Shanghaiist: Ask Shanghaiist: Shanghai mobile phone plans explained

ede

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:28:14 +0800

FYI, the China Mobile prepaid plans are branded as 神州行 (shenzhouxing). There are a number of different brands of subscription plans; the largest is probably 全球通 (quanqiutong), or "GoTone" in English. The 16元/month 大众卡 (dazhong ka) deal mentioned above falls under 神州行, and is now known as [神州行]畅听卡 (changting ka). The rates (which are detailed here on China Mobile's website) are now lower than described above: the 0.13元/min now applies to all local calls, including China Mobile, Unicom, and landline phones. Incoming calls are still free. Roaming is now 0.6元/min. Sending an SMS is 0.1元 for within the China Mobile network, 0.15元 for out of network; receiving an SMS is free. @ Kate: Yes, the 16元/month fee is automatically deducted from the credit on your SIM card - there is NO monthly bill to pay. If you sign up, be careful not to inadvertently get any extras tacked on. Mine came with a promotional 3元/month news plan that I had to cancel by calling 10086.

Kate

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 07:18:13 +0800

Thank you for this helpful explanation! I just arrived in China and have now purchased a Nokia with service by China Mobile. I have a 16Y/mo fee. Is that fee automatically deducted from whatever credit is on the phone? And how do I go about "topping off" the credit? Once I buy a chongzhi card, will that contain an explanation for how to do it? Thanks for any advice!

Jay

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 14:10:19 +0800

Liane, the diff. is that with a National plan, there is no roaming charge, once you leave your home area, which could cost you an arm and a leg. Not worth it if you're only doing weekend day trips, but if you're going to be "on the road" a lot, then perhaps it's something to consider.

liane

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 04:22:47 +0800

wait, what's the difference between a local and national plan? does national mean you can call anywhere in China for regular price? If you were to purchase a long distance phone card, could you use that with a 'local' monthly plan for long distance charges? I'm not in Shanghai yet, but I will be, so I really don't know much about the cell phone structure . technology, why are you so cruel.

littlepoem

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 23:16:30 +0800

With the national package (in the chart) you have to add another 10kuai for caller ID and can't sign up for the free recieving calls when in shanghai. Suposedly it's a different package!! You can call 1860 they speak english and ask them to tell you what you are currently subscribed to - the music ringtone thingy they sometimes add without u asking! Then tell them what you want to have, i suggest to add the 6kuai (ontop of the 10-the basic charge) so that you receive your calls for free. And also you can add 1kuai to call within china (beijing ect..) for cheaper rates.

liane

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 10:54:44 +0800

hey guys this is great! I'm heading to Shanghai in September for half a year and I have been procrastinating looking into how to get a phone since it looks so damn confusing. This has shed some light and given me a reasonable grounding in the matter. phew. nice to know getting a cell phone in China doesn't have to end in tears (fingers crossed). Thanks!

paul

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:49:16 +0800

Oh, and to disable the music when somebody calls you, go to the website of M-Zone/ChinaMobile or store to deactivate it, if i remember it correctly it was 5 or 10 RMB/month for this luxury.

paul

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:44:26 +0800

Data packages on China Mobile (can be activated through the website with M-Zone): CMWAP, everything with http://, can be used on Smartphones or with Opera Mini - Unlimited Wap: 20rmb/month - 10MB Wap, 5rmb CMNET, full access, incl usage as GPRS-Modem for laptops - 50MB Gprs: 20RMB - Unlimited GPRS: 200RMB Other packages exist, but i don't remember them. Just ask somebody who can read chinese and can help you with the website - or go to the store. I use M-Zone prepaid and it's not sooo expensive, especially if one mostly only uses SMS and Data.

alisha

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:34:14 +0800

Perhaps what Lars is referring to (in terms of the annoying music) is the music that callers are subjected to while they wait for you to answer. I think that is part of some service plans on China mobile, and I'm not sure that there's any way to turn it off, but I could be completely wrong,.