Mobile Phones

If you wish to use your own phone from home, make sure to bring a compatible GSM/GPRS 900/1800 dual-frequency mobile phone. The phone must be an "unlocked" phone, you can find out if you phone is locked or not by calling your home service provider. Some but not all locked phones can be unlocked.

If your phone does not fit the description above, here are some tips on purchasing a cell phone in China:

(1) purchase it at a licensed China Telecom, China Mobile or China Unicom Service provider

(2) purchase it at a licensed mobile handset store

(3) please keep the VAD receipt and warranty statement for refunding or repair, in case of any defects found prior to use, or any damage which occurs during use

What to do if you lose your mobile phone

(1) Call your phone. If someone found it, and you can arrange to get it back.

(2) Call your phone carrier and report the loss:

   China Mobile: 10086

   China Unicom: 10010

   China Telecom: 10000

(3) Call the police.

(4) Call the bank to freeze banking services.

(5) Change your passwords — if you use mobile banking, email and social media on your phone, it's wise to change your passwords in case your accounts have been compromised.

(6) Warn your friends of potential fraud — Inform them that you lost your mobile phone as soon as possible and to be aware of any fraudulent messages from your lost phone.