China Travel Tips: China Travel Telephone and Cell Phone FAQ
Q: Can I use my cell phone in China?
A: Most of the cell phones bought in foreign countries can not be normally used in China. However, some of the high-end phones are compatible. Please consult the manufacturer of your cell phone before your trip.
Note: The international roaming charge can be very high; it is strongly advised to use a local SIM card in China.
Q: What if I want to have a cell phone in China?
A: You can buy a cell phone in China. Many well-known world class brands of cell-phone like Nokia, Motorola, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, NEC, Philips, Panasonic, among others, are sold in franchised stores or large-scale emporia of China.
You may also rent one from Yoyoor.com, phones could be ordered online and delivered to your hotel before you arrival.
Q: Where to buy a SIM card?
A: You can get a SIM card at any of the cell phone shops with a copy of your ID card. Usually, a new SIM card user is required to install a certain amount of money (100 CNY at most) in the card.
Three kinds of card will be served: China Mobile SIM card China Telecom SIM card and China Unicom SIM card. The mobile phone number in China has 11 Arabic numerals usually beginning with 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 159, 158 188 and 189.
Q: Can I use my phone to make international call directly？
A: No, you need to go to the business hall of your supplier to activate the service with your ID card presented. What's more, there must be 500 CNY installed at least.
If you are using Yoyoor cell phone rental service, you could make international calls directly.
Q: How can I recharge if the money of my cell phone runs out?
A: You can go to the business hall of your carrier for recharging. Also, you can buy prepaid card. Usually, the prepaid card has the domination of 30 CNY, 50 CNY, and 100 CNY. If you are using phone rental service, you could skip this question, Yoyoor will take care all the questions.
Q: Do I need to pay for the phone call I made in the hotel?
A: It varies according to the regulation of the hotel. Usually, the five-star and the four-star hotel is free for the local call while the international call and the long distance call is charged according to the rate of the carrier. Besides, extra service fee will be charged.
Notice: Do not use the cell phone in some small hotels, because some of these hotels will ask for quite a high charge.
Q： How to Make Phone Calls
To call a Chinese fixed number or mobile phone from a cell phone
Fixed phone: 0 + area code of the city you are going to call + fixed telephone number
Mobile phone: Dial the cell phone number directly
To call a international number:00 + Country Code + Area Code + Phone
Phone Tips:
1. Do not give your phone number to strangers without good reason.
2. Do not leave your cell phone lying around; always put it in a safe place.
3. Do not call back a strange number without good reason as you may be the target of a swindler. They will call you, but hang up quickly. If you call back, the charge will be much higher than the normal rate.
4. Exercise caution when speaking to strangers on the phone and do not provide any personal details.
Note: it is worthwhile memorizing some useful numbers. If you have any questions, you can then call the relevant number for help.
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119
Yoyoor helpline: 400-672-9696