1: How can I keep in touch with my friends and family when I travel in China?
You have multiple ways to communicate people when you travel in China.

1. WeChat: http://www.wechat.com/en
   WeChat (Chinese: 微信; pinyin:  Wēixìn; literally: “micro message”) is a mobile text and voice messaging communication service developed by Tencent in China. The app is available on Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Symbian phones. Web-based OS X and Windows clients also exist; these however require the user to have the app installed on a supported mobile phone for authentication, and neither message roaming nor ‘Moments’ are provided. As of December 2015, WeChat has over a billion created accounts, 650 million active users; with 70 million outside of China.WeChat provides text messaging, hold-to-talk voice messaging, broadcast (one-to-many) messaging, video conferencing, video games, sharing of photographs and videos, and location sharing. It can exchange contacts with people nearby via Bluetooth, as well as providing various features for contacting people at random if desired (if these are open to it), next to integration with social networking services such as those run by Facebook and Tencent QQ. Photographs may also be embellished with filters and captions, and a machine translation service is available. WeChat is the most popular social media in China.For iPhone user, search Wechat and download it from App store. For computer user, you may visit this link http://www.wechat.com/en/ and follow the download steps based on its instruction. In any area with free Wifi, you could use this app to contact your family and friends in China. WeChat has many impressive features for you to use: http://www.wechat.com/en/features.html#live_chat. However, make sure to use the app in a Wifi area to avoid an expensive charge of international roaming.
2. Skype video call: http://www.skype.com/en/
3. Navidata: http://www.navidata.ca/#!store/c416
4. Facebook and Twitter:
   Because China blocks Facebook and Twitter, you need to download an application such as VPN for surfing Facebook and Twitter in China. Here is the link:
   http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/search/?q=VPN
   If you would like to get a VPN app on your smart phone, search Onavo Protect in App Store, or visit:
   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/free-vpn-onavo-protect/id577491499?mt=8
   
5. Cell phone

2: Can I use my cell phone in China?
You can use your phone in China if your carrier does not lock your handset. Even if your phone is locked, you can call your carrier and ask for unlocking it. There are three carriers in China, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, using TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, and CDMA2000 networks, respectively. You can buy a SIM card in China from one of the carrier according to your phone’s network mode.
Note: The international roaming charge can be very high; it is strongly advised to use a local SIM card.

3: Can I buy a cell phone in China?
Yes, you can. You can buy a contract-free cell phone in stores. If you plan to stay long in China, you can even consider buying a phone with a contract from GSM carriers, which will provide you with a favorable rate plan.

4: Can I use the phone I bought to make calls directly?
That depends. You can make calls if you buy a phone with a contract. Then a SIM card is included and you can use the phone directly. But if you buy a contract-free phone, you have to purchase a SIM card and insert it into your phone. Confirm with your provider if your SIM card support international calls before you making international calls.

5: Where to buy a SIM card?
You can get a SIM card at a service counter of any one of the three GSM carriers. Usually, a new card user is required to deposit a certain amount of money in the account, say CNY 50 – 100.

6: Does my SIM card which is bought in Beijing still work in other provinces?
Yes, all cards in China can be used nationwide, and there is no domestic roaming charge if your card support 3G network.

7: How can I recharge if the money of my cell phone runs out?
You can go to the service center of your carrier for recharging. Also, you can buy a top-up card costing CNY30, CNY50, or CNY100

8: Can I have my telephone bill and if yes, how?
Yes. Go to the service center of your carrier and have it printed out. Or, you can call the service number of your carrier for an e-bill sent to your phone.

9: If my SIM card has some problem, to whom will I turn for help?
You can call the service number of your SIM card supplier.
China Mobile: 10086 (24 hours service)
China Unicom: 10010 (24 hours service)
China Telecom: 10000 ( 24 hours service)
Both offer English service. You can ask any question related with your phone and SIM card.
 Calling Tips:
1. All these numbers are free and provide services in English.
2. When you use China Mobile service to make international calls you need to add 12593 before the number you are calling and add 17951 when making national long distance calls.

10: Can I use my phone to make international call directly？
No, you need to contact your supplier to activate the service.

11: What is the rate of international call?
The charge is up to your destination. It is strongly recommended to consult your carrier. You can also buy an IP card to make international calls, which are easy and cheap. The card is available at stores and newsstands.

12: Can I find a fax machine easily in China?
Yes. Fax machines are available in some stores and business centers in hotels.

13: Useful telephone numbers in China
If you have an emergency while you are traveling (such as fire or traffic accidents), or other trouble or have other complaints or questions, the following telephone numbers may be helpful.

 Emergency Numbers

Calling Tips:

1. 110, 120 and 119 are free calls. 110 may be used for all emergencies. It is the first number to call. Whether 119 or 120 is called depends on the situation.
2. The more details you can provide to the police, the better. At a minimum you will need to provide your name and location and give a description of the problem. If you don’t know the exact position, tell them the landmarks buildings nearby. If you are in a remote area, you will need to give the name of the town or village. After the call, you should keep your phone on in case they need to call you back. When you see a police car approaching, wave to them actively.
3. After calling 120, first-aid treatment is not encouraged. Unless you have first-aid training, you should just wait patiently for the doctors to arrive.
4. If you can leave the accident area, please wait for the rescue workers at some obvious places where they can easily find you.