6.1 What are my options for internet access in China?

In China, staying connected is not just convenient – it's the foundation of a smooth trip. From payments and navigation to translation, almost everything relies on your smartphone. This guide provides a complete solution for getting online and installing essential apps in China.

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Core alert: The Great Firewall (GFW)

Before choosing a connectivity option, it's essential to understand China's internet environment. Many international websites and services (such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, Netflix, etc.) cannot be directly accessed in mainland China. You need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass these restrictions.

Golden rule: You must download, install and subscribe to a reliable VPN service on your phone and all electronic devices before departure. Once you arrive in China, you will be unable to download most VPN apps from app stores.

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Three internet access options compared

Option 1: International roaming with your home SIM card

How it works: Use your existing phone plan directly. After arriving in China, your phone will automatically connect to a local partner carrier's network.

Pros:

• Extremely convenient: No setup required, just turn on your phone after landing
• No VPN needed: When roaming, your data is routed back to your home country's servers before accessing the internet, so you can directly access Google, WhatsApp and other international services without turning on a VPN

Cons:

• Very expensive: Data roaming fees are usually high, making this the least economical option – suitable for short business trips or emergency use
• Speed may be slower: Data needs to "detour" back home, which may result in higher latency

Best for: Short-term business travelers, those who prioritize convenience

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Option 2: Buy a local Chinese SIM card

How it works: Purchase a prepaid SIM card in China to get a local phone number and data plan.

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Data plans are relatively cheap, with fast and stable speeds (China has world-class 4G/5G networks)
• Local number: Convenient for registering local services or receiving verification codes

Cons:

• VPN required: Using the local network, you must turn on a VPN to access blocked international services
• Passport registration required: You must bring your passport when purchasing

How to get one: You can get a SIM card at carrier counters (such as China Mobile, China Unicom) at the airport upon arrival, or at service centers in the city.

Best for: Long-term travelers, backpackers

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Option 3: Use eSIM or portable Wi-Fi

How it works: This is a convenient choice for modern travelers, with no need to swap physical SIM cards.

eSIM (virtual SIM card)

Pros: Extremely convenient – you can purchase and install it before departure through international eSIM providers like Airalo or Holafly. Activate it after landing to get online, and some eSIM plans also include built-in VPN functionality.

Cons: Your phone must support eSIM (newer iPhones and flagship Android models support it).

Portable Wi-Fi device

Pros: Can provide internet connection for multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet) simultaneously, ideal for families or group travel.

Cons: You need to carry an extra device and charge it.

Best for: Tech enthusiasts with eSIM-compatible phones, families, group travelers

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Summary comparison

Option	Convenience	Cost	Speed	VPN needed?	Best for
International roaming	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐☆☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	No	Short-term business travelers, convenience seekers
Local SIM card	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Yes	Long-term travelers, backpackers
eSIM	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Sometimes no	Tech enthusiasts with eSIM-compatible phones
Portable Wi-Fi	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Yes	Families, group travelers

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Best recommendation for first-time visitors to China

If your phone supports it, eSIM is the best choice for balancing convenience, cost and functionality. If not, getting a local SIM card at the airport is also a very reliable and economical option.