It is very convenient to make phone calls in China now. Telephone booths are everywhere, in hotels, restaurants and airports, as well as on the street. Here are some useful tips for foreigners when making phone calls in China.

    How to dial to China?

    Basically you need to know the international code for China, which is 86, the area code and the phone number. The area code is preceded by a zero - not necessary when you make an international call, but it is required when you make the call within China. The place from which you call is also a factor.

    For example, using the 021 area code for Shanghai, if you want to call to a Shanghai number, e.g. 12345678, from Seattle, USA, you must dial 011 86 21 12345678. If you want to call from London, UK you must dial 0086 21 12345678. But if you are in another Chinese city, you must dial 021 12345678.

    Can I use my electric appliances in China?

    Yes, but we would suggest you bring adaptors.

    Can I use my mobile phone in China? Can I buy GSM SIM card in China? Can I rent a mobile phone in China?

    Enjoy GSM networks provide coverage in every major city. GSM 1800 and 900 networks cover a few of the biggest cities. The CDMA network run by China Unicom is improving its coverage; it has signed agreements with 13 other mobile operators from North America, South America and the Asia-Pacific region, with networks covering 60 per cent of global CDMA subscribers. So roaming with a dual band or tri band handset or use of COSMOTE card alike will work with your phone in China.

    It is possible to buy a GSM SIM card in China. Shenzhouxing, issued by China Mobile and Ruyitong or issued by China Unicom, are recommended for foreign travelers in China, since they require no Chinese resident documentation. A SIM card costs CNY100.00. Prepaid charge cards in the amount of CNY50.00 and CNY100.00 are available in post offices, stores and newsstands, are easy to use with bilingual prompt. If there is a balance remaining on your card, the system will ask you to deposit more money onto your card when you make phone calls.

    In China, operators charge both incoming and outgoing calls. A non-roaming subscriber of Shenzhouxing needs to pay CNY0.60/M for

    a local call, CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.07/6 seconds for a long distance call, CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds for an international call and CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.20/6 seconds for a call to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Receiving an incoming call costs CNY0.60/M. A roaming subscriber within the country needs to pay CNY0.80/M for a local call, CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.07/6 seconds for a long distance call, CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds for an international call and CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.20/6 seconds for a call to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Receiving an incoming call costs CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds. Ruyitong's rate is a little bit lower.
Mobile phone rental service is not widely available in China at present.
Is it convenient to make phone calls in China? What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?

    International Direct Dialing (IDD) service is available at all hotels and post offices, and is very convenient.

    Various phone cards are sold in China, available in post offices, inside hotels or at most street newsstands. IC and IP cards are recommended for their convenience and low price.