im

QQ, for those that don't know, is China's most popular IM software. Usage is so widespread that among the younger generation you're near as likely to get someone's QQ # as you are their mobile number.

For expats in China and wishing to make friends with local Chinese, having a QQ account is a must. Though Western-based IMs are also popular, with Windows Live Messenger quickly grabbing ground from Tencents QQ, using the Chinese-made product will win you lots of points with your new found friends.