Internet & SIM Cards

The one fact most guides get wrong

• If you roam (international roaming) or use an overseas eSIM, your phone keeps direct access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and your usual apps inside China. No VPN or extra app is needed.
• App restrictions only apply when your phone uses a Chinese local SIM or Chinese Wi-Fi as its connection.
• So the easiest connectivity plan: activate your home carrier's Asia/China roaming pack, or buy an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, etc.) before departure.

If you choose a local Chinese SIM

• Buy at an airport carrier counter (China Mobile / Unicom / Telecom) with your passport — real-name registration is mandatory.
• Local data is cheap and fast; domestic apps (Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Amap) work perfectly.
• Overseas apps will not work directly on local data. If you need them, keep a second eSIM/Roaming line — do not install unofficial circumvention tools; using them is a legal gray area enforced with real penalties.

Digital arrival card

• Since 20 Nov 2025, China uses a digital arrival card filled online (free) — complete it before landing to save queue time.

Practical notes

• Hotel and café Wi-Fi are Chinese networks: domestic apps fine, overseas services often unreachable.
• 12306 (trains), Alipay and maps need a Chinese phone number for registration — that is the strongest reason to get a local SIM or use your roaming number cleverly; Alipay/WeChat can register with overseas numbers too.
• Download offline maps of your cities before departure as backup.