best phone plan for travel to china

best phone plan for travel to china

Traveling to China is an exciting adventure for business, vacation, or cultural exploration.

One essential part of your travel planning should be ensuring you have reliable mobile service. With China’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, staying connected is easier than ever.

However, choosing the right phone plan can be confusing if you’re a foreign traveler.

This blog will walk you through the best phone plans for travel to China, covering international roaming,

local SIM cards, eSIM options, and other considerations that will help you stay connected without breaking the bank.

 

### 1. **Understanding China’s Mobile Network**

 

Before diving into specific phone plans, it’s helpful to understand a bit about China’s mobile network.

China has three leading telecom operators: **China Mobile**, **China Unicom**, and **China Telecom**. These

companies provide nationwide coverage,

including 4G and 5G networks in urban areas. While rural areas may have less coverage, you should still be able to

stay connected in most parts of the country.

China has stringent internet regulations, often called the “Great Firewall,” which blocks access to many Western websites and apps,

including Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Therefore, if you plan to access these sites, you might want to consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). However,

choosing a reliable one is essential, as not all VPNs work effectively in China.

Now, let’s explore some of the best phone plan options for traveling to China.

 

### 2. **Using Your Home Carrier’s International Roaming Plan**

 

The simplest option for staying connected while traveling to China is to use your existing mobile carrier’s international roaming services.

Most major mobile carriers offer roaming packages, allowing you to use your home number and data plan abroad.

 

#### a. **Pros**

– **Convenience**: You can keep your existing number, avoiding the hassle of getting a new SIM card or eSIM.

– **Familiarity**: No need to navigate unfamiliar systems. You’ll continue using your home carrier’s network partners.

– **Prearranged costs**: Many carriers offer international day passes, where you pay a daily flat fee for a certain amount of data, texts, and minutes.

best phone plan for travel to china

#### b. **Cons**

– **Cost**: International roaming can be expensive, especially for extended stays. Depending on your home country,

you could pay $10 to $25 daily for data access, which adds up quickly.

– **Limited data**: Some plans may cap the amount of high-speed data you can use, throttling your speed after a specific limit.

 

c. **Best Carriers for International Roaming in China**

best phone plan for travel to china

**T-Mobile (USA)**:

The company offers free 2G data and texting in China with its Magenta plan, but 2G speeds can

be painfully slow for modern apps.

Verizon (USA) offers a $10/day TravelPass for unlimited calls, texts, and data.

– **Vodafone (UK)**:

Offers a Global Roaming plan with a daily fee that allows you to use your UK plan in China.

 

International roaming is a good option for short trips or business travelers who need to stay connected without the hassle of local arrangements.

 

### 3. **Getting a Local SIM Card**

 

For travelers staying in China for a more extended period or requiring extensive data use,

purchasing a local SIM card is often the most cost-effective and reliable option.

 

#### a. **Where to Get a SIM Card**

– **Airport kiosks**: SIM card vendors are available at most major Chinese airports.

– **Telecom stores**: Visit a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom store in major cities.

Be sure to bring your passport, as it’s required for registration.

 

#### b. **Types of SIM Cards**

China offers prepaid SIM cards with varying amounts of data, calls, and texts. Here are some sample plans:

– **China Unicom 4G SIM**: Offers 3 GB of data and 100 minutes of local calls for around ¥100 (~$15).

– **China Mobile Prepaid SIM**: Provides 5 GB of data and 50 local minutes for approximately ¥150 (~$20).

 

#### c. **Pros**

– **Cheaper than roaming**: Local SIM cards offer a far more cost-effective way to use data in China.

– **High-speed data**: Access to China’s fast 4G and 5G networks.

 

#### d. **Cons**

– **New number**: You will be assigned a Chinese phone number, which could be inconvenient for those who need

to stay in touch with contacts using their original number.

– **Language barrier**: Although many major cities have English-speaking staff, you may still encounter communication challenges.

best phone plan for travel to china

– **Limited apps**: You’ll need a VPN to access blocked apps and websites.

 

### 4. **eSIM Options for China**

 

If you have an **eSIM-compatible phone**, such as an iPhone or Google Pixel, an eSIM is an excellent alternative to traditional SIM cards.

An eSIM allows you to download a virtual SIM card and start using data without physically switching SIM cards.

 

#### a. **Best eSIM Providers for China**

– **Airalo**: One of the most popular eSIM providers for international travelers, Airalo offers competitive pricing for China.

Their “Nihao” eSIM provides 1 GB of data for seven days at $9.

**GigSky**: This company offers a China-specific eSIM with 5 GB of data for 30 days for $25.

 

#### b. **Pros**

– **Instant activation**: You can activate the eSIM before you leave your home country.

– **No need for a physical SIM card**: Ideal for phones without dual-SIM slots.

 

#### c. **Cons**

– **Data-only plans**: Most eSIM plans offer data only, so you won’t have a local number for calls or texts unless you use a VoIP service.

Limited coverage in rural areas: While eSIMs are great for city travelers, coverage can be patchy in rural China.

 

### 5. **Renting a Pocket WiFi Device**

 

Another option for staying connected in China is renting a Pocket WiFi device.

These portable devices create a personal WiFi hotspot that you can use with multiple devices, making them ideal for

group travelers or those with several devices.

 

#### a. **Best Pocket WiFi Providers**

– **Skyroam**: Offers unlimited data in China starting at $9 per day.

– **MyWebspot**: Provides unlimited 4G WiFi for around $8 daily.

 

#### b. **Pros**

– **Unlimited data**: Many Pocket WiFi devices offer unlimited data, making them perfect for heavy data users.

– **Shareable**: You can connect multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops) to one Pocket WiFi device.

– **VPN support**: Many Pocket WiFi providers include VPN functionality, allowing you to bypass the Great Firewall.

 

#### c. **Cons**

– **Device rental fees**: You’ll need to rent the device and may have to pay for shipping or a deposit.

– **Battery life**: Most devices last around 8-12 hours on a single charge, so frequent charging is required.

best phone plan for travel to china

### 6. **Which Option Is Best for You?**

 

– **Short-term travelers** (less than a week): International roaming or an eSIM is likely the most accessible and convenient option.

– **Long-term travelers** (more than a week): A local SIM card or Pocket WiFi device will save you the most money in the long run.

– **Heavy data users**: Renting a Pocket WiFi device or getting an unlimited data eSIM plan ensures you won’t run out of data.

 

### 7. **Other Tips for Staying Connected in China**

 

– **VPN is essential**: If you want access to Google services, Facebook, or WhatsApp, download a reliable VPN before arriving in China.

– **Dual SIM phones**: If your phone supports dual SIM cards, you can use a local SIM for data while keeping your home SIM active for calls and texts.

– **Offline maps and apps**: Download essential apps like offline maps, translation tools, and messaging apps before your trip to avoid connectivity hiccups.

best phone plan for travel to china

### Conclusion

 

Choosing the right phone plan for travel to China depends on the length of your stay, your budget,

and how much data you need. Whether with international roaming, a local SIM card, or a pocket WiFi device, staying connected in China is easier than ever.

Just remember to prepare for the unique challenges of internet use in China by having a reliable VPN. Happy travels!