Effective communication is essential for integrating into a new environment as an international student. It helps you connect with classmates and mentors, ensuring you don't miss any important information. Upon your arrival in China, understanding how to apply for and utilize a mobile SIM card is key. Let's explore this process:

1. Telecom operators in China

In China, there are four major telecom operators: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. Each operator offers various mobile SIM card options. Once you have selected an operator, they will provide you with communication services.

To make an informed decision, you can research their offerings on their official websites or seek advice from teachers and classmates regarding their experiences with different operators.

Most Chinese telecom operators support "number portability" – allowing you to switch operators without changing your phone number. For instance, a China Mobile user can transition to China Unicom and enjoy its services. If you are already a customer of a Chinese telecom operator, you have the flexibility to switch to another operator when needed.

2. Common terms

Before applying for a mobile SIM card, it's helpful to understand some common terms to ensure you have a clear understanding of mobile communication services in China.

- 话费 (huà fèi, call charges): The fees incurred for communication services. If you don't pay your call charges on time, you might face service suspension.

- 流量 (liú liàng, data): The amount of mobile internet usage, usually measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). In China, it's commonly referred to as "data".

- 套餐 (tào cān, plans): Service plans offered by telecom operators, including combinations of call minutes, SMS and data. Most plans auto-renew unless you change or cancel them. You can choose a plan based on your needs.

3. Things to consider

- Signal coverage and network speeds: You can choose the operator with the best signal and fastest network speed in your study and living areas.

- Data and call costs: You can find the latest tariff standards on the operator's official website.

- Promotions or student plans: Operators offer various combination plans to meet different data and call needs. Schools usually offer discounted plans for students, which you can learn about by asking your school's staff.

- Customer service experience: Each operator provides multiple customer support channels, including hotlines, as well as online chat, email and mobile apps. You can get feedback on their customer service experience by asking teachers and classmates.

4. Applying for a mobile SIM card

In China, mobile numbers require real-name authentication, so you need to apply for a mobile SIM card at a telecom operator's service center. Avoid using online services that offer to handle this for you, as they may result in unusable SIM cards.

Ensure your phone can receive services from Chinese operators and supports 3G or higher networks in China.

- Use map applications to find nearby operator service centers and get their contact numbers.

- Call ahead to check if the service center offers SIM card services for international students, as some may not.

- Bring your passport to the service center and follow the staff's instructions. If you encounter communications issues, use translation apps to explain the plan you need.

5. Using your mobile SIM card

Insert the SIM card into the appropriate slot, follow the operator's instructions to complete network settings and you can start enjoying convenient communication services.

To monitor your communication expenses, download the operator's app or follow their official WeChat account to check call charges and data usage. Pay attention to billing rules inside and outside your plan, as data charges beyond your plan can be high.

In China, many mobile applications require a phone number to register an account. Manage your phone number carefully and avoid sharing your contact details indiscriminately to prevent personal information leaks.

If you experience network signal instability or communications issues, contact the operator's customer service for professional technical support.

Source: "CSC Alumni" WeChat account