Living in China

[Csun213]

I think in China phone serivce is much cheaper you can buy a China mobile sim card for only 50 rmb but you need to recharge every 6 month to save your number.

Fast Eddie 48

I agree with you however you can have more than a 6 month time frame. Everytime you purchase a 100rmb recharge, the time is increased by 6 months up to a maximum of 2 and half years. Right now my China cellphone time is good until 2009.

[Azn Playa]

the primary use for a blackberry is for instant email communication not for phone use. however i know some people with a us based blackberry swap in a china mobile chip and use it as a phone.

as do i, they are all trying to sell and upgrade to other phones.

it is a very good device for some people, not only that sometimes it is a corporate standard and some people have no choice. however a blackberry in china on the contrary is a great device. i know some people who use it with a global roaming package via hk and live in china and it works great globally.

of course it works. that is not the issue.

relative to other choices, it is extrememly expensive to regularly use it as a phone on that package.

the all in one nokia devices you mention are not necessarily the best choice. some models are damn slow! and are a pain in the ass to use. the symbian software that nokia uses is cumbersome and not as intuitive as the nokia designed proprietary software. i know because i use to use a n70, which uses symbian software, until i lost it. i have met plenty of people who complain about their new nokia phones.

probably a good thing you lost it.

an n70 is years old and i dont know anyone that would risk being 'mocked' for still using one today.

some models are slow? probably just the one's you have been able to afford.

re-read my post, note the models listed and check their specs online.

they have set the new industry standard in speed, functionality and versatility.
but they might not fit everyone's budget.

[Bill Lee]

I couldn't find Motorola s195 phone in a Google and eBay search. You sure about the model number?

Bill

To Bill,

I just contact T-MOBILE to get another cell phone because my old back up monger phone is stolen at Zhu Hai a few week ago, I ask for the Nokia n73 is not avalible and that is a 395 usd from Nokia, so they offer me the Motorola s195 for free with a one yr renewal in US T mobile will offer you a free phone every 2 yr, this is my 5 phone and I only have to paid for one of them 4 yr ago for 20 usd.

I think in China phone serivce is much cheaper you can buy a China mobile sim card for only 50 rmb but you need to recharge every 6 month to save your number.

Fast Eddie 48

[Bill Lee]

Their deals are not as good as the independent dealers in your local Chinatowns. Like I got the Motorola's MotoMing A1200 for $40.00 with one year contract unlocked through local Chinese authorized T-Mobile dealer.

Bill

To Bill,

I just contact T-MOBILE to get another cell phone because my old back up monger phone is stolen at Zhu Hai a few week ago, I ask for the Nokia n73 is not avalible and that is a 395 usd from Nokia, so they offer me the Motorola s195 for free with a one yr renewal in US T mobile will offer you a free phone every 2 yr, this is my 5 phone and I only have to paid for one of them 4 yr ago for 20 usd.

I think in China phone serivce is much cheaper you can buy a China mobile sim card for only 50 rmb but you need to recharge every 6 month to save your number.

Fast Eddie 48

[Mock A Bee]

I would highly recommend against purchasing a Blackberry, as these are primarily (some would say solely) intended for the US market. Most Blackberry users in China realise that, as phones, they are impractical and the call charges are far too expensive in relation to other cellphone plans which are cost effective. You will often see Blackberry users trying to physically juggle it with their other phone, frantically transferring phone numbers and other information whilst trying to keep their client on the line. Far better to purchase an all-in-one device like an N61/N61i, N62, N95 or a recent O2 release which can do it all and still achieve affordable call costs.

The primary use for a Blackberry is for instant email communication not for phone use.

However I know some people with a US based Blackberry swap in a China mobile chip and use it as a phone.

It is a very good device for some people, not only that sometimes it is a corporate standard and some people have no choice. However a Blackberry in China on the contrary is a great device. I know some people who use it with a global roaming package via HK and live in China and it works great globally.

