- Vonage or Skype are commonly used computer-based tools for local and overseas communication. Google search either one to see if they will be suitable for your needs.
- Your cell phone is your first and main form of communication. You may want to consider a phone which texts easily. Texting is a popular form of communication throughout China.
- Answering machines are not readily available here, another reason to always have your cell phone with you.
- Cell phone – GET ONE THE FIRST DAY HERE! You will need a passport when going to China Mobile or another phone service provider to obtain a SIM card for your cell phone. You can choose either to sign on for a plan with monthly billing, or a prepaid plan that has no contract or monthly subscriptions. Again, a secretary from your office can help expedite this immensely. Ask them to call ahead for an appointment.
- There are many choices on purchasing minutes. You can go to any China Mobile or China Unicom store/kiosk to do this. Most anyone will understand what you want if you hand them your phone, phone number and show them how much money you want to spend. Also there are cards to be purchased at many shopping marts. Recharge minutes are sold in increments of 100RMB and you can wait for the English prompt and load minutes onto your cell phone yourself. Phone kiosks also sell pre-paid SIM cards that do not require deposits or monthly subscriptions. It is 100 RMB for a SIM card and it will come with 50 RMB of minutes. Local calls and text messages are quite cheap here.
- You can dial “12593″ as a prefix to any international call and get a discounted rate. There are several of these types of pre-fix discounts. Make sure to ask your relocation company or your company if they have a preferred one.
