There are two service systems for China Cell Phone. One is GSM, the other is CDMA. China Mobile's typical feature is the GSM service system, while China Unicom treats the CDMA service system as his dearest child.
The GSM service system means global system for mobile telephones. GSM systems are used in nearly 200 countries (with 600 million subscribers) worldwide, from Europe (where the standard originated) throughout Africa, Asia and Australasia. The good news for world travelers is that most cell phone manufacturers offer dual-band (900 and 1900 MHz), tri-band (900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) and a growing number of quad-band (800, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) phones that will work practically anywhere GSM systems are found.
The CDMA service system means Code Division Multiple Access. It offers some international roaming capability, though nothing like the near-global coverage available from GSM carriers. In actual application, GSM has such widespread following and rich features to keep CDMA from being much of a threat. However, it's entirely possible that CDMA will contribute to the eventual demise of TDMA in the Americas, though that time is likely to be many years away for the US and Canada, and much longer for Latin America.
What are two major wireless service providers in China?
Like GSM and CDMA service system, they are the parent of china wireless service system. China Mobile and China Unicom occupy the peak situation of China wireless service providers.
Each year, these two guys fight for the market shares. However, as for the good quality of China Mobile GSM service system; China Unicom faces the unavoidable challenges.
Other than China Mobile and China Unicom, are there any major wireless service providers in China?
Certainly. There are some third part wireless solution providers. Take PandaPhone Wireless Solution for example, PandaPhone also offers China Mobile SIM card, using the same GSM service system, however, PandaPhone will provide the travelers with marvelous 24/7 backup service. Even sometimes, PandaPhone will sell some quite economic and unique wireless solution service package, which you cannot get access to it in any other wireless solution providers.
What are major services and products China Mobile could offer?
China Mobile could offer China SIM card, China recharge card service and the other Communication value-added services, such as voicemail, GPS, MMS and so forth.
What are major services and products China Mobile could offer for Foreign Travelers?
China Mobile services focus on local Chinese. For the foreign travelers, they try to provide them with local rate, China SIM card, recharge service, and most communication value-added services. But for the international calls, the strict limitation is available for anyone, especially for foreign travelers.
If you want to apply for an international call service, the limitation is:
* You need go to the China Mobile Communication Hall to do Solid registration, which we also call it as IDD Authentication. You need to have a Chinese friend or Chinese relative so that they can lend the ID to you to make an IDD authentication.
* You need keep the copy of your passport of SIM card
* You must have a deposit in your SIM credit account.
Why China mobile will charge roaming fee even traveling in China mobile network?
China perhaps is the only Country which will charge roaming fee even traveling in China Mobile network. Mostly, it is because the date exchange around the cities.
How to avoid roaming charge if you are traveling in different cities in China?
If you want to cover the roaming cost during your China travel, it is better to purchase a China SIM card which works national. This SIM card have no roaming charge, the domestic charge is the only charge for incoming calls or out coming calls when you are traveling in different cities in China.
And more, Like PandaPhone – third part wireless solution provider, it have a China Panda SIM card. This special SIM card is postpaid, no roaming charge, national coverage. The best pet for China different cities trip.
General speaking, what is good about China Mobile and what is the disadvantage?
China mobile let you enjoy the large coverage, high quality, rich variety of business and first-class customer service.
However, the limitation for international calls or services for foreign traveler is strict. The customer service line is quite busy, keeping you listen the music. They speak Chinese; the language block is mostly available. What's the worse, even the language blocks are not available any more, strict conditions for service application is awful.
China Cell Phone SIM card FAQ
What can you do with a China Cell Phone SIM card?
With a China Cell Phone SIM card, you enjoy a local china phone number, local airtime rate, low cost for international calls.
In addition to the economical sake, a China SIM card assures that you can be reached by your Chinese business partners and friends. According to business experience, it is more frequent reached by local number but not your abroad cell phone number.
What is prepaid SIM card? What is Postpaid SIM card?