The all in one Nokia devices you mention are not necessarily the best choice. Some models are damn slow! and are a pain in the ass to use. The Symbian software that Nokia uses is cumbersome and not as intuitive as the Nokia designed proprietary software. I know because I use to use a N70, which uses symbian software, until I lost it. I have met plenty of people who complain about their new Nokia phones.

Each user has different needs and different ways of using a device.

MAB

[Fast Eddie 48]

To Bill,

I just contact T-MOBILE to get another cell phone because my old back up monger phone is stolen at Zhu Hai a few week ago, I ask for the Nokia n73 is not avalible and that is a 395 usd from Nokia, so they offer me the Motorola s195 for free with a one yr renewal in US T mobile will offer you a free phone every 2 yr, this is my 5 phone and I only have to paid for one of them 4 yr ago for 20 usd.

I think in China phone serivce is much cheaper you can buy a China mobile sim card for only 50 rmb but you need to recharge every 6 month to save your number.

Fast Eddie 48

[Azn Playa]

Skype, Yahoo and Vonage are land lines substitutes, right? so it's only for when I'm in the hotel or apartment, I'd probably get a california number with Yahoo (free) or skype ($60/yr), so people can call me from their regular phone, and try to forward it to my mobile there (Skype in 2.1 cents a minute to China)

and I still need a mobile phone.

If you have more than $300 to spend, a wifi-enabled phone can have Skype or another VoIP application installed, then whenever you are near a wifi-hotspot (which are becoming frequently ever-more available in China), ultra-cheap international calling is at your disposal.

Why buy in the states? unlocked phones are not readily available here and the choices are very limited, I know you can pay someone $15 or so to unlock, but it's extra time and extra work. Whereas unlocked phones are almost universal everywhere else. Can I just buy one when I get to China? Or should I get a quad-band from t-mobile (my current provider) and get a sim card there?

Yes you certainly can buy any phone you desire in China and they are cheap too. Many new releases are smuggled from Hong Kong which can equate to 20-30% off the HK retail price (and occasionally even more if you can bargain with the vendor).

I would highly recommend against purchasing a Blackberry, as these are primarily (some would say solely) intended for the US market. Most Blackberry users in China realise that, as phones, they are impractical and the call charges are far too expensive in relation to other cellphone plans which are cost effective. You will often see Blackberry users trying to physically juggle it with their other phone, frantically transferring phone numbers and other information whilst trying to keep their client on the line. Far better to purchase an all-in-one device like an N61/N61i, N62, N95 or a recent O2 release which can do it all and still achieve affordable call costs.

If anyone is actually looking to purchase a Blackberry, I have several colleagues who are eagerly wishing to sell them. Essentially, they are frustrated with the lack of performance via insufficient RAM and the outlandish monthly plans that Blackberry offers to its Chinese customers. You need to consider the range of user-friendly devices which render the Blackberry outdated and obsolete in the CBDs and board rooms of modern Chinese cities.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Bill Lee]

Most independent dealers that sell phones are authorized dealers for T-Mobile and Cingular. They are the only nationwide carriers I know that uses the GSM system in U.S. Smaller local carriers such as Cincinnati Bell also use the GSM system but I think they are on 850GSM.

Most of these dealers cater to the Chinese customers who are back and forth travelers to Asia. Their phones generally are overseas gray market phones that are unlocked. They will sell you a phone or give you a phone for the yearly contract that they will get their commission from T-Mobile or Cingular. So I got me a Motorola Ming A1200 for $40.00 that's worth from $100 to $300, depending who in eBay you buy from. I'm committed to a one year plan with T-mobile. I have brought this phone back to China and switch chip for China Mobile.

BTW, I have checked with Motorola and Nokia, even if you buy a gray market phone in the U.S., the dealer or the carrier will not warranty it. But the manufacturer will. But check it yourself for your own phone.

But your case might be different if you don't travel back and forth. Then search for the 900GSM phone you want on eBay and not sign up for a contract with a US carrier. Online stores has tons of unlocked phones, especially eBay. Local retail stores in main street America, No.

Get a phone from T-mobile only if you plan on traveling back and forth. But T-Mobile direct sale will sell you a phone that locked for 3 months before they will unlock it for you. Cingular's policy is one year.

