Getting cellular service is fast and easy if you can speak the language and have a basic understanding of how cellular service works in China. But for those new to the country or having language difficulties, it could be a tedious, confusing and possibly expensive process.

Here we will introduce two large cellular providers in China, the plans they offer, and the types of phones they work with...

Perhaps you've just arrived in China, or perhaps you've been here for a while but due to a language barrier are unfamiliar with the cell phone options available. Well, hopefully you will find this article to be informational, if not helpful.

We'll start by introducing the two main cellular protocols used all over the world, GSM and CDMA...  (In case you're curious, cellular protocol just means the technology used to transmit cellular signals.)

1. GSM and CDMA Technology

GSM is used in Europe, China, and the U.S. while CDMA is used in Japan, Korea, and to a lesser degree in China and the U.S.. There are a lot of arguments over which is a better protocol, offering better signal strength, voice quality, and more; but we won't delve into that debate here.

There is some basic, practical information you need to know about these options when choosing your cell phone and plan.

GSM is very widely used in China and is very international-travel-friendly. To use GSM, all you need is an unlocked* GSM phone, which means the phone has a slot for a GSM SIM card. These SIM cards can be purchased from any cell phone store or newspaper stand. You simply pick a phone number, pay the activation fee associated with that number, and buy a "Recharge Card" for whatever amount you would like to add to the SIM.  You can then make calls and it deducts money just like a debit card. Each time you need to add funds, just go to any newspaper stand or drug store to buy another recharge card for the amount of your choice, then call the automated phone number and punch in the code printed on the card. You will receive a text message confirmation in Simplified Chinese each time you recharge, stating the amount you have just added onto your SIM.

unlocked* Please note that even though you have a GSM phone, it may be "locked" by your cellular provider when you first purchased the phone. A "locked" phone means that it will not accept SIM cards from other providers. If you find yourself in this situation, you can try to find a cell phone store that will "unlock" your phone for a fee, or call your cellular provider and tell them you are travelling internationally and need the "unlock code" for your phone as well as instructions. Most cellular providers should provide you with that information.

GSM is very easy to set up, use, recharge, as well as change providers when desired, in most countries.

CDMA is not so widely used in China but offers an attractive internet access option for cell phones and laptops. Unfortunately, a CDMA cell phone plan is harder to start up than a GSM plan. This is because CDMA cannot simply accept some kind of chip/card and work immediately, it needs to be programmed to accept your provider. Your CDMA phone pretty much needs to be purchased from the service provider when you first open your account because those phones are pre-programmed by them and ready for use. But if you return to your native country with that phone someday and want to use it there, you'll need to find a store that can reprogram* your CDMA phone to a local cellular service.


reprogram* From my research, I've heard that many people from Korea bring their CDMA phones to China and have the stores here program it so they can continue to their phone in China with a Chinese CDMA provider. But when they return home they can't find stores with the know-how to reprogram the phone back to Korean CDMA providers, so many of them are no longer able to use their CDMA phones in Korea. I have never used CDMA in the U.S.; however I would guess that most Americans would have difficulty finding someone to program their phone back to a U.S. CDMA provider when they return.

Unfortunately I cannot elaborate on how to recharge CDMA phone service here in China as I do not have personal experience in that area. 

The next article will feature some of the most popular cell phone plans/services available in Beijing, China.

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