Originally Posted by
trueblu
You don't need vpn for skype, but best to download the programme before entering PRC.
If you don't want to faff with calling numbers etc, some sim cards are specifically tailored at the call overseas market, and are incredibly inexpensive to most countries. Usually, sim card sellers at the newstands preferentially sell these to foreigners (i.e. they assume that's what you want/need).
tb
thanks for clearing that up re Skype. When I was in China last year there was some talk that using skype to call non toll free numbers was going to be blocked (protection of revenue for Chinese telecom companies). I'm guessing that didn't get too far!
China Mobile sim doesn't require any fussing arund. You have to 'register' to make international calls (and there is a charge per month for that), but once you have it you just direct dial. I got mine at the airport on arrival from a small customer service stand.