ime Mobile still offers better call quality and reliability, especially in the stix. but, unicom is cheaper and far superior in the data category. Most of my friends have both (Mobile for main phone and Unicom for iPad or similar).

Unicom user since 2006 - and not missing Mobile once. Data services are great, can't complain about call quality/coverage either.

Is it possible to book a GPRS Package with any China Mobile SIM Card or do I need a special one for this? Will this Package be valid in whole China or only in the province I bought the card?
Is it possible to book it online in advance? I can access my China Mobile Account under this link, but I can't find a way to book a web package there.

I use China mobile, no problems. They have different packages so you have to check. One of the most common are those that allow free incoming calls regardless of where they are from (even international numbers), but you have to typically be in the city of where you applied.

Otherwise, you can use your phone all over China.

If you want to use CM outside of China, you need to go with their international package (全球通).

FYI, there is currently a y80/month Unicom data plan (3 month min, but it's pretty easy to pick up cards that are midway through the cycle and sell yours when you leave) that includes 3g/month in your local area and 100m roaming. IME, the 100m roaming is sufficient for most travelers, as long as you stick to web surfing and email only (and refrain from downloading large attachments).

I know this, I already have a China Mobile Sim Card. My credit (95RMB) is still valid for 1 month, but I need the card in 8 month for the next time. So I have to refill RMB200 now or buy a complete new card in 8 month. But Iam not sure if I can book a GPRS Package with a Beijing China Mobile Card, I just found Shenzhen Cards with GPRS Package at ebay.

Actually that isn't the case. Any China Mobile SIM (at least those purchased in Shanghai) can have the add-on global roaming package. You can enable it by simply calling 10086. For prepaid users they may require a minimum balance (¥200 last I checked). It's also limited to one month initially so you have to keep calling back to reenable it. After a while though they give up and just leave it on all the time ;)

I was in the US last month and found that T-Mobile is now China Mobile's preferred roaming partner and the rates are quite reasonable: US calls at ¥0.59 per minute, receiving from anywhere/calling China at ¥0.99 per minute, and ¥0.19 per message for texting (data hasn't changed at ¥0.01 per kilobyte though). For comparison when I was there last November it cost ¥2.99 per minute to call locally and ¥4.99 to receive calls on AT&T.

Well you call 10086 they change the package to 全球通 (I think). That's what they did to me. It's slightly a higher package, but it's their only package that works outside of the mainland.

Yes, T-mobile is the preferred partner. The AT&T rates are much higher (like 2x as much) and China Mobile will even send you texts recommending you to switch to T-mobile. Though, time will tell as AT&T bought T-mobile so I only see rates going up soon.

Well I'm still on the cheapest plan for ¥8/month and I've had roaming enabled for years. I've also enabled global roaming for two new SIMs on the same plan last year.

I'm an optimist and hoping that the merger will bring AT&T roaming rates down :D

Well, this is where perhaps CM is confusing, as it seems like they have millions of plans. Call a special number and get a different deal. I was told the cheapest plan is 16 RMB/mo and can only work in China, no international access.

What is the terms of your 8RMB/mo plan?

My plan is global access with min charge of 60RMB/mo. All incoming calls in PVG are free as are texts.

First of all I always try to do things via the website rather than calling them unless there is no other way. Changing your plan is easy through their site ( 业务办理 => 基础话费套餐).

My plan (only available to SIMs purchased in Shanghai) has free incoming calls and incoming text. Outgoing text at ¥0.10 each, local outgoing calls are ¥0.39 per minute.

Details at

http://www.sh.10086.cn/brand/easyown...d/0/5/901.html

Note that if you're prepaid then you may have to head into your local China Mobile store to get your ID registered in order to enable features such as global roaming. I'm not sure about this requirement but all of my SIMs were registered before I enabled global roaming.

Ok, I'll check it out. I already use the website to check bills and print stuff out, but I guess I'll look at the options too.

Thanks!

Still nobody know this? Should I buy a new card in 8 month in Shenzhen and travel with this through china or renew my beijing card over the internet, now?

I believe that it's impossible for any of us to offer you accurate advice 8 months out, but I'm pretty sure that your BJ SIM will still be active then (with a slightly lower balance).

That having been said, as your trip nears, you should try to get a true 3g (I know this is merely a marketing term, but 3g is far superior to non-3g) plan. Unicom is far ahead of China Mobile in the 3g department, but the latter might work for you if you have the right hardware.

prepaid SIM for international calls
 

Hey guys,

I´ll start on a one week business trip to Shanghai tomorrow. Any suggestions on what prepaid SIM is the best for international calls (esp. Germany)?