Going to China, NEED HELP!!!

[DJ Ninjah]

Ok, so I'm moving to China soon for a study abroad program, and I have a lot of questions about my wireless coverage and, well, I'm rather clueless. Here are my questions:

1. I am a current Sprint customer, do they have a calling-plan for international travel that isn't pay through the nose per minute?

2. My current phone is a Samsung A-900. Is there any way to make it work in China?

3. I've heard from a friend that thanks to Sprint's fee changes, my contract is now voidable. If this is true, should I move to another company (or switch to SERO)?

4. I really want a smart phone, and I really like HTC's Mogul. I've been told the Mogul will not work overseas, but T-Mobile's version (The Wing) will. If I buy a wing, can I use it with Sprint when I get back? If not, would I just be better off shelling out a lot of money for an unlocked HTC phone like the P3600?

5. Would I just be better off going pre-paid with some Chinese carrier?

6. If I go with a Chinese carrier, and pause my contract with Sprint, will the expiration still my account still expire when it's currently supposed to (as of right now, it's set to expire in 05/2008).

[RJB]

I hope this might help
Information on Inexpensive Cellular Service in China

[Bugwart]

Originally Posted by DJ Ninjah

1. I am a current Sprint customer, do they have a calling-plan for international travel that isn't pay through the nose per minute?

Roaming is expensive since US providers use the European (rip-off) roaming pricing model. I use my CMCC SIM card in a quad band phone while in China.

2. My current phone is a Samsung A-900. Is there any way to make it work in China?

It should roam in China on Unicom. My CDMA phones do (Moto Q and Samsung SCH M600).

4. I really want a smart phone, and I really like HTC's Mogul. I've been told the Mogul will not work overseas, but T-Mobile's version (The Wing) will. If I buy a wing, can I use it with Sprint when I get back? If not, would I just be better off shelling out a lot of money for an unlocked HTC phone like the P3600?

All phones sold in China (and most of East Asia) are unlocked. You could buy the phone in China or Hong Kong. Just do not buy a phone at the duty free stores. The prices are sky high. The HTC Tytin II was 20% highter in the Chap Lek Kok duty free stores than it was in downtown Hong Kong.

5. Would I just be better off going pre-paid with some Chinese carrier?

That is what I do. You can buy a recharge card with no problem at countless kiosks. Just remember to re-charge before you travel, because your pre-paid SIM may work in other cities, but you may not be able to re-charge it without visiting a CMCC or Unicom office.

You did not say where in China you were going.

[Jerro]

For what it is worth. Verizon worked in major cities there.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by DJ Ninjah

Ok, so I'm moving to China soon for a study abroad program, and I have a lot of questions about my wireless coverage and, well, I'm rather clueless. Here are my questions:

1. I am a current Sprint customer, do they have a calling-plan for international travel that isn't pay through the nose per minute?

2. My current phone is a Samsung A-900. Is there any way to make it work in China?

3. I've heard from a friend that thanks to Sprint's fee changes, my contract is now voidable. If this is true, should I move to another company (or switch to SERO)?

4. I really want a smart phone, and I really like HTC's Mogul. I've been told the Mogul will not work overseas, but T-Mobile's version (The Wing) will. If I buy a wing, can I use it with Sprint when I get back? If not, would I just be better off shelling out a lot of money for an unlocked HTC phone like the P3600?
5. Would I just be better off going pre-paid with some Chinese carrier?

6. If I go with a Chinese carrier, and pause my contract with Sprint, will the expiration still my account still expire when it's currently supposed to (as of right now, it's set to expire in 05/2008).

Sprint uses CDMA network technology and T-Mobile uses GSM. Phones are not interchangeable between the 2 carriers.

-Jay

[Yugopro]

If you are going to Hong Kong there are many places to buy unlocked GSM phones inexpensive. I am sure the same exists further inland.
I had great service every where roaming on T-Mobile.
If you can get a pre paid SIM and inexpensive phone, what more can you need?