I would guess that'd simply depend upon whether there's internet service where you want to go. (Most likely, there is.) My wife is in the Huadu District of Guangzhou, and we Skype every day for a couple of hours. (I'm in Portland, Oregon USA.) Her sister and brother-in-law are in Changsha, and I Skype with them also, as well as with her younger brother who is in a very remote and tiny little mining town in the middle of the Hunan Province. In fact - when I last visited there, his internet connection was better than mine!

I've heard nothing about Skype being unavailable. I'd be REALLY upset! It's the only way that my wife and I stay in touch every day! (as of today - Sat., Mar 5, 2011)

-- Steve

Steve's right - generally there are no problems here with Skype for computer-to-computer calls or computer-international landlines. There were some issues at the end of 2010 and restrictions were placed on use of Skype for mobile-to-mobile calls within China as it was felt this was taking away revenue from the the government's mobile phone monopoly. As long as you've got a good internet connection you should be OK and as Steve says, sometimes that's actually better outside of the big cities. Shanghai was just announced as having the slowest internet in China! The video calls do sometimes cut out but I've never had a problem with voice calls from Shanghai to France/UK/US.

It's also a good idea to check out the different payment plans they offer such as the unlimited world plan for great deals on international calls, forwarding calls to your China number etc.

Skype is working just fine and I don't think there will be any problems soon. Skype officially allowed Tom.com to make "Chinese" version of the original software and I know that there soon will be re-charge cards in any post office labeled "Skype", so I guess it all goes well because I'd hate if skype was blocked :(

test

Skype and many other services are available in China. Come for a visit. Show respect to others and their culutre and tradition, and you will receive back many fold. I have been living and working here for 3 years. I have unbelievable stories to share. Its all within our perspective. Happy and Safe Journey!