A pre-paid phone card is a card you purchase to make long distance phone calls. Many people use a pre-paid phone card because of the card's convenience - it can be used anywhere and, because you pay in advance, there is no bill. Pre-paid phone cards are popular among travelers, students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who haven't selected a preferred long distance telephone company. A post-paid SIM card is a card you purchase to make long time phone calls. Many businessmen use a post-paid phone card because of the card's post-paid – it will not be cut off and, because you pay after bill, you can check the detailed calling list one by one. Post – paid SIM cards are popular among long – term travelers, businessmen, government officers, actors or actress, people who frequently call long –time, and those who need to have a 100% well –connected through communication during their travels.
For travelers, how to choose prepaid or postpaid SIM card for your travel?
Pre-paid phone cards are popular among travelers, students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who haven't selected a preferred long distance telephone company.
While Post – paid SIM cards are popular among long – term travelers, businessmen, government officers, actors or actress, people who frequently call long –time, and those who need to have a 100% well –connected through communication during their travels.
You can have a whole picture about your call situation, if you do not frequently make calls, a prepaid SIM card is sure enough. However, if you have many calls and frequently run out of minutes, a post-paid SIM card is your first choice.
What is service life of prepaid SIM card, and how to calculate when it will expire?
The service life means the duration you can use the wireless service of this SIM card, such as making calls, receiving SMS, setting up voicemails. The service life begins when you make the first call. The deadline is placed on the SIM card, usually about three months to six months.
If you want to calculate the service life, please check the service life first, and then remember the first call date. We are sure you will figure out the correct end date.
What is Panda China SIM card? Why it is best choice for foreign travelers?
Panda China SIM card is also work with China Mobile GSM service system. It let you enjoy the large coverage, high quality, rich variety of business and first-class customer service. However, more best features are available:
* Never run out of the minutes
* Pay after the trip
* Low charge comparing with China SIM card sale. This Panda China SIM card will be inactive when the trip finished. However you can extend to any days with $1/day. It is the most economical gift for the short – term, one time traveler.
Do I need to activate my China SIM card?
No, China SIM card purchased from China do not need to activate. When you make the first call, your SIM card will be activated by itself.
Sometimes, your SIM card provider remind you of calling them to activation, they mean they will activate the voicemail or other service in SIM card but not for the basic calling service.
How long can I keep my SIM card?
Each SIM card has a service life. In the service life, you are certain to easily keep your SIM card. The way to extend the duration is to add more airtime into your credit account. One $16 recharge card will extend three months for your China SIM card.
What should I do if my prepaid SIM card expired?
If your prepaid SIM card expires, China Mobile will charge some costs to hold the SIM card until there is no any credit in your account. In these days, you can do the recharge service to extend the service life, if not, when the credit card turns to be $0, your SIM card cannot be used any more.
How to add more minutes for my China prepaid SIM card?
1、Scratch card
Customers can buy scratch cards from Communication service center or dealers and recharge account by calling 13800138000.
2、Electronic recharge tickets
Customers can use electronic card recharge to recharge account at the multi-media self-service terminals of Communication service center or at the Good Easy self-service terminals of subway stations, residence districts, banks, and 24-hour chain stores. Electronic recharge tickets can be recharged by dialing recharge number.
3、Aerial recharge
If you need to use this way to recharge, the recharge fee will be available upon the different dealers. They will send a message to recharge for you by using a special SIM card. If it's recharged successfully, you will receive a feedback from them. The recharge method is the most safety method while you travel around China in that the different cities enjoys different recharge systems.
If I am traveling in different areas of China, Do I need different SIM card?
Of course not. Most country specialize card can work national, but they will have a terrible roaming charge for it. If you are going to travel in different areas of China, it is not necessary for you to purchase the different SIM card; you can find a China SIM card work national which also enjoys no roaming charge.
Like PandaPhone, most third part wireless solution providers offers this kind of China SIM card, working national China with no roaming charge, quality wireless service.
Does different cities's China mobile card issue different SIM card? What is difference between the SIM card I purchased in shanghai versus the SIM card I purchased I Beijing?
Yes, different city's China mobile card issue different SIM card. Just like German SIM card and UK SIM card, Beijing SIM card and Shanghai SIM card offer different high-value-added services, while work with in the same GSM wireless service network. The differences are:
* The Local coverage for low rate is different.
