Disclaimer: This information is put together to help others moving to Chongqing. This document is a compilation of information gathered from other expats based on their experiences. It by no means is intended to be the gospel but to provide some background information to hopefully make your transition smoother. Chongqing is a rapidly changing city so this document is a living document that may need to be updated as Chongqing and China grow and change. Please forward any updates, recommendations and/or corrections to Deborah Brown, grosseilebrown2@aol.com.
· Staying in Touch
· Skype
· Face Time
Tip: If you experience a drop in quality of voice call within 10 minutes, change your account setting: Feature -> Bandwidth Saver. Select the lowest baud rate you can still talk normally. This will allow longer conversation without having to re-establish connection.
· Magic Jack ( http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/)
· Google Voice - Allows you to port your US cell phone numbers to Google Voice. The fee was $20 per number. Allowing you to send/receive text messages and receive voicemails from our friends in the US for free. You can also link the account to a VOIP number such as Magic Jack. http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html
· Cell Phones:
· There are many different levels of service available, Local calling plans (within City), China plans and International calling plans (within China) and International Calling plans (that let you use your China mobile phone outside of China). If you want International calling capabilities you have to ask for it and be specific on which international plan you want. International calling plans require a little more money upfront depending on which one you choose. You have to prepay for your service at store fronts or via cell phone kiosks. They do not bill you like in NA/US.
· Most popular Mobile providers for Expats are:
o China Mobile – More readily available locations to make deposits on your phones
o China Unicom – Has 3 G internet with more data plans
o China Telecom
· Tips:
o Best 3G? China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom? (Response from Internet Blog) Generally speaking only China Unicom has nationwide roaming at no extra cost and works with international 3G handsets. China Telecom is CDMA/EVDO 3G (almost dog slow), China Mobile has a special 3G won’t work with ANY handsets other than their own. Data is generally roaming free. All depends on your needs and package.
o For Blackberry cellphone user, the only service provider offered BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) is China Unicom. China Mobile and China Telecom did not support BIS. Even you have your Blackberry cellphone unlocked in North America; you have to get RIM (Research In Motion) in China to unlock again for you before the cell phone can work exactly like in North America.
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