The Chinese are big consumers of mobile phones, so phone booths are very rare. And then, it must be said, with all the advantages that our smartphones offer us today, it's hard to see yourself in a phone booth!
So here are some solutions to communicate freely in China:
Before leaving for China
You can pick up a prepaid SIM in China. They sell 'Smart Sims' for travellers going to China. From 54€ you get the SIM with mobile data, unlimited calls in China and abroad. Visit
www.simoptions.com for more. You receive a Chinese mobile number (for your contacts and reservations on the spot) and a French number for your French contacts. This allows you to remain reachable on your usual number. (By making a call forwarding - free service) Your mobile must be unlocked.
Finally, My Mobile in China gives you a VPN in order to access "unstable" sites and applications in China (such as Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp... ).
Their customer service is in French and it takes 2 to 3 days to receive your SIM card.
On the spot: in China!
Prepaid cards
They allow you to make calls from a landline and, for some, from a mobile phone. Available in kiosks or from telephone dealers.
Mobile phones in China
Use another SIM in China: With the international option (free option) you can use your own mobile phone, but be careful, it can be expensive. Ask your operator for more information.
Buy a SIM card on the spot
All you have to do is buy a local prepaid SIM card from one of the many operators when you arrive. (China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom.) You will then be given a local mobile phone number and call credit.
Be careful, you will no longer be reachable on your usual number but only on this new number. Your mobile must be unblocked by any operator. You will also be asked for a copy of your passport. For international calls, remember to ask for the rate, which depends on the country of destination of the call.
Have a nice trip!