Beijing SIM card can only enjoys the low rate in Beijing; when travelers out of Beijing, the roaming charge will come into exist. So does Shanghai SIM card.
* SIM card only can be recharged by local (Beijing/Shanghai) recharge card.
If travelers purchase the other city's recharge card, the recharge service fails.
* SIM card enjoys the different promotions.
Different cities have different promotions for SIM card services. Some may have voicemail service; the others may have an inexpensive international IP service.
Due to the large difference between the city SIM cards, third part wireless solution providers offer a China SIM card to cover the differences. This China SIM card work national China, enjoying the low rate no matter where you travel around China.
How can I add more minutes if it is in the middle of night or in an environment which no one can speak Chinese?
If so, it is unlikely for you to go to the China Mobile Communication Halls or to go the corner shops for help. The way to solve it is to try the third method to apply for aerial recharge service.
Many third part wireless solution providers' website have this service. They are 24/7 English customer service, directly recharge, and what's more, there are no differences to them where you purchase the SIM card from. They will give the most convenience solution for you according to your situation. But remember; never forget to leave the second contact number with them. Sometimes, if your cell phone is run out of the minutes and there are some problems with your SIM card, they are able to contact with you in the due time.
How do I identify if the recharge card is right for my China SIM card?
To identify whether the recharge card is right or not, what you should do is to know where your China SIM card belongs to.
Dose the SIM card belong to China Mobile or China Unicom?
China Mobile: purchase China mobile recharge SIM card (mostly, the first three number of China Mobile cell phone is 139, 138, 137, 136, 135, 134(0-8) and 159) China Unicom: purchase China Unicom recharge SIM card (mostly, the first three number of China Unicom cell phone is 130 or 131)
If your SIM card from China Mobile purchase China Mobile recharge card, if from China Unicom, do China Unicom recharge card.
What is difference between China SIM card and Hong Kong SIM card? What is China/Hong Kong SIM card?
The difference is coverage and rate.
China SIM card's coverage is national China, while the Hong Kong SIM card's is only national Hong Kong.
As for China/Hong Kong Dual SIM card, the coverage is not only national China but also national Hong Kong. However, for this SIM card, the rate in China is as low as China SIM card while in Hong Kong, the rate will be a bit more expensive than Hong Kong SIM card.
How can I check my balance left in my China SIM card?
If you want to check balance left in your China SIM card, you can call China area code +10086. The China Mobile customer center will do the check for you. However, they all speak Chinese and keep you listening to the music to wait.
Another way to check is call at your SIM card providers; they will do the check for you also with perfect English service.
How to add more minutes by myself if I got the PIN code?
If you get the PIN code for your SIM card, what you need to do is follow the instruction from the providers. Each recharge card provider will send an instruction with PIN code to you, no matter how busy they are.
How can I confirm my credit account has been added?
Mostly, when you phone can keep working, it means your recharge service has been done. Nevertheless, if you want to double check your balance, what you need to do to confirm the credit is to check your balance. If you want to check balance left in your China SIM card, you can call China area code +10086. The China Mobile customer center will do the check for you. However, they all speak Chinese and keep you listening to the music to wait.
Another way to check is call at your SIM card providers; they will do the check for you also with perfect English service.
What is aerial recharge in China? How long will it take to refill my China SIM card?
If you need to use this way to recharge, the recharge fee will be available upon the different dealers. They will send a message to recharge for you by using a special SIM card or sending mail to your mailbox. If it's recharged successfully, you will receive a feedback from them. The recharge method is the most safety method while you travel around China in that the different cities enjoys different recharge systems.
Mostly, aerial recharge will take 10minutes to 1 hour to finish the recharge depending on the situation of recharge system.
What's the difference between the aerial recharge with the recharge card?
Aerial recharge is more convenience, no matter it is in the midnight or if there are some Chinese around you, you can apply for the service any time. There are no mistakes on wrong recharge card, on language block, on service quality.
Recharge card is different; you need to confirm whether it is the right one for your China SIM card. Although it can be found on the corner shops, it is hard to get it anytime when you need it.
