Dear Editor,
I am visiting China in January and I would like to use my mobile phone. Do I need anything special like a 3G phone or any network?
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Dear Barry,
Most of the mobile phones that are supported by GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) do work throughout China. Businessmen use their American/European blackberries here with no problem whatsoever. China mobile, the nation's biggest telecommunication service provider, usually recognizes two dual frequencies—900 and 1,800 Hz. However, that you should also consult your domestic mobile communication firm on the cross-nation service issue before coming, because the technological supports may be differentiated in details due to varied rules. If you are staying a while in China and calling locally it would be cheaper to purchase a Chinese SIM card and some minutes. And if you are calling abroad regularly you might want to check your carrier's rates with Chinese rates as well.

(China.org.cn December 17, 2007)