China Service
The China SIM card, combined with an international mobile phone, is the most simple and economical solution for making and receiving mobile phone calls while in the China. All incoming calls while you travel China are no more then $.19 USD per minute (Only $.07 in Guangdong province), regardless of where they originate. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a mobile phone in China like you do at home. Since this SIM card is prepaid, there are no monthly fees and no need for a contract.
Benefits:
- $18 USD starter credit
- A local mobile phone number in China
- Text messaging
- No yearly contract, monthly charges or credit check
Rates
| Non roaming rates (calls from inside the Guangzhou province) |
Per minute rate |
| Incoming local calls | YUAN 0.6 ($0.09 USD)
|
| Incoming long distance calls | YUAN 1.19 ($0.17 USD) |
| Outgoing local calls | YUAN 0.6 ($0.09 USD) |
| Outgoing long distance calls (DDD) | YUAN 1.19 ($0.17 USD) |
| SMS Text Messages | YUAN 1.19 ($0.17 USD) / message |
| Roaming rates (calls from outside the Guangzhou province) |
Per minute rate |
| All incoming calls | YUAN 1.19 ($0.17 USD) |
| Calls to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan | YUAN 2.8 ($0.35 USD) |
| International with Direct Dial* | YUAN 8.8 ($1.10 USD) |
| International with IP 17951** | YUAN 5.4 ($0.67 USD) |
| SMS Text Messages | YUAN 1.19 ($0.17 USD) / message |
* Standard direct dial calls are 00 + country code + phone number from your China cellular phone.
** Like a standard direct dial call but add 17951. 17951 + 00 + country code + phone number.
Coverage
Activating your service
Your China mobile phone number will be printed on an information card contained within the prepaid SIM card packaging. The number will start with a 13 and will be one of the only numbers on your China SIM card written in English numbers. It can also be seen from the window on the back of the China SIM card packaging prior to being removed.
To activate your service:
- Travel to China.
- Be sure that the battery is adequately charged.
- Insert the SIM card into your GSM phone*.
- Turn your phone on.
- Enter PIN 1234 if requested^
- Start calling.
* You will need to snap out the thumbnail sized SIM card along the perforated edge of its holder and then insert the SIM card into your international mobile phone with the gold contacts of the SIM card facing the metal contacts of your mobile phone.
^The PUK is only required to unblock your phone if you enter in a PIN code incorrectly 3 times using your China cell phone. Your phone may or may not prompt you for a PIN code. Follow your cell phone manual instructions to correctly use the PUK to unblock your cell phone.
Making and receiving calls
How to make a call
To make an international call from your China mobile phone dial 00 (or +), followed by the country code (1 for the US), area code and phone number.
How family and friends call you
Family and friends need to dial the international prefix, followed by the country code 86 and your mobile phone number.
For example, when calling from the United States, callers need to dial 011 86 and then your mobile phone number.
Recharging your account
Do not purchase another China SIM card when your credit is depleted! There are three ways to add credit to your China SIM card.
Online
Go to www.refillchinasim.com
Over the phone
Call 02152955023, (0)13901668399 or (0)800-820-0293 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM (China Time).
From street vendors
If you purchase airtime vouchers from street vendors, please follow the instructions below to add credit to your SIM card:
- Scratch off the silver covering on the voucher packaging
- Dial 13800138000
- Select option 2 for English
- Select option 1 to recharge
- Enter the 18 digit reload code
* A voice prompt will confirm your credit balance.
Contacting Customer Service
Customer service for your China SIM card is available 24/7 by dialing 02152955023 or 1390 1668 399 from your mobile phone.
Service life
If you do not recharge your account within 2 years from the time of activation, your SIM card will expire and all remaining credit will be forfeit. The service life of your SIM card may be extended indefinitely by the recharging your account; which depending on their denomination will provide a service life extension and all subsequent credit will be carried over into the next validity period.
| Voucher value | Validity period |
| RMB 50 ($6 USD) | 90 days |
| RMB 100 ($12 USD) | 180 days |
| RMB 300 ($38 USD) | 360 days |
| RMB 500 ($60 USD) | 360 days |
If the remaining account balance drops below RMB 10, 60 seconds after connecting a call you will hear a beep as a warning and/or the call will disconnect immediately if there is no value remaining.
To check your current account balance, call 13800138000.
Handset compatibility
This SIM card requires an unlocked international GSM mobile phone. If you do not have your own suitable handset, we have several models available for your review and consideration. Please click here for more information.
If you have difficulty using the service in your handset, please contact Customer service
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