Phoning home on your mobile can be very expensive, and even more so if it is from your hotel room. There is cell phone reception for SA networks, provided you have activated international roaming. Request your cell phone provider to open your cell phone for roaming at least 48 hours before you depart (N/A on pre-paid accounts). Ensure you understand the rates charged for calls and data usage while abroad.
Remember to switch off data roaming – it could still pull through data and charges would apply.
Remember to pack your cell phone charger.
You will be charged for incoming and outgoing international calls at international call rates. Data charges may be very high when roaming. Ask your service provider if you are unsure of these charges.
Use your e-sim connectivity to make use of WhatsApp for messaging and calls. IMPORTANT: Your phone must be e-sim compatible.
Alternatively
- Look for the App “Airalo” in your Playstore or your Appstore and download the App. Airalo is the world's first eSIM (digital SIM card) store that offers eSIMs for over 190+ countries and regions at the most affordable rates from around the world.
- Airalo eSIMs offer you both connectivity and freedom. You'll no longer have to change SIM cards or carry multiple SIM cards, wherever you may go.
FAQs
Can I access to Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etcin China?
Answer: WhatsApp, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc. are blocked in China. If you want to open the pages, you will need help from proxy server providers or ensure that your Chinese e-sim is active.
What are popular online tools for daily lives in China?Online Chat Tools: WeChat
Social Networks: TikTok, Weibo
Map: A Map Global
Book a taxi: DiDi
Online Shopping: taobao.com, jd.com
How can I access internet on my mobile phone if Wi-Fi is unavailable?
Answer: You make use of your e-sim or buy a Chinese SIM card for the mobile internet service. Then you surf the internet from your cell phone.
WeChat – The Most Popular Instant Messaging & Payment App in China
For communication in China, we highly recommend using WeChat.
What is WeChat? It is a super popular multi-functional social media app on almost every Chinese mobile. In addition to basic messaging, people use it to pay, for all things from groceries to real estate, to read from subscription accounts, to play games, to hail taxis, and to make a reservation at the doctor's. WeChat is now a mobile wallet and an indispensable social connection portal, and its developer Tencent still endeavors to offer more technology support to make it the "App for Everything".
