What phone and what download for translation

[2hip]

Guys, leave monday next week for beijing.  My girl doesn't speak very much english.  I have been on here several months.  I read an article not too long ago about using an Android phone with some sort of translation program. 

So, should I upgrade my phone to iPhone or Android?  What is the download called for translation programs?  Is it "retranslate".  Could you share your opinions about what you like or don't like with your setup?

Also, will my droid or iPhone work in China with their phone networks?  Can I pick up an electrical converter here at Radio Shack that will keep me juiced up in China?  I imagine we will be using the translator program alot...thanks for your efforts to get me up to speed...sincerely

[Willy The Londoner]

When I came here with my UK Phone I just used a local sim card and that served me well. But just make sure you have an electronic translator. We found that a God send for plain short messages face to face.

Willy

[RobertBfrom aust]

Zhip , I on your other post also noted about an electronic translator , as soon as you meet go buy one if you have not already and make sure it has a stylus pen for Chinese writing Besta is the best brand and they are readily available Just make sure that it has a rechargable battery and you can just plug it into an electrical socket of a night , so much better than keepng a heap of batteries spare .
 Again your lady will sort you out with a prepaid Chinese sim card , don't but anything unless it is a must at the airports as you will be ripped off , regards Sujuan and Robert .

[lfputman3]

the phone question is more about your network, b/c of course if you have an iPhone, you need global roaming b/c there is no swapping out the sim card.

Good luck and have fun, make sure you have warm clothes   

[Willy The Londoner]

I had global roaming when I went to Nigeria for several months in 2004. It was costing a bomb. I had bills in between 1500 and 2500 US dollars every month.

I recommend getting a local sim card. 

Willy

[john1964]

 you need global roaming b/c there is no swapping out the sim card. ?, i brought my wife  an I phone 4 from Australia, she uses her sim from China??? am In missing the boat ??
She has no problem using her phone

[lfputman3]

So what I didn't know when I posted the roaming comment. The iPhone sold in North America (4,4S and the 5 will be the same) do not have SIM cards persay, you cannot access the card that is built into them, without damaging the phone. So you're good and I'm chewing out my provider, b/c Yuan's phone still doesn't work and I'm paying $180 a month for her to have service...   

Big surprise, my provider is blaming the Chinese companies...

Lloyd

[RobertBfrom aust]

I phones sold here in Aussie land have a removable sim , so go tell your provider to jam it in a nether region , and if he likes you can take it to consumer affairs if they do not advertise that it is locked to their network , regards Robert .