Living in California for the past decade, staying connected with family back in China isn't just a convenience, it's a lifeline. I remember frantically trying to call my mom during a family emergency a few years back, burning through expensive carrier minutes and hitting dead ends with unreliable apps. That's when I truly put Google Voice (GV) through its paces. So, when folks ask, "Can Google Voice call China?" My answer, backed by countless late-night calls and early-morning check-ins, is a resounding: Absolutely, yes! And the best part? It can be free or incredibly cheap. Forget the confusing jargon and sketchy apps – here are the 3 real-deal, battle-tested methods I use weekly to dial China crystal clear, without breaking the bank.
My Experience & Why It's Worth It: Topping up $10 feels like it lasts forever. Calls to Chinese mobiles and landlines cost just a few cents per minute (check Google's current rates, but it's consistently low). The call quality? Honestly, often better than my regular cell connection. Dialing is a breeze: open the Google Voice app or website, tap the dialer, enter the number exactly as +86 [Area Code] [Local Number] (e.g., +86 10 1234 5678 for Beijing), and hit call. It uses your internet connection (WiFi or data) for the call leg to Google, then Google's network to China. No complex setup, just clear calls. I use this for quick calls to my dad or when calling businesses. That $10 credit? It's lasted me months.
Here's My Step-by-Step (Tested Dozens of Times):
Get WeChat Out Credits (Using GV): Open WeChat, go to "Me" > "Services" > "WeChat Out". Tap "Refill". Instead of paying with a card, choose "Promo Code". Here's the key: You'll get a unique number to call from your phone. DO NOT use your real cell number. Open your Google Voice app and dial that exact promo code number using GV. It's usually a US number. Call it, listen to the code (it's automated), hang up.
Redeem in WeChat: Instantly, that promo code value (usually $0.10 - $0.30 USD) appears in WeChat Out as a balance. Repeat this process! Google Voice calls to US numbers are free, so each call costs you nothing. Do it 5-10 times in a row (takes 2 minutes). Boom, you now have $1-$3 USD in WeChat Out credit.
Call China (Free or Ultra-Cheap): Now, inside WeChat Out, dial the Chinese number (format: +86 [Number]). WeChat Out rates to China are also very low (often 1-2 cents/min), and crucially, calls to WeChat users in China are often completely FREE using WeChat Out credit, even if they aren't on WiFi! This $1 credit can easily net you 50-100 minutes of talk time. I use this for longer chats with my grandma – the quality via WeChat is excellent.
Pro Tip: This promo code trick works reliably, but the amount per call can vary slightly. Just keep dialing with GV until you have enough credit for your needs. It's become a ritual while waiting for coffee!
How I Make It Work:
Get a Free/Cheap Second Number: Download Hushed or TextNow. TextNow often offers a free ad-supported US number. Hushed has cheap paid numbers (sometimes as low as $2 for a short-term number). Get a US number from one of these apps.
Use THIS Number for WeChat Out Promo Codes: Follow the same WeChat Out "Refill" > "Promo Code" process as Method 2. But this time, when it asks you to call the promo code number, use this new Hushed/TextNow number to make the call. Calls within the Hushed/TextNow app to US numbers are usually free.
Fund WeChat Out & Call China: Same as before – redeem the codes in WeChat, build credit, then dial China numbers cheaply/free via WeChat Out. The beauty? You're not using your primary Google Voice minutes or credit at all. This is my go-to when I want a completely separate line just for frequent China calls or testing new services.
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2025-7-2 09:03:42
