How To Stay Connected In China 2025: Internet, VPN And SIM Cards

This guide will help you understand your choices for SIM cards, portable Wi-Fi, VPNs, and internet access, so you can stay connected on your trip. We'll also give you suggestions for companies you can trust.

A Quick Look at China’s Internet Access

China’s internet infrastructure is very modern, and many people in cities can get high-speed connections. But the “Great Firewall” makes it harder to get to a lot of famous sites and apps, like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. To stay connected, it’s important to know about these restrictions and plan ahead properly.

Having access to the web

• Wi-Fi Access: It’s easy to connect to Wi-Fi in a lot of places, like airports, coffee shops, hotels, and public spaces. But it can be slow to get to, and you might need a local phone number to join in. A lot of websites and services from the West are blocked by the Great Firewall.

You need to set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before you go to China in order to access these sites. The public Wi-Fi in China is easy for many tourists to get to, but it's not always fast or secure. You should make plans ahead of time and find other ways to join.

• Mobile phones that work with SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi：You can keep your own phone number while you’re in China if you choose foreign roaming. But this ease of use usually costs a lot. Your service provider should let you know before you leave if there are any roaming fees in China and if they work with Chinese cell phone networks to get better rates.

eSIM

eSIMs are a more economical and convenient choice for travelers. They offer competitive rates for calls, texts, and data, especially compared to the usually high costs of international roaming. Here are some benefits and details about using eSIMs in China:

• No Need for a Physical SIM Card: eSIMs don’t need a physical SIM card, which makes it easier to switch plans and companies.

• Pre-Activation: You can activate an eSIM before you get to China, so you can join right away when you land.

• eSIMs are flexible because they can be used in devices that support them. For example, the iPhone 11 Pro and later models commonly support eSIM functions.

• eSIMs don’t give you a local phone number, so you can’t make calls or receive texts, which may be needed to sign up for services and apps in China.

Nomad and Airalo are popular eSIM providers offering various data packages. For example, Nomad provides a 50GB data package for $50, valid for 30 days. Airalo offers easy registration and selection of data packages tailored to your needs.

SIM Cards

Local SIM cards are a cost-effective way to stay connected. They can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, or mobile carrier stores.

• Cheap: A 30GB data plan can be bought for as little as $20 (about 150 RMB), so it’s a good choice for people on a budget.
• Providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the major carriers.
• Plans: Various data plans are available, ranging from short-term tourist packages to long-term options. Prices and data limits vary, so choose based on your usage needs.

Portable Wi-Fi

Portable Wi-Fi devices, also known as pocket Wi-Fi, offer the convenience of connecting multiple devices to the internet without changing your SIM card.

• Rental Services: These can be rented online before your trip or at major airports in China.
• Benefits: Portable Wi-Fi is ideal for groups or travelers with multiple devices. It provides a stable internet connection wherever you go.

Travelers often find portable Wi-Fi devices to be incredibly convenient, especially for families or business travelers needing to connect multiple devices. Renting these devices in advance ensures you have connectivity as soon as you land.

Tips for Using VPNs

Given the restrictions of the Great Firewall, using a VPN is essential for accessing blocked websites and services.

Why You Need a VPN

• Access Restricted Sites: VPNs allow you to bypass internet censorship and access Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other blocked sites.
• Security: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, providing a layer of security against cyber threats.

Recommended VPNs

Based on extensive testing, here are some reliable VPN providers for use in China:

• ExpressVPN: Popular for its reliability and speed. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and remains functional despite occasional blocks.
• NordVPN: Known for strong security features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. Contact customer service for special settings required in China.
• PureVPN: Provides quick customer service and good streaming support, allowing you to watch services like IQIYI and Youku outside of China.
• CyberGhost: Ensures privacy protection with AES-256 encryption and a zero-log policy.
• Surfshark: User-friendly apps and strong security, with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. They also offer a secret download site for users already in China.

Learn more and download VPNs: Essential VPN Apps

Many travelers recommend having at least two VPNs installed as a backup. This ensures you remain connected if one VPN faces temporary issues.

Recommendations for Reliable Providers

SIM Card Providers

• China Mobile: The largest carrier with the most extensive coverage, especially in rural areas. Ideal for travelers venturing outside major cities.
• China Unicom: Offers competitive data plans and better compatibility with foreign devices, particularly for those using iPhones.
• China Telecom: Known for good service in urban areas and competitive international call rates.

Portable Wi-Fi Providers

• Tep Wireless: Provides reliable portable Wi-Fi devices with good customer service. Devices can be rented online and delivered to your location.
• Skyroam: Offers global coverage with day passes, making it a flexible option for travelers visiting multiple countries.

Personal anecdotes from seasoned travelers highlight the importance of choosing the right provider. For instance, one traveler shared their positive experience with China Mobile, praising its extensive rural coverage during a cross-country road trip. Another recommended Skyroam for its ease of use and reliable service across various regions.

Conclusion

To stay linked in China, you need to plan ahead because the internet is limited and you need to find local ways to connect. You can make sure you have solid internet access during your trip by learning about SIM cards, portable Wi-Fi, and VPNs. Pick service providers you can trust, and use the tips in this guide to stay linked and enjoy your trip. With China Explorer Tour, you can travel without any problems and stay connected while you see China’s ancient sites and modern wonders.