In China, from booking tickets to ordering food, digital convenience is the core of daily life. So the first thing you need to know before coming to China is how to connect to the internet.
China Network Connection Options
| Option | International APP | Chinese APP | Network Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Roaming | Yes | Partially | Unstable | Very Expensive |
| eSIM Card | Yes | Partially | Average | Expensive |
| Chinese SIM Card | (need VPN) | All | Fast | Cheap |
✨ International Roaming:
When traveling in China, choosing international roaming can keep your personal phone number. However, this convenience often comes with a high price. Before departure, be cautious about the roaming fees that may be incurred in China and inquire if there is a partnership with Chinese telecom networks, which may offer a more favorable price.
✨ eSIM:
eSIM is usually a more economical choice, with competitive prices for calls, SMS, and data, especially when compared to the usually high costs associated with international roaming. No physical SIM card is needed, no VPN is needed, which is very convenient for travelers, and can be activated even before arriving in China. The downside is that it has no phone number, cannot make calls or receive SMS, so it's not suitable for booking taxis, ordering food in China.
✨✨✨ China Travel SIM Card:
After arriving in China, you can buy a SIM card with a Chinese local number at the airport using your passport. This SIM card allows you to receive SMS and make calls directly! It greatly helps the convenience of foreign travelers in China, such as booking taxis, ordering food etc. But it needs a VPN to use International apps like Google, Instagram etc.
International Services
Which international services are not available in China?
Some international services are not available in China, you need to use a VPN to use them.
- Products from Google, including Google Search, Gmail, Youtube, etc.
- Products from Meta, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
- TikTok, because of Tiktok's policy, you need to remove your Chinese SIM card and use VPN to use it.
- Others, including Twitter/X, Reddit, Quora, etc.
Which international services are available in China?
Microsoft and Apple comply with China's laws, so services like Outlook and Apple Maps are accessible.
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Products from Microsoft, including Outlook, Office, etc.
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Products from Apple, including Apple Maps, iCloud, etc.
FAQ
VPN is a virtual private network, which allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. It can be used to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that is otherwise blocked or unavailable in your region.
For example, you can use a VPN to access international social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. that are blocked in China.
Don't worry, for international travelers, using a VPN is not illegal.
While using a VPN and accessing international internet services is not illegal, engaging in illegal activities through these services will result in legal consequences. It is recommended that travelers comply with local laws and regulations.