1. China >
2. Starting a Business >
3. Communications

Communications in China

Telephone

The country dialling code is 86.

Mobiles

Mobiles cannot be normally used in China. This is because different nations have differing network systems. In China, only GSM and CDMA systems are available.

Voice over Internet Protocol

VoIP is a new technology which allows users to verbally communicate through their computer. Essentially a telephone call made using the internet, VoIP is becoming increasingly more common in the business world due to its low costs, and easy set-up and maintenance.

Forget installation engineers and phone number changes, as long as you have a broadband connection, you can use VoIP any time, any where.

For businesses, this software is sure to eventually phase out the traditional phonecall. For as low as 4p for local and national calls, the economical potential is vast. With international calls often even less than that, VoIP is perfect if you are prone to long-distance telecommunication, or have offices, clients, partners, etc, overseas. What's more, calls made between VoIP users are typically free all you pay for is the standard internet service.

Internet

Internet access is widely available. There are many cyber-cafes with quality computers and high-speed access. Be warned that many websites are blocked by the Chinese government.

Post

In China, post offices can be easily found in the cities. Opening times are usually between 0800 and 1800, Monday to Sunday. In some remote areas, however, the post office may be closed at weekends. Customs authorities enforce strict regulations on items such as firearms, medication, books, videos, etc, and often go through parcels carefully before clearing them for delivery or collection. There may therefore be long delays in the receipt of parcels.

Click here to Ask an Expert about Communications in China