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Ask Slashdot: Advice For Using a Cell Phone In China?

First time accepted submitter Oyjord writes "I am going to China in March, and I was curious what kind of cell phone hardware and plans American travelers use while there. I honestly don't like cell phones (and I currently use the Drug Dealer Throwaway Special Du Jour) but I thought I'd look into one with a good data plan, so I could perhaps take pics and upload them on the spot, and perhaps use the phone's internal GPS as opposed to taking my Garmin along, etc." (Note: it would be great if you include in your answers some idea about their currency — if you're in China right now, say, or if you were there more than a year ago.)

2 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Asia by tech4 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's the same like everywhere in Asia. You walk to mall, nearest street store or market and buy a sim card. Usually they also offer cheap unlimited plans for internet. If you need more time, you just buy refill card. If you need a phone, those can be bought from malls and markets really cheaply too.

    1. Re:Asia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      What he said. Seriously. SIMs and phones are so cheap in Asia that they're practically disposable. China Mobile with unlimited data and more minutes than you can shake a stick at will run you about $8/month and the SIM's thrown in for free.