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Question: How to dial to China?

Answer: Basically you need to know the international code for China, which is 86, the area code and the phone number. The area code is preceded by a zero, not necessary when you make an international call, but necessary when you make the call within China. The place from which you call is also a factor. For example, using the 021 area code for Shanghai, if you want to call to a Shanghai number, e.g. 12345678, from Seattle, USA, you must dial 011 86 21 12345678. If you want to call from London, UK you must dial 0086 21 12345678. But if you are in another Chinese city, you must dial 021 12345678. Check the timeanddate site for help on how to dial international calls.

Question: What tour programs are available at night?

Answer: We arrange exciting evening shows for you, including the Beijing Opera in Beijing the deluxe Tang Dynasty dance and music show in Xian, the Ethnic Songs and Dances at Lijiang Theatre in Guilin and the acrobatic show in Shanghai.

Question: Can I use my electric appliances in China?

Answer: Yes, but we would suggest you bring adaptors.

Question: Can I use my mobile phone in China? Can I buy GSM SIM card in China? Can I rent a mobile phone in China?

Answer: Enjoy GSM networks provide coverage in every major city. GSM 1800 and 900 networks cover a few biggest cities. CDMA network run by China Unicom is improving its coverage; it has signed agreements with 13 other mobile operators from North America, South America and the Asia-Pacific region, with networks covering 60 per cent of global CDMA subscribers. So roaming with a dual band or tri band handset or use of COSMOTE card alike will make your phone work in China.

It is possible to buy GSM SIM card in China. Shenzhouxing, issued by China Mobile and Ruyitong, issued by China Unicom are recommended for foreign travelers in China, since they require no Chinese resident document. A SIM card costs CNY100.00. Prepaid charging card in amount of CNY50.00 and CNY100.00 are available in post offices, stores and newsstands, are easy to use with bilingual prompt. If the balance of your card is in shortage, the system will ask you to deposit more money to your card when you make phone calls.

In China, operators charge both incoming and outgoing calls. A non-roaming subscriber of Shenzhouxing needs to pay CNY0.60/M for a local call, CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.07/6 seconds for a long distance call, CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds for an international call and CNY0.60/M plus CNY0.20/6 seconds for a call to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Receiving an incoming call costs CNY0.60/M. A roaming subscriber within the country needs to pay CNY0.80/M for a local call, CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.07/6 seconds for a long distance call, CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds for an international call and CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.20/6 seconds for a call to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Receiving an incoming call costs CNY0.80/M plus CNY0.80/6 seconds. Ruyitong's rate is a little bit lower.
Mobile phone rental servic

e is hardly available in China at present.

Question: Is it convenient to make phone calls in China? What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?

Answer: IDD service is available at all hotels and post offices. It is very convenient to make phone calls in China now. Telephone booths can be seen everywhere, in hotels, restaurants and airports as well as on the street. Various phone cards are sold in China, available in post offices, inside hotels or at most street newsstands. IC and IP cards are recommended for convenience and low price.

Most public telephones you see in China are IC telephones, which are for local, long distance call and IDD. Generally IC telephone cards are available in amount of CNY20.00, CNY30.00, CNY50.00 and CNY100.00. The rate for local call is CNY0.20/3 minutes while a call exceeding 3 minutes is charged CNY0.10 per 6 seconds for the extra time. Long distance call rates vary according to the distance. International calls with IC telephone cards are relatively expensive, usually over CNY10.00/M. During off peak period and holidays, calls with IC cards enjoy discounts up to 50%. Emergency calls 121 (weather), 119(fire), 120 (hospital), 110 (police) are free and require no phone cards. IC card is issued exclusively by China Telecom.

China Telecom, China Unicom, China Netcom and China Jitong issue IP cards. Rates for international calls vary with different issuers. China Unicom's rate for calls to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan usually is CNY1.50/M, CNY2.60/M to America and Canada, CNY3.60/M to other countries. The other operators' rates for international calls are either a little bit higher or lower than those of China Unicom. Currently, the IP phone service covers the entire country, providing international service between China and over 200 countries and regions.