How to get Mobile internet in China: What is the best option?

By: • Updated:

China is a place that a lot of people would love to visit once in their lifetime. This country has a lot to offer to visitors and therefore, it is one of the most touristic countries in Asia. With so much to get to know, rich gastronomy and beautiful places to see, there’s only something left to say, how to get Mobile internet in China? Let’s talk about it!

Here we will tell you everything people need to know to enjoy their trip to China to stay connected while in the process, so pay attention to everything we have to say!

Contents

Mobile internet in China

If we want to talk about the Mobile internet in China, there are many things we have to mention first. The good thing about the service is that it’s not complicated to use.

There are many options for people to choose from, such as eSIM and SIM cards, and even more traditional methods such as Pocket WiFi devices. These are the main options for people to consider nowadays.

We want to talk about the features and perks that these services offer. This is information that can help travelers to understand how to enjoy the internet service properly. 

Currently, we will talk about all the methods available for people to use, and that will later help them stay connected once they are visiting China.

China internet providers

As we mentioned before, there are many options for people to use while being in China. But we can’t just mention them and forget about the fine print. These are important details from the services offered by the providers.

Something that is quite important to remember is the fact that knowing how these services work can help travelers make a choice later on when planning a new trip, just remembering that there are some fees in prices and data plans for sure instead of using your domestic provider’s roaming services in China.

Prepaid SIM Card for China

When talking about international SIM cards, there are many options for people to consider using there. There are local cellular operators available for people to use and that work well inside and outside of China.

These international prepaid SIM cards can be bought in different physical stores in places such as the airport or official stores in malls or similar. These SIM cards can also be bought through online stores as well.

In case someone decides to use an international SIM card for China such as the Holafly SIM card, for example, it is important to mention that they work with local cellular networks to provide a better Mobile internet service in China to travelers.

Now, there’s a different question that we have to answer here. What Mobile operators are available for travelers to use in China?

  • China Mobile: China Mobile offers different data plans to its customers at different prices, and they also offer roaming services in different countries around the world.
  • Telecom China: Telecom is another alternative for people to use while in China, and they also offer a roaming service with different data plans available for use.
  • China Unicom: Finally we have Unicom to complete our list, they offer cellular data plans from 80 to 120 USD.

Holafly SIM Card for China

As we said before, another option we have is to use the Holafly SIM card for China. It is a pretty decent alternative as it gives people the chance to buy it through their online store in a matter of seconds and the activation process is quite simple as well.

Other than that, there are some benefits that people might like knowing about the SIM card:

  • Gives a phone number to use in China.
  • Affordable prices compared to other alternatives.
  • Customer support is available 24/7.
  • 4G connections with open-band devices.

As for prices, Holafly offers people three different SIM cards. Prices vary from 29 to 39 USD and cellular data plans vary from 5 to 6 GB depending on which one people decide to use.

International eSIM for traveling to China

eSIMs have become a new alternative for people to use when traveling. As it is an easier method to use to stay connected, many people have decided to go for it instead of using other services when it comes to getting to know the world.

These eSIMs are basically the evolution of the SIM card, and we say this because it is completely digital, there’s no need to physically insert the SIM card on the cellphone.

There’s no other information that people should know about the eSIM because it basically works in the same way as a SIM card, which is why many people with last-gen devices have decided to use it instead of other alternatives.

In case you don’t know what to expect from an eSIM, here’s what you need to know about it:

  • Works with 4G networks in China.
  • eSIM work in smartwatches too.
  • Works with last-gen cellphones.
  • Cheaper than using a roaming service.

The only downside of using an eSIM comes when we are talking about a phone number, as they don’t provide a new one to buyers. And, it doesn’t work on old devices, but that’s nothing to worry about as there are other alternatives as well.

eSIM China by Holafly

In case travelers decide to go for an eSIM instead of using a different service, the Holafly eSIM China is one of the best alternatives for people to use, and it is quite simple to get one through their website.

The activation process of the eSIM is quite simple, as people will only receive a QR code in order for the eSIM to start working. It is recommended that this process is done after arriving at the destination and not before.

Nowadays, Holafly only offers people one data plan to use while using the eSIM in China. It costs $47 and works for 30 days while providing 8 GB of cellular data as well.

Roaming in China with your local operator

For those who want to go ahead and use a roaming service in China, there are some alternatives to consider using as well.

AT&T

If you are an AT&T customer, and you want to go ahead and use their roaming service, there are two different alternatives travelers can consider using.

These two plans are totally different from the other, as one is focused on giving people access to unlimited phone calls for $15 per line per month. On the other hand, we have the International Travel Pass, which costs $10 per day.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is another alternative people can consider using when planning on using a roaming service instead of an eSIM or SIM card.

They have three different plans available for people to use, and the prices vary from 30 to 47 USD. They all have their own benefits and offer different network speeds as well.

Vodafone

In case you are not in the US but in the UK, then Vodafone can be an alternative for you to use. They offer people the chance to use their roaming service in some of their cellular plans, and the price is $7 per day. 

Pocket Wifi for Internet in China

The good old-fashioned alternative of Pocket WiFi devices couldn’t be left out of the list. These devices offer people the chance to stay connected wherever they go as long as there is a cellular network available for use. As for which companies to use, here you have two options:

  • Cello Mobile: Located in the United States, this company gives people the chance to stay connected while traveling to China for a price of $104 per week. The service includes 1 GB of cellular data per day.
  • Travel WiFi: Travel WiFi is located in Spain, and they offer people the chance to use their service in China as well, depending on the service they decide to use as they have different cellular plans, prices can vary from 56 to 90 USD.

Free WiFi

We can’t forget to mention Free WiFi hotspots available for people to use in China. There are many available in different places, and it can help people to stay connected in some cases.

But, the thing is that not everywhere people go, there will be free WiFi networks to use, and that’s something to consider. Still, it can help people a lot to stay connected while they are out and need an internet connection for a brief moment.

5/5 - (1 vote)