Communications - Cell Phones

The two main cell phone carriers in China are China Mobile and China Unicom. China Mobile is best known for its extensive coverage area while China Telecom is best known for its CDMA service. Cell phones and SIM cards can be easily purchased.

Cell phone stores are found almost everywhere. Your cell phone from home can be used in China if it is unlocked, tri-band or quad-band and able to accepts SIM cards.

Each SIM card comes with a variation of minutes.  Be sure to ask the store representative about the different plans at your time of purchase.

For more information, visit the Allestra Recruiting website. 

The Post Office in China

 The China Post allows you to send regular and express mail inside and outside of China. You can also buy stamps, envelopes, phone cards as well as make international telephone calls.

To send certain items, you will need to visit the local branch of the international post office. All forms of publications including books, magazines and newspapers etc. and certain packages must be sent from an authorized post office.

Post Office hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. and all international mail should be delivered before 2pm, as Customs closes at that time. 

For more information, contact us at Allestra Recruiting! 

Housing in China

Most rental apartments in China are usually furnished. Confirm with the landlord what will be included in the apartment and make sure that everything is working before signing the contract.  Do not take it for granted that certain things will be included. Most apartments will include most if not all of the following: Television, Internet Service, Bed, Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave, Washing Machine and a Desk.

Always consider the location of your apartment before making a final decision.  Review the following list to make sure that all your needs are being met before signing the contract:

• Availability of public transportation
• Safety
• Shopping access
• Size
• Price

Allestra Recruiting reminds you not to be afraid to ask questions and like everywhere else, be sure to read over your contract thoroughly before signing it.

Below are some examples of apartments you may find:

Banking in China

Opening a bank account in China is a very painless procedure.  You will need your passport and your address. The bank will issue you an ATM card.  Most ATM machines are available 24 hours a day. You can also send money home to your home country via Western Union or through your bank.

Most banks have the following hours of operation:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 4pm
ATMs are available 24 hours

Banks in China include, but are not limited to, the following:

Agricultural Bank of China
Agricultural Development Bank of China
Bank of Beijing

Bank of China
Bank of Communications
Bank of Shanghai
China Construction Bank
China Development Bank
China Everbright Bank
China Merchants Bank
China Minsheng Banking Corp. LTD

Resources

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new country is to delve into their daily culture. This list of resources is a great place to start!

Newspapers In China

Beijing Review

China Central Television

China Daily

China View

Peoples Daily

South China Morning Post

Newspapers in South Korea

The Korean Times

The Korea Herald

For more information or for more resources, visit our website!