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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

OptionInternational APPChinese APPNetwork SpeedCost
Global RoamingYesPartiallyUnstableVery Expensive
eSIM CardYesPartiallyAverageExpensive
Chinese SIM Card(need VPN)AllFastCheap

✨ 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.