If you plan to study in Beijing Language and Culture University for a semester or so, you can consider getting yourself a China Mobile SIM Card. China Mobile is the most popular network used among students and teachers in BLCU. It is a very convenient way for you, your family and your new found friends to contact each other especially during emergencies and group outings. Here are some places where you can get your China SIM:
Airport
If you need to contact someone in Beijing, you can get a SIM card from the airport. These cards are sold in one of the smaller type of stalls inside the Arrival area. But unless you have an urgent need to use a China Sim, don't buy your SIM card here! The airport sells it for thrice the amount with which you can buy it from other areas. I think it's around 120 RMB for one sim card and it doesn't necessarily have any credits inside it!
Friendship Store
When you become a student in BLCU, you will definitely recognize the Friendship store! It is a one-stop shop for all students selling school supplies and many other things that you might need in your stay here. It is located across the basketball court near the HSK building. A China Mobile SIM will cost you around 70 RMB (if you don't haggle) and 60 RMB (if you do). It has around 30 RMB credits inside so it's quite a good buy.
Outside Dorm 17
The next closest place you can buy your SIM card is outside Dorm 17. After you exit the South Gate, turn right and you will see the BLCU Community Market, a Dumpling store and finally, the SIM card seller. You can get your SIM card at 50 RMB with 20 RMB credits inside. Actually, it is quite at the same price with the Friendship store, just depends on which place you think is more convenient for you to buy it from.
If you exit from the South gate, you can also turn left and see this store on the photo above. These two stores both sell SIM cards and Call Cards at about the same price so you can go to either stores and buy your China Mobile SIM Card from them.
There are other places where you can buy your SIM card, but I think those 3 places are the most convenient ones. You can also replace your credits by buying a China Mobile Card for 20,30 or 50 RMB. Higher values are also available.
The cost of each text message in China is very cheap. It costs around .10 RMB per message and around .30 RMB per minute. You can always check your balance by calling up 10086 or texting Ye and sending it to 10086. Generally, I think 50 RMB of credit is enough for the whole month, as long as you use your SIM card in moderation.
If you plan to travel outside Beijing (to places like Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou etc..), you should know that turning your Roaming on is necessary. You can activate Roaming by texting KTMYYH to 10086. Other networks may require a different process of activating.
That's about it! Enjoy your stay in Beijing!
Airport
If you need to contact someone in Beijing, you can get a SIM card from the airport. These cards are sold in one of the smaller type of stalls inside the Arrival area. But unless you have an urgent need to use a China Sim, don't buy your SIM card here! The airport sells it for thrice the amount with which you can buy it from other areas. I think it's around 120 RMB for one sim card and it doesn't necessarily have any credits inside it!
Friendship Store
When you become a student in BLCU, you will definitely recognize the Friendship store! It is a one-stop shop for all students selling school supplies and many other things that you might need in your stay here. It is located across the basketball court near the HSK building. A China Mobile SIM will cost you around 70 RMB (if you don't haggle) and 60 RMB (if you do). It has around 30 RMB credits inside so it's quite a good buy.
Outside Dorm 17
The next closest place you can buy your SIM card is outside Dorm 17. After you exit the South Gate, turn right and you will see the BLCU Community Market, a Dumpling store and finally, the SIM card seller. You can get your SIM card at 50 RMB with 20 RMB credits inside. Actually, it is quite at the same price with the Friendship store, just depends on which place you think is more convenient for you to buy it from.
If you exit from the South gate, you can also turn left and see this store on the photo above. These two stores both sell SIM cards and Call Cards at about the same price so you can go to either stores and buy your China Mobile SIM Card from them.
There are other places where you can buy your SIM card, but I think those 3 places are the most convenient ones. You can also replace your credits by buying a China Mobile Card for 20,30 or 50 RMB. Higher values are also available.
The cost of each text message in China is very cheap. It costs around .10 RMB per message and around .30 RMB per minute. You can always check your balance by calling up 10086 or texting Ye and sending it to 10086. Generally, I think 50 RMB of credit is enough for the whole month, as long as you use your SIM card in moderation.
If you plan to travel outside Beijing (to places like Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou etc..), you should know that turning your Roaming on is necessary. You can activate Roaming by texting KTMYYH to 10086. Other networks may require a different process of activating.
That's about it! Enjoy your stay in Beijing!