I checked eBay and it appears to have alot of unlocked phones for sale.

If you're in China for a long period, consider getting a monthly account, instead of the pay as you go card that I buy from the convenient stores.

I can only speak about Skype and Vonage, both are VOIP service, requiring Internet service. The former has free voice transmission similar to all the IM services. But the other party you're talking with has to be using Skype software too. Similar to IM services like AOL, Yahoo, Google and MSN requires both parties to be running the same software.

I have a paid Skype account with a New York number. My cost to call back the state is 2 cent a minute. My phone acts as a landline on my laptop. I can call landline anywhere in the world. But my laptop has to be on and connected to the Internet to use the service. With the paid service, I get free voicemail and although it's not perfect, my Skype line also call forwards to my CHina cellphone too.

Vonage, another VOIP requires Internet connection too. They have a VPhone that's the size of a flashdrive that has built in software with a headset that allows you to use it from any computer that's connected to the Internet. It runs the VOIP software without installation whereas Skype requires installation. But my use of the Vphone was so so in my last trip. I think I'm better off this time with Skype.

Both Skype and Vonage paid service provide me with a local number. So I call forward my office to my Skype line and it rings in CHina and my client don't even know that I'm overseas.

Bill

Thanks again for the responses from the regulars here, I was able to discuss intelligently about the costs of doing business in ShenZhen. Have not closed the deal yet, but I made notes all of the suggestions. Sorry this post has no real info of any kind, I just don't want to be rude and not acknowledge the responses. If I make it there, I'll have enough money to buy you guys a couple of beers.

Come to think of it, I do have a few questions about phone services.

From the states, my wife can use our msn camera setup for free, when we are both at home.

Skype, Yahoo and Vonage are land lines substitutes, right? so it's only for when I'm in the hotel or apartment, I'd probably get a california number with Yahoo (free) or skype ($60/yr), so people can call me from their regular phone, and try to forward it to my mobile there (Skype in 2.1 cents a minute to China)

and I still need a mobile phone.



Why buy in the states? unlocked phones are not readily available here and the choices are very limited, I know you can pay someone $15 or so to unlock, but it's extra time and extra work. Whereas unlocked phones are almost universal everywhere else. Can I just buy one when I get to China? Or should I get a quad-band from t-mobile (my current provider) and get a sim card there?

fly

[Flyhere]

Thanks again for the responses from the regulars here, I was able to discuss intelligently about the costs of doing business in ShenZhen. Have not closed the deal yet, but I made notes all of the suggestions. Sorry this post has no real info of any kind, I just don't want to be rude and not acknowledge the responses. If I make it there, I'll have enough money to buy you guys a couple of beers.

Come to think of it, I do have a few questions about phone services.

From the states, my wife can use our msn camera setup for free, when we are both at home.

Skype, Yahoo and Vonage are land lines substitutes, right? so it's only for when I'm in the hotel or apartment, I'd probably get a california number with Yahoo (free) or skype ($60/yr), so people can call me from their regular phone, and try to forward it to my mobile there (Skype in 2.1 cents a minute to China)

and I still need a mobile phone.

Regarding cellphone which you must have here in China. Get a GSM 900 unlock phone before you leave the states.

Why buy in the states? unlocked phones are not readily available here and the choices are very limited, I know you can pay someone $15 or so to unlock, but it's extra time and extra work. Whereas unlocked phones are almost universal everywhere else. Can I just buy one when I get to China? Or should I get a quad-band from t-mobile (my current provider) and get a sim card there?

fly

[LoveAsia]

oah is full of good info when it comes to living here. let me throw in my 2 cents here.
later,
bill

i might as well throw my 2 cents here too. i have been using voip for nearly 8 years (when net2phone first came out). i have used or tried most of them and the following are the most affordable/best sound quality solutions (imho).

1) buy a vonage broadband router if you have fast upload/download speeds. (pass on the softphone, vphone). buy their wifi phone if you travel in areas that have alot of open wifi networks. the broadband router is good for office and/or home and works like a normal phone with any real phone plugged into the router.

