How to get internet in China and which SIM and eSIM cards to buy

Are you planning to travel to China soon and worried about not being able to stay connected to the internet at all times? In this article, we'll tell you how to get internet in China, show you how to circumvent government censorship that restricts access to certain websites and apps, and compare all available options to help you choose the best SIM or eSIM card for your trip to China.Internet in China and its "Great Firewall"

It's no secret that China is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, so it's easy to assume that it has a fast, fluid connection that reaches virtually every corner of the country. The Chinese government's commitment is clear: the country's development hinges on universal internet access, which helps narrow the gap between the most advanced regions and rural areas.

However, it also facilitates massive control and surveillance over the population, with the goal of maintaining social stability and exercising a degree of political manipulation. To this end, the Chinese government has implemented the so-called " Great Firewall, " which is nothing more than a censorship policy that blocks numerous Western websites and applications, in order to exercise total control and prevent contamination from the rest of the world.

This is the case with Google (Gmail), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, which you shouldn't use during your trip to China. Instead, Chinese people use local alternatives like Baidu, WeChat, and Weibo, although you probably wouldn't be interested in them.

So, you have no choice but to do a digital detox? The truth is, it's a great opportunity to spend a few days or weeks disconnected from the world and discover that, indeed, nothing is happening to you. But you can also circumvent this censorship and use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which will allow you to access restricted sites. Be careful, though, as the Chinese government knows this trick and is actively working to detect and block these systems. Therefore, not all VPN apps are suitable for use in China and are not 100% reliable.

How does a VPN work? They're basically apps that encrypt your internet connection (hiding your IP address) to create a more secure connection and also allow you to access restricted content. But keep in mind that while there are some free ones (which we don't recommend), the most reliable ones require a fee. These include Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN, which should work in China without any issues, but we recommend checking beforehand.

How to get internet in China

There are several ways to connect to the internet in China. The first is through free Wi-Fi networks in public places or at the hotels where you're staying. Although they're free to use, they may require registration (sometimes restricted to Chinese citizens only), and once connected, you'll be subject to government censorship and control. Nothing will happen (unless you don't do some weird searches), but you already know that you won't be able to access many Western websites and services, such as Google, etc.

The second option, and the one we highly recommend, is having internet access on your phone at all times while traveling in China. It's always helpful, but even more so for this destination. Using a translator to buy a train ticket at a station, reading a menu at a restaurant, ordering a taxi with DiDi, knowing which bus or subway to take to get to your hotel... the options are endless, and having internet access on your phone will make your daily life much easier.

Okay, but how can I get mobile internet in China? There are two options: buy a prepaid SIM card once you arrive in China, or get an eSIM before your trip. In this article, we compare these two options, along with their pros and cons. We'll tell you which are the main phone companies in the country, where to buy a local SIM card, how much it costs, and we'll analyze the alternative of getting an eSIM for China.

1. Buy a prepaid SIM card in China

It's the option many travelers choose every time they visit a new destination, or at least the "traditional way," or the way it was done until the emergence of eSIM cards. Basically, it involves researching the major local telecommunications companies in advance, comparing them, choosing the best option, finding a point of sale (which in many cases is the arrival airport itself), and purchasing it.

Although the process seems relatively simple, it can be a bit complicated in China due to the language barrier. While some stores should have English-speaking staff, in others you may end up paying double for something you're not interested in or not buying anything at all, leaving you with a good dose of frustration.

• Which phone company is best in China?

In China, the main telecommunications operators are China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. These providers offer a wide range of products, including prepaid SIM cards that foreign tourists can purchase.

Of the three, China Mobile is the largest telecommunications operator in terms of customer base, not only in China (approaching 1 billion users) but worldwide. China Telecom and China Unicom are a considerable distance behind, with roughly the same number of subscribers.

They all played a key role in the country's internet expansion program, so their coverage is extensive. In the case of China Mobile, for example, it reaches almost 97% of the country, offering the best coverage, but its rates tend to be higher. For a trip to China with a typical tourist route, any of them will work.

All three are state-owned companies under the auspices of the Chinese government and play a key role in the country's technological development. They are also involved in the geopolitical landscape in various episodes, such as the sanctions imposed by the United States for national security reasons due to the three companies' alleged connections to the People's Liberation Army.

• Where and how to buy a SIM card in China?

The first opportunity will be the international airport where you land. In the arrivals halls of major airports in China, there are shops or kiosks where you can get a prepaid SIM card. The staff should be trained to serve tourists, so there won't be any communication problems. However, the plans offered will be specifically for travelers and more expensive than those you can get at official stores.