Other FAQ
Does China cell phone have voicemail function? Is it difficult to use?
Yes, China cell phone has voicemail function. And it is not difficult to use. What you need to do is to apply the service from your SIM card providers or you can go to China Mobile Communication Hall to apply for the service.
Can I have international calling function in my china cell phone? How to activate it?
If you want to have international calling function in your China cell phone, it needs you to activate it. For foreign travelers, it is a bit of difficult to apply it by themselves for the strict limitation of China Mobile.
If you want to activate the international service, you need do:
* You need go to the China Mobile Communication Hall to do Solid registration, which we also call it as IDD Authentication. You need to have a Chinese friend or Chinese relative so that they can lend the ID to you to make an IDD authentication.
* You need keep the copy of your passport of SIM card
* You must have a deposit in your SIM credit account.
Can I have international roaming function in my China cell pone? How to activate it?
If you want to have international calling function in your China cell phone, it needs you to activate it. For foreign travelers, it is a bit of difficult to apply it by themselves for the strict limitation of China Mobile.
If you want to activate the international service, you need do:
* You need go to the China Mobile Communication Hall to do Solid registration, which we also call it as IDD Authentication. You need to have a Chinese friend or Chinese relative so that they can lend the ID to you to make an IDD authentication.
* You need keep the copy of your passport of SIM card
* You must have a deposit in your SIM credit account.
What is dialing instruction for making and receiving calls with China cell phone?
Dialing instruction for making and receiving calls with China cell phone is:
From China to US: 001-area code-phone No.
From US (overseas) to My phone: 011-86-your cell phone number
From China to International: 00-country code-area code-phone No.
Domestic calls In China: 0-area code- phone No./direct cell phone No.
Local calls: Direct phone No.
What you need to know about China country code? Area code? What is major cutis's code?
The country code of China is 86. Each Chinese city has its own area code and major city code. Area code should be added before the phone number, if you are making the domestic calls. Country code should be added before area code if you are make international calls.
Most small cities share the same area code with each other. But the major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou enjoy their own area code, which we call it as city code also. The city code usage like area code, when you make domestic calls, please adds it before the phone number.
The dialing ways should be:
From China to US: 001-area code-phone No.
From US (overseas) to My phone: 011-86-your cell phone number
From China to International: 00-country code-area code-phone No.
Domestic calls In China: 0-area code- phone No./direct cell phone No.
Local calls: Direct phone No.
We have been many streets booth selling “long distance IP code”, what is it about?
Long distance IP code is the code should be used before your dialing number. This code can save more costs for long distance calls, domestic or international.
Most third part wireless solution providers will inform you with this IP code to save more for your travel. What's more, some provider, like ChinaMobilecard.com will serve you with Long distance IP recharge card, which only save more cost for you international calls.
Can my cell phone work in China? What is unlocked tri or quardra band cell phone?
China Works with 900/1800MHz GSM network. If your cell phone is unlocked 900/1800 GSM cell phone, it is certain to be used in China.
A dual-band phone operates at both the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum. Dual-band works in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and much of South America.
Tri-band - A tri-band phone operates on three frequency bands, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz, allowing you to use it in Europe, Africa, Asia, nearly all of North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Quad-band - A quad-band phone allows you to roam almost anywhere globally. It covers the 850 Mhz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency ranges. Many countries in South America only have 850 MHz GSM service while both 1900 MHZ and 850 MHz GSM services are supported in the USA. 99% of all countries use the GSM standard. WE believe eventually GSM will be the only cell phone standard in the world.
Customer Support FAQ
What is PandaPhone? What does PandaPhone do for travelers?
PandaPhone is third part wireless solution providers for foreign travelers. PandaPhone provides China Cell Phone Rental, China SIM card, China recharge service, China blackberry service, China Event wireless solution service for travelers, businessmen and government officers.
What does PandaPhone do for group travel or wholesale partners?
PandaPhone design the wireless solution packages for group travel according to their needs and travel plan to make sure the economical and high quality wireless service.
To wholesale partners, PandaPhone have different cooperation, such as website, product promotion, event management, trade show management to ensure the distribution success.
