China uses the GSM standard for mobile phone communications. You can purchase a Chinese SIM card from one of the two main suppliers: China Mobile and China Unicom. If your current mobile phone is not compatible with the Chinese network, you can acquire a Chinese mobile phone relatively cheaply from one of these suppliers, from electrical shops, or by hunting for a bargain at one of the many mobile phone markets around the city.
China Mobile offer a pre-paid SIM card for $28, which you can recharge at shops throughout the country by purchasing recharge vouchers. They offer the option to set up your balance checking and recharge prompts in English, and have English speaking customer service staff.
China Unicom offer 'ru yi tong', a pre-paid, rechargeable SIM card.
Both of these services have the advantage of not requiring credit checks or monthly payments. The recharge vouchers, used to add credit to your account, are widely available in electronics shops and in news kiosks.
Update 11/09/2006
Keep more of your money when transferring funds overseas!
If you want to move money abroad, from China or to China for example, Fexco provides efficient and secure global bank to bank transfers and bespoke payment solutions for both business and personal clients.
Why Fexco
Fexco provides a secure international money transfer service online or by telephone with bank beating fx rates and low fees. Specialises in high-value transfers.
Main characteristics
Fexco will help you to keep your overseas money transfer costs to a minimum.
| Margin | 0.6% |
|---|---|
| Regulator | FCA |
| Fee | £10 < £5K or Free > £5k |
| Mini | £1K |
| Ccy | All (130 currencies, incl ‘exotics’) |
| Services | Repatriation of funds, Property, Regular payments, High Value payments, spot, online, telephone. |
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When you are ready to make your transfer, John and his team will be available to help you with better rates and an unrivalled service to make sure your funds are delivered securely and speedily.