Telephone and Cell Phone
How to Make Phone Calls
Internet
Postal Service

How to Make Phone Calls

---Dialing China from Abroad---

 To call a fixed phone

 For example: if you want to dial the phone number 12345678 in Beijing from America: 011(US exit code) + 86 (Chinese country code) + 10 (Beijing Area Code) + 12345678

 To call a cell phone

 For Example: if you want to dial a cell phone number 12345678901: 011(US exit code) + 86  (Chinese country code) + 12345678901 

 ---Dialing within China---

 To call a fixed telephone or mobile phone from a fixed telephone
Fixed phone: 0 + area code of the city you are going to call + fixed telephone number
Cell phone: 0 + mobile phone number

 For example: if you want to call the fixed phone number 12345678 (or a cell phone number 12345678901) in Beijing from Xian from a fixed phone:
Fixed phone: 0 + 10 (Beijing Area Code) + 12345678     
Cell phone: 0 + 12345678901  

 To call a fixed number or mobile phone from a cell phone
Fixed phone: 0 + area code of the city you are going to call + fixed telephone number
Mobile phone: Dial the cell phone number directly

 For example: if you want to call the fixed phone number 12345678 (or a cell phone number 12345678901) in Beijing from Xian from a cell phone
Fixed phone: 0 + 10 (Beijing Area Code) + 12345678   
Mobile phone: 12345678901

Note: For the specific area code of China, country code or exit code, please refer to China area code & zip code.

  Phone Tips:

1. Do not give your phone number to strangers without good reason.
2. Do not leave your cell phone lying around; always put it in a safe place.
3. Do not call back a strange number without good reason as you may be the target of a swindler. They will call you, but hang up quickly. If you call back, the charge will be much higher than the normal rate.
4. Exercise caution when speaking to strangers on the phone and do not provide any personal details.

Note: it is worthwhile memorizing some useful numbers. If you have any questions, you can then call the relevant number for help. In most cases a service in English is provided.

Internet

 Can I access the internet in hotels?

Answer: In hotels of three-stars or above, you should be able to access the internet. In your room there should be provision for you to connect a laptop to the internet through a network interface. Some hotels also have a Business Center, where internet service is provided. In the Youth Hotels internet is also often available.
Note: It is free to use the internet service in some hotels, especially the bigger ones. However, do ask in advance, because some will charge and the fee may be extremely expensive!

 I am going to stay in China for a year, how can I access the internet in my rented house?

Answer: Broadband access service is provided by China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile. The cost varies according to the supplier. Monthly payment is more expensive than yearly payment.
For the exact rate, please consult the supplier. The service numbers of the suppliers are as follows;
China Unicom: 10010       China Mobile: 10086       China Telecom: 10000
Note: if you are a university teacher or student, you can use the campus network, which is much cheaper.

 What if I want to log onto the internet without a computer?

Answer: There are many local internet cafes in China. Where you see the Chinese character "网吧 (wangba)", you can surf the internet. In the internet bar, you need to go to the front desk and buy a prepaid card. You then insert the card into the computer for internet access. If there is money left on the card when you finish it will be refunded at the front desk. Be aware that the condition of internet cafes can vary widely. The cost will vary from city to city, but generally it is 1-5 Yuan per hour.

  Warnings for surfing in an internet bar:
1. Take care of your personal belongings in case of theft.
2. Leave the internet bar before 9:00 at night for the sake of your personal safety.
3. To avoid fraud never use an online banking facility in an internet bar.

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