Cell phone rental for China and Korea trip
 

Can anyone recommend the best cell phone option for a 3 week trip to China and Korea? I would like the phones to have reasonable rates for calls within and between the two countries as well as for calls to/from the U.S. Thanks!

China

Take an unlocked tri- or quad-band phone and buy a local SIM card for it. Use an IP prefix when dialling overseas.

Korea

Others will be better informed than I am, but unless Korea has installed a conventional 3G network now (as Japan has) doesn't the country use technology compatible with no others except Japans?

Peter N-H

Thanks Peter for answeing yet another one of my questions. I did see various posts about what you have just suggested but I was told that my U.S. provider (Verizon) will not unlock my phone so I was prepared to rent one in China or from the US. From what I have seen with my very un-tech background, it looks like Korea cell phone service (like Japan) is indeed on a different system than China so a phone for China apparently won't work in Korea. I am trying to see if there is some phone model and service somewhere that will allow me to just rent one phone that will work in both countries. Anyone else out there that can help?

Hi, just wanted to let you know that a good option is just buying a phone on eBay. Thats what we did for my wife's last trip to Hong Kong and China. You can buy a used, or even new GSM phone for dirt cheap. We bought a Motorola V180 (you can get a used one on eBay right now for $15.00) a very basic flip phone, and then got SIM cards in Hong Kong and China

Good idea, rent a cell phone in China and Korea can save money.
In China, the fee about international calls from only $0.59/min (40% cheaper than regular rate).
Maybe this website can help you: http://www.chinacellphonerental.com

In the age of 2G, Korean network is not compatible with China's. Not sure about 3G. Chances are pretty slim. But cell phone rental services are available in both countries and are very convenient. Here I recommend another cell phone rental in China: http://www.ezphonerental.com.

Be very careful buying a cellphone (mobile phone) for use in China and Korea. Only 3G phone on WCDMA (also called UTMS) on 2100MHz can be used in both countries, and it must be unlocked. Then you can buy a pay-as-you-go SIM in each country. GSM-only phone on 900/1800MHz can only be used in China. You can also get a global or international SIM. Options are detailed on http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/international.html
If your stay in China and Korea is limited, and you don't plan on travelling internationally again soon, renting may be a better option.

Thanks all. I must admit that I lack the tech knowledge to understand everything so will likely use one of the reantal services even if it's a bit more ecpensive than buying a used one and getting a used one. Sounds like I will have to rent phones separately for China and Korea. Is there anyone out there that can recommend reliable and affordable rental options for each country based on their actual experiences? In China, I need a phone that can be delivered to my hotel in Beijing and returned in Shanghai. In Japan, I was able to rent from a company that allowed me mail the phone back in a prepaid stamped envelope from the airport mail box. Does China/Korea have something like that?

I too will be renting a cell phone while in Korea this summer. I have done a bit of research and renting at the airport seems to be the best option. You make a reservation in advance and then pick up the phone when you arrive. Drop it off at the same location when departing. They are opened 24/7. Link is below. I will be there for 30 days...and will be flying a Korean airline--thus with their "special rate" it seems pretty reasonable. This type of service has been recommended by the university where I will be teaching.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...EN_1_2_4_1.jsp

Gailmo, thanks for the link. In your research, have you found a service that will mail the phone to your hotel or office in Seoul and allow you to mail it back on departure? I would prefer this method instead of the hassle of looking for the kiosk at the airport when I am arriving late at night.

I did not look for a service of this type because I will be staying far south in Gwangju. Airport seemed the easiest. I do know you can go to local phone shops in Seoul and pick up a phone there. But looking online and reading some of the reviews made me think that using the airport location would be best.