Communications

Telephone communication within China is good and getting better as the national system upgrades to fiber-optic cable. Travelers can communicate easily with home or office via telephone, fax, telex, and Internet (where available). Hotels usually offer free local calls, although travelers should check as some do have a small charge, even if there is no answer. Public phones are available in many shops, restaurants, and on the street. International direct-dial (IDD) telephone service is available from almost any telephone in the major cities, or from hotels and phone centers in secondary cities. (Be sure to give incoming callers your room number, since it is sometimes hard for receptionists to 20 understand foreign names).

Internet connections are currently available in some hotels, and many more are installing them to accommodate business travelers.