The 21st-Century Traveler

Internet Access Away from Home

Despite highly publicized clamp-downs on cybercafes, monitoring of traffic, and blocking of websites, China remains one of the easiest countries in the world in which to get online.

Without Your Own Computer -- In central Beijing, government clamp-downs have significantly reduced the number of Internet cafes (wangba). Those still in operation tend to charge from ¥4 to ¥20 (55¢-$2.65/25p-£1.35) per hour. Also keep your eyes open for the wangba characters.

Many media websites, and those with financial information or any data whatsoever on China which disagrees with the Party line, are blocked from mainland China, as are even some search engines.

With Your Own Computer -- Many cafes and hotels in Beijing offer wireless connectivity in public areas. Most hotels also offer free in-room Wi-Fi connections.

Mainland China uses the standard U.S.-style RJ11 telephone jack also used as the port for laptops worldwide. Cables with RJ11 jacks at both ends can be picked up for around ¥8 ($1.05/55p) in Beijing department stores and electrical shops. Standard electrical voltage across China is 220v, 50Hz, which most laptops can handle, but North American users in particular should check.

Those with on-board Ethernet can take advantage of broadband services, which are sometimes free in major hotels. Ethernet cables are often provided, but it's best to bring your own.

Using a Cellphone in China

All Europeans, most Australians, and many North Americans use GSM (Global System for Mobiles). But while everyone else can take a regular GSM phone to China, North Americans, who operate on a different frequency, need a more expensive tri-band model.

International roaming charges can be horrendously expensive. Buying a pre-paid chip in China with a new number is far cheaper. You may need to call up your cellular operator to "unlock" your phone in order to use it with a local provider.

For Beijing, buying a phone is the best option. Last year's now unfashionable model can be bought, with chip and ¥100 ($13/£6.65) of pre-paid airtime, for about ¥800 ($107/£53); you pay less if a Chinese model is chosen. Europeans taking their GSM phones, and North Americans with tri-band phones, can buy chips (quanqiutong) for about ¥100 ($13/£6.65). Recharge cards (shenzhouxing ka) are available at post offices and mobile-phone shops. Calling rates are low, although those receiving calls pay part of the cost.