TL;DR
Staying connected in China requires some preparation. Google services, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked. You will need a local data plan or eSIM, plus a VPN for accessing blocked services.
Mobile Data Options
eSIM
Physical SIM
Setup
Scan QR code, instant activation
Setup
Visit store, ID required
Cost
$15-30 for 10-20GB
Cost
Β₯100-200 for 30GB+
Convenience
Buy before departure
Convenience
Buy after arrival
Phone number
Usually data-only
Phone number
Real Chinese number
Best for
Short trips (1-2 weeks)
Best for
Longer stays (3+ weeks)
Recommended eSIM Providers
| Provider | Price (10GB) | Duration | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo (Moshi) | ~$18 | 30 days | Prices vary β check provider website |
| Saily | ~$16 | 30 days | Prices vary β check provider website |
| Holafly | ~$25 | 30 days | Prices vary β check provider website |
| BNESIM | ~$20 | 30 days | Prices vary β check provider website |
Pro Tip
Buy your eSIM 1-2 days before departure. Activation requires internet β do it at the airport or hotel, not mid-flight.
Getting a Physical SIM in China
1
Bring Your Passport
A passport is legally required to buy any SIM card in China. No exceptions.
2
Go to a Carrier Store
China Mobile (δΈε½η§»ε¨), China Unicom (δΈε½θι), or China Telecom (δΈε½η΅δΏ‘) stores are in every city. Airports also have counters.
3
Choose a Tourist Plan
Ask for a short-term data plan (ηζζ΅ιε₯ι€). Β₯100-200 gets you 30GB+ for 30 days.
4
Install and Test
Staff will install the SIM and verify it works. Test data and calls before leaving the store.
VPN: What Works and What Doesn't
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many other services. A VPN is the only reliable way around it.
VPNs That Work in China
| VPN | Notes |
|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Contact provider to confirm current China availability |
| Astrill | Long-standing option among expats in China |
| NordVPN | Offers obfuscated servers; verify status with provider |
| Surfshark | Budget option with unlimited devices |
Critical VPN Tips
Download at least 2 VPN apps before leaving home. VPN websites are blocked in China. Contact each provider directly to confirm current service availability. What works in one city may not work in another.
Wi-Fi in China
- Hotels: Usually free and decent. May require phone number for verification.
- Cafes: Starbucks, Costa, and local chains offer free Wi-Fi.
- Airports: Free Wi-Fi available, often requires passport or phone verification.
- Public Wi-Fi: Available in many public spaces but speeds vary.
Important
Public Wi-Fi is generally safe for basic browsing but avoid accessing banking or sensitive accounts. Use your mobile data for sensitive transactions.
Roaming from Your Home Carrier
Most international carriers offer China roaming, but it is expensive and slow:
- Data roaming: $10-15/day for unlimited (e.g., Verizon Travel Pass, AT&T International Day Pass)
- Roaming data is often throttled to 3G speeds
- Calls and texts are extra
- Google services may still work on roaming (some carriers route through home networks)
Pro Tip
Roaming is convenient for short trips but costly for longer stays. For trips over 1 week, an eSIM or local SIM is significantly cheaper.
Quick Setup Checklist
1
Choose Data Plan
eSIM for short trips, physical SIM for longer stays. Order eSIM 1-2 days before departure.
2
Download VPN
Install at least 2 VPN apps and test them before leaving.
3
Download Offline Maps
Download offline maps for your destination cities in Google Maps or Maps.me.
4
Set Up Translation Offline
Download Chinese language packs in Google Translate or Microsoft Translator.
5
Screenshot Important Info
Hotel address, emergency contacts, and key phrases in Chinese characters.
What Works Without VPN
These services work in China without a VPN:
- WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Amap, Meituan
- Apple services (iCloud, App Store, Apple Maps)
- Microsoft services (Outlook, OneDrive, Bing)
- Airbnb, Booking.com (website, not app)
What Needs a VPN
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, YouTube)
- Meta services (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger)
- X/Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram
- Netflix, Spotify, Hulu
- Most Western news sites