When coming to China, it is necessary that you can have access to all the functions of your phone. Indeed, it will be a precious tool to communicate with people and find your way around, at least at the beginning. Therefore, you may want to buy a SIM card in China as soon as you arrive.
Here is a small introduction about prepaid SIM cards and mobile subscription offers to guide you through China’s mobile maze.
Sim card – prepaid cards and mobile subscriptions
There are three major phone operators in China: China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom. China Mobile usually offers a better network coverage while China Unicom offers better 3G service. So keep in mind what suits you the best when you choose your phone operator.
If your phone supports 4G back home, be aware that China has been developing its own 4G network. Therefore, you need to make sure that your phone is supporting the Chinese 4G . To buy an iPhone-compatible SIM card or to have your SIM card cut, you can go to any branch of China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom.
In China, subscribers can usually choose their phone number from a list. Be aware that Chinese people are superstitious about them. For instance, phone numbers which include the more ‘8’ (lucky number) and the less ’4’ tend to be more expensive.
Buu a SIM card in China
Prepaid SIM cards are broadly available. You can find them at newspaper stands, at the airport, at tobacco stores and in any branch of China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom. It’s fairly easy to buy them (no need to register with your passport) and cheap: you can buy a sim card with prepaid phone credit for less than 100 RMB. Go to the sales person and say ‘shǒujī chōngzhí kǎ’. They should understand that you want to buy a prepaid SIM card. Choose the network provider and the amount of credit you want.
Be aware however that a prepaid sim card is not the best option if you plan to settle in Beijing. Indeed, the billing system is not really transparent. Moreover, you will be charged for every single element of the service you use, including incoming calls. So this cheap option might become an expensive one if you use the phone more.
Monthly plans
To subscribe to a monthly plan, you can go to China Unicom, China Mobile or China Telecom outlets. Remember to bring your passport as they will ask you to provide it.
There are two kinds or monthly plans, what we will cal ‘hybrid ones’ and standard ones. ‘Hybrid’ monthly plans are prepaid but don’t run with a long-term contract. The user can unsubscribe any time. Moreover, when the SIM card is no longer used, the line will be cancelled automatically after two or three months.
Standard monthly plans are also prepaid. The contract runs for one or two years. Therefore, even if the SIM cars is no longer used, the plan will keep running. The main advantage here is that you can ‘buy’ a new mobile phone with your contract. Indeed, you will pay your phone from your own pocket at the beginning of the plan but your network provider will pay you back a certain amount of money each month.
Topping Up
You can buy top-up vouchers at telecom outlets, local newspaper stands or convenience stores to recharge your credit. They are usually sold for 30, 50 or 100 RMB. Make sure that you ask for a card with the right network provider.
If you have a monthly plan, you can also top-up by paying online with a Chinese credit or bank card. However, you will need to subscribe to an online paying option at your bank first.
Call abroad
To call abroad with your SIM card, you will first need to activate this option at one of the major providers’ outlet. To use this service, you will need to pay a deposit of 500 RMB, provide your passport and phone. Ask to you network provider for the price details.
Another option is to buy an International Phone card (IP card) from any newspaper stand, grocery store or post office. These cards have the same shape as credit card and are very colourful. They are cheap (30 – 40 RMB) and widely available. Dial the number on the card, press 2 for English service and follow the instructions.