This will be the second option for buying a SIM card in China. Official stores for all three carriers are scattered throughout the streets and shopping malls throughout China, and it won't be difficult to find one close to your hotel. However, in this case, you'll have to spend the first few hours of your trip offline, go to the trouble of searching for the store* (using map apps like Baidu Map) and "fighting" with the clerks to finally get your way. The biggest advantage is that you'll have access to deals, better prices, and more plans.

• Note: We've read that not all official stores sell cards to foreigners, and that in some cases the process is somewhat complicated.

Finally, you can also buy a SIM card at convenience stores, the typical all-day convenience stores such as Meiyijia, Easy Joy, 7-Eleven, or Lawson. The problem is that the staff isn't specialized in these products, so it's difficult to understand what they offer, and availability and plans may be limited.

How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in China? The price varies depending on the plan you choose, the carrier you choose, and where you buy it. For a reference price, calculate around €25-35 for a 10-20GB plan for 15 days purchased at the airport.

Remember that when purchasing a SIM card in China, you'll need to bring your passport and have your photo taken as a requirement for registration.

Important : When you purchase a local SIM card in China, the plan will only be valid for mainland China. If you plan to travel to Hong Kong or Macau, you'll need to activate roaming services, which may incur an additional cost. In this case, ask a salesperson to clarify any doubts.

• Pros and cons of buying a SIM card in China

Below, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this option for internet access during your trip to China:

+ You'll have a local number, which you can use to make national calls within your rate limits.

+ It is possible to share the connection with multiple devices.

+ The price will be slightly lower and you'll have access to special promotions.

• Because of the language barrier, the purchasing process can be slow, frustrating, and even fruitless.
• Many websites and apps you use regularly will be blocked, and you’ll need a VPN to try to bypass them.
• Even VPNs don't guarantee smooth browsing; you risk paying twice for nothing.
• Data isn't unlimited, so you'll need to monitor your usage and may need to top up more GB mid-trip.

2. Buy an eSIM before traveling to China

The ideal option for accessing internet in China is to purchase an eSIM before starting our trip. This way, we avoid the hassle of buying one there and ensure that we'll be able to use the internet in China without limits or restrictions, right from the start.

Still don't know what an eSIM is? These are virtual chips installed in your phone and work like a regular SIM card, but without a physical device. One of their great advantages is that you don't need to go to a store; they're sold online, and you can install them on your phone anytime, anywhere, even after you've already started your trip to China.

In fact, we know travelers who initially opted to buy a local SIM card and later ended up buying an eSIM for China because there was no way to get the internet working properly on their phones.

Another advantage is that many of these companies offer unlimited data instead of per-Gb plans, so you won't have to worry about mobile usage or recharging your plan, and you won't be dependent on free Wi-Fi networks at your accommodations, which is a great benefit in terms of cybersecurity.

And last but not least, these eSIM cards have built-in VPNs, ensuring you can browse without restrictions and use all the usual apps. You'll save yourself the trouble of searching for a VPN that's both secure and works properly.

If you choose to purchase an eSIM card for China, the company we use on our trips is Olysim, which offers eSIM cards with unlimited data for a specific period of time, which you'll need to specify at the time of purchase. The price will depend on the number of days of your trip, starting at €6.

This is the Olysim eSIM card for China we recommend. You also get a 5% discount already applied at the link.

The purchase and installation process is very simple and is all done online. Once you make the payment online, you'll receive a QR code by email, which you'll need to scan with the camera of the phone where you want to install the eSIM. Instructions are also sent to you in case you have any questions, and they offer 24/7 support.

Even if you place your order days, weeks, or months before your trip, it's important not to activate your eSIM until the day you board your plane, so it doesn't start running out.

And finally, before placing your order, you must check that your phone is compatible with this type of technology ( here you can see which are the valid models ).

• Pros and cons of buying an eSIM for China

We briefly explain the pros and cons of choosing to buy an eSIM in China:

+ Ordering is online and you can place it from anywhere in the world, without any documentation.

+ Installation is quick and easy.

+ You won't need to remove your primary SIM, so you can continue receiving calls or text messages on your regular number.

+ You'll be connected from the moment you land in China and turn on your phone (give it a couple of minutes to adjust automatically).

+ Data is unlimited, allowing you to use your phone as much as you want.

+ Includes a VPN so you can bypass Chinese government restrictions on Western websites and social media.

+ They offer 24-hour assistance via WhatsApp in case of any malfunctions during the trip.

• Not all phones have an integrated eSIM.
• Only allows sharing 500 Mb per day with other devices.
• You won't be able to make local calls, although you can use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., without any additional costs or adjustments.

Tymur Levitin - Teacher of the Department of Translation. Professional certified translator with experience in translating and teaching English and German.