There are six domestic telecom operators in China, providing domestic and international call services. International calls can be made most cheaply by using an IP (Internet phone) card, or an IDD card.

There are mobile telephone networks in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and many other areas of east and southeast China. Networks are operated by China Mobile and China Unicom

Various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate in different regions, and there are internet facilities in hotels and at internet cafes in main towns. Connections tend to be a little slow by international standards. Most new residential compounds in the main cities have ADSL or Broadband already installed, for which users pay a monthly charge of around RMB130. Typical hourly charges for internet use are RMB 4 per hour spent on line, with off-peak discounts. Regulations have recently come into force requiring internet users to register with Chinese public security authorities. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Post offices can be found on every few blocks in the main cities, and are also widely available in rural areas. They are easily identified by a red and white star on a green sign. As well as offering the usual postal services, larger post offices provide facilities for paying bills, making telegraphic money transfers and making telephone calls.