Keeping in Touch in China

Keeping in touch with friends and family in China is easy, thanks to the country’s advanced internet and communication systems. The internet is fast and affordable, so you’ll have no trouble staying connected. Still, it’s important to be aware of a few unique things about living in China.

Telecommunications and media in China are run by three government-owned companies: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. Some websites and services you’re used to in your home country might be blocked due to censorship.

Internet in China

In major cities such as Beijing, internet access is widely available through home connections, internet cafés and free WiFi in many hotels, airports, restaurants, and coffee shops. 

At home, you can choose between 4G or DSL internet from major providers like Alibaba, Baidu, or Tencent. 5G is also becoming more common, and many phones now support it.

To set up home internet, visit a China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom store. You can also ask a Chinese-speaking colleague to call the provider and arrange a home visit for you. Installation is usually quick, but the cost depends on where you live, the internet speed you want, and how long your contract is.

Great Firewall

In China, you can't access services like Gmail, Skype, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter unless you use a workaround. Most expats recommend using a VPN to get around this, as it's also needed for streaming services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.

Avoid free VPNs because they often track and sell your data. Instead, consider paying for a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or SurfShark.

Useful links

• China Mobile
• China Telecom
• China Unicom
• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• SurfShark

Mobile phones in China

China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom are also the biggest mobile phone operators in the country. Most new arrivals get a pay-as-you-go package, though contracts are also available. Applicants may need to supply their passport and visa to buy a SIM card.

WeChat

While Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are popular in countries like the US and UK, China's top messaging app is WeChat. It's similar to WhatsApp but also lets you make payments, shop, and more. 

With over a billion users, having WeChat is a must if you want to communicate with people in China. Many businesses also use it for internal communication.

English media in China

English-language media in China is easily accessible. The CCTV (China Central Television) news channel provides around-the-clock coverage in English and is known to be more liberal than most Chinese channels.

You can also read English newspapers like China Daily, China Times, and regional papers such as Shanghai Daily. However, to access Western newspaper websites, you'll need to use a VPN.