2) skype in for when you are traveling.

3) internetcalls.com - gives you 300 minutes per week free to 50 or more countries. after 300 minutes they consider the usage abuse and start charging you per minute. a 10 euro payment will last you 6 months if you do not go over the 300 minutes weekly or use the other very cool features.

la

[Ace Gallant]

Bonne Retour!

And u re using a blackberry ... now, I am jealous.

Levitian

So; are we going to start a flame war or a fight because I am using BlackBerry? Or perhaps I should even spell Blackbery (with a single "r") ....



That should attract some flamers right?

Well... just on this subject... the Blackbery.... does not work well outside the big cities in China. It is also a target for girls (pros) to steal because they think that it will fetch good price.

Enjoy!
AG

[Levitian]

Bonne Retour!

And u re using a blackberry ... now, I am jealous.

Levitian

[Ace Gallant]

But I do have a bad habit, I always asked and keep cell# of the girls I slept with. The last I counted the cell# I have in my database; was 1200+ but of course those exclude those that doesn't have a cell, those that gave bad service that I don't even ask for the cell, those I forgotten I've ask and those girls that I ended up fucking when I was fucking drunk that are gone by the time I came around.

My goodness, Dude, I sometimes really do wonder what you are doing besides screwing around and contributing to this forum.

Levitian

Here is my attempt to answer your question (contributed by members of ISG via PM to me):

1st Attempt:

I am getting paid for every post I put on ISG.

My comment:

Hahahaha.... can you believe that????

2nd Attempt:

Hey, you must be fucking old, retired and fucking bored with nothing else to do beside screwing girls and posting on the ISG.

My Comment:

No... not old enough to be fully retired. Although I consider myself semi-retired. And I am not fucking bored. How can one be fucking in China? One can only be bored of fucking....

3rd attempt: (The real reason)

Your business must be running well bringing enough revenue for you to screw around and leaving you enough time to post these reports.

My Comment:

Bingo!

IMHO:

In China, you will never run out of fresh pussies to screw. You just need to manage your time right and use to right method to get your girls. Whether it is freebie or Paybie, you will never run out of choice. You need to know where to look! (OF course!!! on ISG!)

Enjoy!
AG

BTW: I am not sure whether am I the only person making posting from Blackberry???

[Flyhere]

Thanks to the regulars for the info about ShenZhen. I used to go up to HongKong so I know not to get a car and drive around, I prefer taxis and the MRT anyway.

I used to be an expat based out of Singapore but the company paid for everything with nothing into my pocket, this time it's different. I normally eat local food at most places I go.

Skype and Vonage are good ideas, I have a Skype account but never used the phone-in and phone-out features, may use them this time. I mainly use MSN and a lifecam to talk to my wife at night.

I only have a free account here at the forum, not sure if I can use PM anymore.

Thanks again.

PS. I just tried PM'ing , see if it gets anywhere. If I do get there, I owe you guys a beer or two. Also, I changed my username from the old generic "vegas #2"

[Old Mean Dog]

I hop someone can help me with determining a reasonable figure to ask for ShenZhen.

I am an independent systems consultant based in California. I am pursuing a project for a client in ShenZhen, for a few months. In the US, it's normally weekly air fare, hotel, car rental, and meals.

- For China-California, may be not weekly, but may be monthly air? business class? coach class?
- How much to budget for hotel? any corporate housing? well, for 6 months, is it even possible?
- May be people don't rent a car there and drive to work every day, so may be just taxi money.
- The US perdiem is $50-$60 a day for meals, what would be a reasonable rate to demand?

When I was in S.E.Asia before, I had a job as an expat so I had a big expat cost of living allowance. Here, would something like $US2000/month be good to ask for? Did I miss anything else? I guess mongering costs? oh and international phone expenses.

Would appreciate all comments from those from the US working in Hong Kong or China.

Thanks
vegas

I will send you a PM with my stateside phone # and email and we can talk outside of ISG.

-SZE