Getting Connected in Shanghai

Shanghai has a sound telecommunications infrastructure. Telephone lines are reliable and international dialing is simple to arrange. However, since Shanghai Telecom has a monopoly, prices for calls will probably be more expensive than at home. You can save money by using the Shanghai Telecom Yitong stored value card to make international calls. You can purchase Yitong cards at the post office and most convenience stores. On the whole, however, it is much cheaper to make international calls with your computer, using an Internet calling service such as Skype.

Mobile Phones

The mobile phone market in Shanghai is thriving. It seems that almost everybody from ages 8 to 80 has a mobile phone. They buzz, sing and ring constantly wherever you are in the city – a testament to a clear, functioning network and affordable pay-as-you-go calls. Most mobile phones that are supported by GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) work throughout China, and you might find that Chinese SIM cards will work in your phone. American/European Blackberries work fine in China. However, if you are moving to Shanghai, it is far more affordable to pick up a local plan as soon as you move here. China Mobile, the nation’s biggest telecommunication service provider, usually recognises two dual frequencies – 900 Hz and 1,800 Hz. Network coverage across China is excellent. If you didn’t bring a compatible phone, a pay-as-you-go mobile phone can be purchased for RMB 600-700 plus the cost of a SIM card. Calling and text-messaging other mobile phones is cheap. You can find RMB 100 stored value cards for mobile phones in most convenience stores. The instructions for loading the stored value onto your phone are available in English.

Internet

Routers are readily available for about RMB 200-300 for a basic home model. The most popular is the TP-Link brand. Call China Telecom (10000) and arrange for them to set up a wireless connection in your home. In the meantime, the number of places throughout the city that offer free Wi-Fi is growing exponentially. It’s nearly a sure thing in cafés in Puxi and Pudong, but be sure to ask before paying RMB 30 for a coffee. The 2010 World Expo is accelerating the installation of public Wi-Fi zones. The Chinese government blocks certain sites that are deemed inappropriate, including the popular sites Facebook and YouTube. Major newspapers and email servers are left alone.

Post & Courier Services

China Post post offices (www.shpost.com.cn) are found throughout Shanghai. They are open six days a week and services vary depending on the size of the branch. Smaller centres only handle posting letters, selling stamps and paying bills, while larger branches change money and handle international express mail and Western Union. Most postal workers do not speak English. Airmail letters and postcards normally take two to three days to domestic cities, about 10 days to Europe and two weeks to North America. If you need to send a package overseas, bring the contents unwrapped to the post office, as postal officers will want to assess their value, which cannot exceed RMB 1,500.

Media

Becoming familiar with local print media is a good way to get into the Shanghai groove. As the most international of China’s cities, Shanghai has a multitude of free English-language magazines and newspapers.

Newspapers

The locally produced Shanghai Daily (www.shanghaidaily.com) and Beijing-printed China Daily (www.chinadaily.com.cn) are the most read. The Chinese-language People’s Daily can be read in English at http://english.peopledaily.com.cn. Take into account that newspaper editorial content is scrutinised by the government, necessitating self-censorship.

Magazines

The most popular magazines are City Weekend (www.cityweekend.com.cn) and That’s Shanghai (www.urbanatomy.com). City Weekend is a bi-weekly focusing on fashion and culture, listing Shanghai’s hottest events. That’s Shanghai is an excellent monthly that takes an in-depth literary view with analysis of culture and expat life in Shanghai. It is also a good resource for event listings. Other magazines include Shanghai Talk Magazine, Shanghai International Family, CIty Weekend Parents and Kids as well as a host of business periodicals.

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