Using a landline in China
Using a phone booth in China is same as everywhere else! You will need a phone card (sold in all shops) or coins. Making a phone call within the borders of Shanghai is free of charge. Calling someone in the western China will cost approximately 0.38 RMB/minute. The greater the distance between you and the person you are calling, the more expensive the call will be. You got it right! The phone booth is not the best option for making phone calls to your family and friends back home…
Mobile phones are indispensable in China
Starting a new life in China does not mean end to your mobile phone or the internet! Having a mobile phone in China allows you to call your anytime to share your experiences, but it is also an extra security in case of any problems. Especially if you are lost, and the probability of that happening is quite high…
Using a mobile phone in China
The first thing to do, if you want to use your phone in China, is to ask your phone network provider to unblock you phone. Attention: this has to be done before your departure so you will be able to use a Chinese SIM card immediately. Ask your new provider about the cost of international calls. This may help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Where to find a Chinese SIM card?
There is nothing simpler! In the hotels, small shops open 7 days/7, specialised shops, and even newspaper stands sell Chinese SIM cards. It will cost approximately 50 RMB. Calling in China is a whole new experience! Did you know you can choose your phone number? By the way the phone numbers with many 8s are very expensive. Why? The Chinese believe that number 8 brings good luck and therefore it’s valued by the people. A tip to avoid using up your package deal in a week: turn off your mobile data! The applications connect to the internet on their own and may use up your data without you noticing. Make sure to check the settings of your phone before the departure!
Simple and free calls via internet
While taking to friends or family we tend to forget the time… It is better to use web applications to communicate with people without using up your package. WhatsApp, Wechat are two of the best-known applications that allow you to communicate easily by text messages. With Viber application, you can call for free. Interesting, isn’t it? Make sure your friends and family have installed the application on their phone too, otherwise it will not work.
Discover our ‘Internet‘ section to find out more tips and tricks linked to the use of internet in Shanghai!
Photo : Cheo Fong Liew
