Mobile+phones

Mobile Phones
China has a zillion different cell phones to choose from. Many people buy their cell phones at Carrefour. Prices range from 150 RMB and up depending on the type of phone you are interested in. Unlike many other countries, you do not need to commit to a multi-year contract. Rather, mobile phones use a card system where you buy a card with a certain amount of minutes and then simply recharge your phone as needed. Cards are sold for 100 RMB each and most people report them lasting at least a month. With a bit of extra paperwork you can use the same system to call the USA for about 2 US cents a minute. Skype works well from here too. A number of teachers have iPhones. We will help you purchase what works best for you once you arrive.

You can also buy a monthly service if you plan on using your phone a lot. An advantage of the monthly service (for which you receive a bill in your mailbox) is that you can then use the same phone/number outside of China on your international travels, whether that be to Singapore or to the U.S. Of course, those calls will be significantly more expensive than when using the phone in China, but the convenience factor is nice. Our head of school said he has thus far had good luck upon arriving in another country with purchasing a local SIM card to put into his mobile phone. He then sends that number to whomever needs to know.