Staying Connected in China: eSIM, VPN, local SIM Guide, 5G Coverage Internet Access, Wi-Fi Coverage and SIM cards

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Staying connected while traveling in China is easier than ever, but it requires some preparation. China has excellent 5G coverage in cities, yet many popular Western apps are blocked. Here's everything you need to know to stay online smoothly.

Mobile Coverage & 5G in China

China has one of the best mobile networks in the world.

5G coverage is excellent in all major cities and most tourist areas.
4G/5G works very well even in smaller cities and popular destinations like Guilin, Zhangjiajie, and Chengdu.
Coverage is generally reliable on high-speed trains and in rural tourist spots.

Bottom line: You will have strong signal almost everywhere you're likely to visit as a tourist.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and airports.
Hotel WiFi is usually decent, but can be slow during peak hours.
Many public WiFi networks require a Chinese phone number to log in.

Tip: Don't rely only on public WiFi - always have a mobile data backup.

Blocked Apps & Services (The Great Firewall)

Many popular Western apps and services are blocked or heavily restricted in mainland China:

Commonly Blocked:

Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Drive)
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
Zoom (limited functionality)
Some news websites and VPN websites

What Usually Works:

Apple (Maps, Messages, Mail) except the Apple Compass app does not work
WeChat (essential)
Booking.com, Trip.com, Didi, Alipay/WeChat Pay
Most Chinese apps

Do You Need a VPN?

A good VPN is highly recommended for:

Accessing Google services, unrestricted browsing
Using WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram, etc.
General privacy and security (Protects your data on public WiFi networks)

Best VPNs for China:

This info changes constantly. We normally browse China FB Groups for what people are using at the moment. You can check these out:

Astrill VPN (very reliable in China)
ExpressVPN
LetsVPN
Surfshark
NordVPN

Important: Install and test your VPN before arriving in China. Many VPN websites are blocked once you're inside the country.

eSIM Options – A Popular Choice

Staying Connected in China esim upon arrival

eSIMs have become one of the easiest and cheapest ways for foreigners to get data in China. Most eSim providers route your connection through servers in Singapore, Hong Kong or Japan. This often means you don't need a VPN for basic browsing, Google services, and many apps, as you are not using a mainland China IP address.

These eSIMS are DATA ONLY.

Your phone must be e-SIM compatible and unlocked (most newer models are eSIM compatible, i.e. Apple iPhones starting from iPhone 8 and later)
No need to buy a physical SIM
You download and activate a China eSIM directly to your phone before you leave home
Buy a data plan that meets your needs, for example
- Trip.com - 5 GB - 15 days - US$3.25
- Trip.com - Daily 1 GB for 7 days - US$3.60
- Airalo - Unlimited data for 3 days - US$11.50
You can do this ahead of time, the data plan will not activate until you land in China

Popular eSIM Providers:

China Unicom / China Mobile eSIM (via Trip.com)
Airalo
Nomad
Holafly

What we use:

We have been using Airalo for years for all our trips, not only China. Interface and top ups are easy.
On our latest trips, we used eSims from Trip.com. The plans are much cheaper. The only disadvantage is that if you run out of data, you can not top up the eSim, you have to buy and install another one.

Limitation: Most eSIMs do not give you a Chinese phone number, so you may still need a local SIM if using local Apps and for full functionality of WeChat and AliPay.

Getting a Chinese SIM Card as a Foreigner

When you should get one:

Need a local phone number for registrations
Want full WeChat Pay / Alipay functionality

How to Get a China SIM Card with a +86 phone number:

Go to a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom store (usually available at airports and staff usually speak basic English).
Bring your passport (required for registration).
Choose a prepaid tourist package (data-heavy plans are best).
Staff will help activate it.

Note: Registration can take 15–20 minutes. Physical SIM cards are currently the main reliable way for foreigners to get a real Chinese phone number. Chinese carrier eSIMs with phone numbers are still difficult for foreigners to obtain.

Data Usage Tips

China offers excellent 5G coverage, but data can add up quickly with navigation, translation apps, WeChat, and photo/video sharing.

Typical Data Usage (per person, 14-day trip):

Light user (mostly WiFi + maps): 2–4 GB
Moderate user (daily navigation, WeChat, photos): 6–10 GB
Heavy user (streaming, video calls, lots of photos): 12–20+ GB

Ways to Save Data:

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival.
Turn off auto-play videos and background data refresh.
Use hotel WiFi for large uploads/downloads i.e. photos to icloud.
Enable "Data Saver" mode on your phone.

Security & Privacy Tips

Risks of Public WiFi:

Many public networks (airports, trains, malls) are unsecured.
Potential for data interception or fake login pages.
Some networks require a Chinese phone number, increasing tracking.

Why a Good VPN Matters:

Protects your data on public WiFi.
Bypasses the Great Firewall to access Google, WhatsApp, etc.
Hides your real location and browsing activity.

Safe Practices:

Always use a reputable VPN when on public WiFi.
Avoid logging into banking apps or sensitive accounts on public networks.
Use WeChat Pay / Alipay instead of entering credit card details repeatedly.
Keep your phone updated and enable biometric lock.
Be cautious of public USB charging stations (use your own charger + power bank).

Staying connected in China is very doable with the right preparation. Once you have mobile data and WeChat and AliPay working, you'll find daily life surprisingly convenient.

Charging your Devices in China

Electricity in China is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. This is twice the standard voltage than in North America and some Latin American countries which run on 110V 60Hz.

The standard wall plug in most households in China has a grounding pin and two power conducing pins in a V-shape.

Find out what you will need to charge all of your devices in China including phones, tablets, laptops, etc.