Roaming & VPN

Last update: 2025-06-11

📱 SIM Cards

Our top recommendation for staying connected in China is: Local SIM + VPN, with a 1GB eSIM as a backup.

We’ve compared the main options below to help you choose what works best for your trip.

✅ Local SIM – Your Best Bet

The most reliable and cost-effective choice is getting a short-term local SIM card at the airport, and all you need is your passport. You’ll find booths from the three major telecom providers: 1) China Unicom, 2) China Mobile, and 3) China Telecom.

Staff at airport counters usually speak some English and can help you get set up. You can choose from 7, 10, 15, or 30-day plans, and prices are straightforward. The SIM will automatically deactivate after it expires, so no cancellation needed.

Plan	Data + Call Time	Price
7 days	30GB + 100 mins	¥100 (~$13)
10 days	35GB + 150 mins	¥120 (~$17)
15 days	50GB + 200 mins	¥150 (~$21)
30 days	80GB + 300 mins	¥250 (~$35)

👍 Pros:

• Full call/SMS functionality (great for receiving verification codes)

• Fast 5G coverage, even in smaller cities

• Works seamlessly with Chinese apps and booking systems

• Affordable and easy to buy after landing

👎 Cons:

• You can only purchase them in person (airport or local store)

• You’ll still need a VPN to access services like Google, Instagram, or WhatsApp

📲 eSIM – Decent Backup, Not a Primary Option

There are several eSIM providers that work in China, such as Holafly, Nomad, and even Revolut. While convenient, they don’t work for everything, and we don’t recommend them as your main option. Still, they can serve as a handy backup, especially since some of them come with built-in VPN support.

👍 Pros:

• Easy to set up, and no Chinese language skills needed

• Usually cheaper than international roaming

👎 Cons:

• Often can’t receive SMS verification codes

• Claims of 5G may fall short, expect slower, unstable 4G

• No calling function and no usable Chinese number

• May not work with local Wi-Fi login systems

🌏 International Roaming – Not Worth It

To be honest, we don’t recommend international roaming unless absolutely necessary. Most modern phones support dual SIM, so you can keep your home number and use a local SIM at the same time.

👍 Pros:

• Keep your original number active

• No setup hassle

• Access most global apps without a VPN

👎 Cons:

• Very expensive (e.g. AT&T charges $10/day)

• May not connect to local 5G networks properly

---

🔐 VPN in China

Many popular apps and websites, such as Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, ChatGPT, and Google Maps, are inaccessible in mainland China. Apps from Microsoft or Apple work fine, but anything from Meta or Google won’t.

That’s why a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a must if you want to stay in touch or access your usual apps.

🧠 Tips Before You Land:

• Download and install your VPN before arrival, as VPN websites are often blocked once you’re there.

• Make sure your VPN supports your devices (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux).

🔍 Top VPNs for China

VPN	Success Rate	Speed	Monthly Price	Notes
ExpressVPN	90%	Fast	$12.95	One of the most reliable, strong encryption and privacy
NordVPN	90%	Fast	$12.99	Great value, works across all platforms
LetsVPN	90%	Moderate	$5.99	Good option for casual use, free trial included
Surfshark	90%	Moderate	$15.45	Unlimited devices, strong privacy features
IvacyVPN	95%	Moderate	$12.95	High connection success in China, very stable

---

📬 Got Questions?

If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, just drop us a message. We’re happy to help!

📧 chinatrip.info.contact@gmail.com

☕ Buy Us a Coffee

If you enjoy our work, feel free to scan the QR code below and buy us a coffee. Your support keeps this project going and helps us reach more travellers like you!