Internet

International Roaming

Using your existing carrier’s roaming services to access the internet and make calls in China.

• Pros:
  • No need to change SIM cards or reconfigure devices.
  • Retains your current phone number for calls and texts.
  • Some carriers offer unlimited international data plans.
• Cons:
  • Can incur high data and call costs without a special roaming plan.
  • May be subject to China’s internet restrictions (e.g., no access to Google, Facebook, etc., without a VPN).
  • Network speeds and coverage varies.
• Best For: Short trips or business travelers needing minimal data and keeping their number.

eSIM

A digital SIM allowing mobile plan activation without a physical card.

• Pros:
  • Easy to set up, purchase and activate online before traveling.
  • No physical SIM required, great for devices with no SIM slots.
  • Flexible data plans with competitive prices.
  • Allows dual-SIM functionality with eSIM and physical SIM.
• Cons:
  • Some old devices may not support eSIM.
  • Most eSIM providers may not include VPN services.
• Best For: Travelers with eSIM-enabled devices who want convenience.

Local SIM Card

Buying a prepaid SIM card from a Chinese carrier (e.g., China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom).

• Pros:
  • Large data packages at a low cost.
  • High-speed internet and good coverage.
  • Readily available at airports and carrier stores.
  • Local phone number can enable a lot of abilities like food delivery, online shopping, etc.
• Cons:
  • Requires passport registration.
  • May not work in all unlocked phones due to compatibility issues.
  • Need a VPN to access blocked services.
  • Potential language barrier at purchase.
• Best For: Long stays or heavy internet users looking for cost-effective data.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Renting a portable Wi-Fi device to provide internet for multiple devices.

• Pros:
  • Easy to set up.
  • Connect multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops).
  • Some vendors provide built-in VPNs.
• Cons:
  • Extra device to carry and charge.
  • Cost is higher for longer trips.
  • Deposit required.
  • Need to pick-up and return the device.
• Best For: Groups or families traveling together needing internet for multiple devices.

Comparison

Feature	International Roaming	eSIM	Local SIM Card	Pocket Wi-Fi
Cost	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate to High
Setup	Easy	Easy (online setup)	Moderate (passport needed)	Easy (pick-up/delivery)
VPN Needed?	Depends	Yes	Yes	Depends
Local Phone Number	No	No	Yes	No
Language Barrier	None	None	Possible	None
Best For	Short trips, minimal data	Short/moderate trips, convenience	Long stays, heavy data use	Groups or families

Notes:

• Famous eSIM providers: Airalo, Nomad, they both have various plans, check their Asia plan if you are trasiting Hong Kong/Macau.
• VPN is needed for most situations, some famous VPN providers are focusing on the privacy which is one of VPN’s benefit, like Nord VPN and Express VPN. They may not work in China for that’s not their main purpose. Recommended ones: LetsVPN, Astrill VPN, Mullvad VPN. Search for lastest information before purchasing.
• Locals mostly use V2ray and Shadowsocks, these technologies are mainly developed for situations like this(proxying network traffic), they are fast, lightweight, flexible and cheap. Choose this if you have the knowledges.