialing format is straightforward. Always use the full 11-digit number when dialing from abroad, and be aware that number portability may affect the actual operator.