Prices have now been released for the Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS which began sale in China this month with China Unicom. The sales model will be similar to that in Hong Kong, whereby the phone is sold cheaply with an additional prepayment for mobile service.
This is alongside updated pricing plans (linked tariff for non-iPhone users), promising greater data quota’s than previous packages and China Mobile’s current offerings. The higher the service plan used, the cheaper the iPhone is sold for. This offer requires a 24 month service commitment.
Details of pricing and service plans available on China Unicom Online Store (or in English via Google Translate). There are slight differences over the standard packages, notably increased data quota and free SMS bundles.
Note: Chinese iPhones have WiFi disabled, but are not carrier locked. For a full featured unlocked phone, consider purchasing from Apple Store Hong Kong. Or wait for a WAPI/WiFi release in China.
I’ve reported before on how much trouble the banking system in China can be. Today, I went to repay my Bank of China credit card only to be asked for my ID and told to fill in some forms. The reason? I was repaying my USD account and first had to purchase USD.
Some basic background: due to foreign currency restrictions in China there is no free flow of currency in or out of China. Each person has a USD$50,000 limit they can use annually for purchase/sale of foreign currency. Therefore, purchase of USD would generally require registration with SAFE (国家外汇管理局). Many credit cards issued in China have statements separated into RMB and a foreign currency (usually USD) – all foreign purchases are converted and invoiced here. The “foreign” portion of the card works like any credit card overseas.
Typically, my credit card is repaid through direct debit. Once setup, I need do nothing apart from ensuring I have sufficient funds monthly, and both “accounts” (RMB and USD) are repaid automatically. USD repayments here fall outside of the USD$50K annual limit. Apparently telephone instruction are also outside of the limit. Going in person to the bank, however, requires you to carry out the foreign currency purchase procedure – which is troublesome and uses your quota.
- all for a matter of US$20, in my case.
This inconsistency appears to be a fault in logic for me. Despite the forex restrictions in place, there are so many ways to escape it – purchases abroad and repayment through direct debit being one. ATM withdrawal using foreign card is another. For those looking to get larger amounts of RMB into China, you can consider an RMB account in Hong Kong: you can purchase 20,000RMB daily and transfer 80,000RMB per batch to China with scrutiny. Then of course, there’s the underground banks – extremely fast and efficient.
While on the topic of banking restrictions… why can I replace a passbook in any BOC branch but to replace ATM card I must return to the opening branch? why, why?
They really don’t like to make things easy here.
This amusing clip on CCTV (China Central Television) claims that Tibet is open for foreigners and that there are no restrictions. They even boast of having 36 organised groups – including 12 of foreigners for the National Day Holiday week!
Firstly, it’s a load of bollocks. I’m planning a trip to Tibet mid-October and there’s certainly been no relaxation of TTB requirements. If anything, they are now stricter than two years ago, and regulations are constantly changing (though to be fair it’s still better than during the Olympics).
Secondly, as if the clip is supposed to impress that China is open about Tibet, an announcement that there are no restrictions is about as reassuring as claiming one didn’t commit robbery today – surely the opposite of normal ‘newsworthiness’. Except, when it comes to Tibet, to say it’s unrestricted is newsworthy… but if only it were true.
News on this a bit thin at the moment, but speculation is rife on whether the restaurant that blew up in Beijing this morning was, in fact, due to gas leakage as officially stated – or a bomb blast. We shall soon find out.
The government line is that it was caused by gas canister. I don’t know much about police detection work, and presume it’s fairly quick to rule out foul play in normal circumstances, though in China and particularly with the pending National Day Celebrations I wouldn’t necessarily give the government the benefit of the doubt.
In any event, it was a good restaurant. That would be the biggest shame – not to mention of course those injured in the blast.
China Unicom (中国联通) announced new 3G tariff plans to coincide with its official 3G launch on 1st October. The new plans give additional, cheaper, post-paid monthly tariff options as well as increased data quotas. The previous add-on data plans will no longer be valid.
Existing 186RMB plan remains (510mins talk-time) but now with 650mb data allowance. The cheapest 96RMB plan includes 240mins talk-time and 300mb data. 126RMB will get you 320mins and 400mb data.
Those interested in downgrading to the new cheaper plans should contact China Unicom customer service at 10010.
Additionally, previous 2G customers on 13x numbers can now also switch to 3G service without changing number or SIM card.
Update: Plan details now available online, but in Chinese only. I include a brief overview in English below:
| Monthly fee |
Talk time |
Data |
Video call |
Free SMS |
| 66 RMB* |
50mins |
300mb |
10mins |
240 |
| 96 RMB |
240mins |
300mb |
10mins |
None |
| 126 RMB |
320mins |
400mb |
15mins |
None |
| 156 RMB |
420mins |
500mb |
20mins |
None |
| 186 RMB |
510mins |
650mb |
20mins |
None |
| 226 RMB |
700mins |
750mb |
25mins |
None |
| 286 RMB |
900mins |
950mb |
30mins |
None |
| 386 RMB |
1250mins |
1.3 Gb |
50mins |
None |
| 586 RMB |
1950mins |
2 Gb |
100mins |
None |
| 886 RMB |
3000mins |
3 Gb |
180mins |
None |
All plans include free incoming calls nationwide. Domestic roaming & long distance dialing within China now inclusive in talk time with standardised nationwide pricing.
* Student plan available for valid students in China only.
I was bored over dinner the other day in Beijing so decided to take a photo. A specialty of the restaurant 眉洲东坡 (this particular one at ChunXiuLu 春秀路) – this dish of stewed beef slices served in a concoction of chilli’s and broth was actually quite tasty! And cheap too.
Tianjin: Clio Coddle, a fashion brand i’ve never heard of but with a logo disturbingly similar to that of Singaporean chain Crocodile, which in turn itself has had a long dispute over logo infringements with well known manufacturer LaCoste. Apparently it’s not new – I just did a search online and found other references to it. Evidently they’re still alive. Just goes to show: there’s no shame at all with piracy in China, and it’s so easy to succeed.
Getting small change in Beijing is a constant and irritating challenge. Restaurants, taxis, convenience stores – pay with a 100RMB note (not much in today’s cities) and you will often be met with cries for something smaller.
Cab drivers have always despised splitting your hundred – but more recently i’ve noticed several restaurants refusing to split a few notes to help distribute change amongst a group. The usual excuse (“we don’t have change”) is most likely a lie and if you persist you’ll be amazed that change is suddenly produced from ‘out of nowhere’.
I’ve found this a lot at up market restaurants – and it’s amazing the lack of desire they even have to maintain a good image with good service. After spending 1000RMB on a meal, the least they could do is help your group with some small change.
If you ever find yourself with the same problem – insist to look at their till. I’d guess that 95% of the time they do have change to give you.