Internet Plans: How to Choose Between eSIM, Local SIM, and Roaming

Comparison of Three Options eSIM (China/Asia data package purchased abroad): Ready to use upon arrival, no need to change SIM card, can keep the original number to receive verification codes. The downside is higher cost (10–30 RMB per day) and it does not support Chinese phone numbers (inconvenient when you need a number for ride-hailing or food delivery). Local SIM card: Cheapest option (monthly rent 30–100 RMB, sufficient data), and has a Chinese phone number. The downside is that real-name registration is required (original ID and on-site photo needed), and you need to change the SIM card. Roaming with original number: Easiest, no action required. The downside is high cost (30–80 RMB per day), and network quality may be limited in certain areas. Recommended Combinations For most travelers: Dual SIM is the best solution — keep the original number in the secondary slot (to receive verification codes and important calls), and use a China SIM card or eSIM for data. If the phone does not support dual SIM (such as single SIM iPhone), use eSIM for data. Keeping the original number is the most stable. Real-name registration for local SIM cards All Chinese phone cards require real-name registration. Foreign travelers can apply, with the following process: Go to a direct-operating store (China Mobile/China Unicom/China Telecom), not an agent. There are stores at airports and city centers. Bring the original passport or Taiwan Travel Permit. On-site photo and agreement signing. Choose a plan: Short-term travelers can choose “daily rental card” or “low-tier monthly plan.” Monthly plans of 30–59 RMB usually include 20–60GB of data. Activated on-site in about 20–30 minutes. Some agent points near scenic areas and small towns are unwilling to process foreign documents, insist on going to a direct store. Coverage and Speed Cities and high-speed rail lines: 4G/5G coverage is excellent, speeds often reach 50–200 Mbps. Plateaus and mountainous areas: Some sections in western Sichuan, Qinghai-Tibet, and northern Xinjiang only have 4G or even 2G. Remote scenic areas (such as Daocheng Yading, deep Kanas) may have no signal at all. Offline maps must be downloaded in advance. Basements and tunnels: Most subway tunnels have signal, but basements of old buildings do not.

Practical Tips

• Download offline maps before departure: Both Amap and Baidu Maps support offline packages, downloadable by province.
• Prepare offline information: ID photos, hotel addresses (in Chinese), itinerary, and emergency contacts should be saved locally on your phone.
• Available WiFi: Hotels, cafes, and shopping malls generally have WiFi, but most require verification via a Chinese mobile number SMS.
• Accessing foreign websites: Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube cannot be accessed directly within China. Important contacts should be switched to accessible channels in advance (such as Email, WeChat, SMS).
• Hotspot sharing: There are no restrictions on Chinese phones creating hotspots, so internet on one device can be shared with travelers.