Major FAQ – China

Communication

How do I make contact with IFRE’s in-country coordinator?

Our China in-country coordinator Lives at the Xi’an homebase. Your personal placement documentation will include his contact details. The China information booklet included in the pre-departure informational packet has his information as well.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in to China?

You can bring your UNLOCKED cell phone and buy a new SIM card. You can buy minutes in China to be used internationally. The new SIM card maintains your personal numbers in China as well as provides your number to your family. Calls to the USA and Canada from China will cost 2-10 cents/minute depending on the service carrier you choose (in China?).

Direct dialing to International telephone numbers from China is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and phone booths on the streets. Local calls are generally charged at a modest fee in hotels.

The Chinese mobile phone networks are very advanced. Operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators.

Are internet services easily available?

There are internet cafes in most towns, but they can be noisy places sometimes with youth hanging out to play online games.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Yes, you can but the charge will be extremely high if you do not change the SIM card. You must verify your home country phone is UNLOCKED or else a new SIM card will not work.

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in China and how much does it cost?

Buying a Chinese Telecom SIM card will cost about 100 RMB. With this purchase price, you receive 50 RMB in minutes the other 50 RMB covers the price of the SIM card number. The SIM card should work with all major phone brands (if you bring your own) with no problem. Before departure, find out if your current mobile phone is internationally capable.