Travelers will like to make things as possible for them to enjoy as much as possible of the trips they plan to do. One thing they will always try to keep in mind is how to use a cell phone, and today we will talk about how to use it while being in China.
There is a lot of information that people have to consider when traveling, especially to China as it is a pretty tourist place. But, being prepared before traveling is surely one of the best things people can actually do.
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Can I use my cell phone in China?
The biggest question among people is if they can use their cell phones in China, and the short answer is yes. The thing here is that there are many ways to make it possible, and which one is the best option for people to use.
That’s why today we will talk about the different methods people have available for use, and beyond that, about different details that people should keep in mind as much as possible when traveling. We will begin talking about the mobile bands available for people to use in China.
| Technology | Bands |
| 5G bands | 5G 3500 (78) |
| 4G bands | LTE 850 (5), LTE 2100 (1) |
| 3G bands | UMTS 2100 |
| 2G bands | GSM 900, GSM 1800 |
What are the options for using a cell phone in China?
Now, to get to talk about the options we have for us to use a cellphone in China, we first have to mention SIM and eSIM cards, which are the most frequent alternative used by travelers. Let’s talk about them first.
eSIM for traveling abroad
When talking about an eSIM for China, we have to say that using it is pretty convenient due to how easy it is not only to manage it but also it is easy to get one. That’s why many travelers are so attracted to the product itself.
But, there are many options out there and people might not know which one to use, and that’s totally understandable. For us, making a choice is a bit hard as well, but the Holafly eSIM for China seems like a good idea to use.
| Days of use | Amount of mobile data | Price (USD) |
| 30 days | 8GB | 47 |
Before we get to talk about other alternatives, it’s time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this service.
Advantages
First, we will talk about the advantages and how they can impact people’s experience when using an eSIM:
- Holafly eSIMs give 24/7 customer support to its customers.
- The activation process is made with a simple QR code.
- Works with most 4G networks in different countries.
- Doesn’t require changing the phone number that is being used.
Disadvantages
We can’t forget to talk about something that is pretty important for people when it comes to decision-making, and that’s the disadvantages of a service.
- eSIMs only work in last-gen devices.
- Doesn’t give people a new phone number to use.
- Doesn’t allow people to receive or send text messages or phone calls.
International SIM Card
Now it’s time to talk about China SIM cards. They have become quite important among people, and they have become the second most used alternative among travelers.
We also have a recommendation for people, and it is to use the Holafly China SIM card. It offers good coverage and it is pretty affordable.
| Days of use | Amount of mobile data | Price (USD) |
| 8 Days | 5GB | 29 |
| 15 Days | 5GB | 32 |
| 30 Days | 6GB | 39 |
Now, it is time to talk about the pros and cons we have to consider when using this service.
SIM card advantages
International SIM cards work in a totally different way, and that’s something we have to consider when getting one. Here are the pros of the service.
- Customer service is available 24/7 for Holafly customers.
- Allows people to use a local phone number if needed.
- Doesn’t require people to change the cellphone number they are using.
SIM card negative points
As for the negative points, there’s some information people have to know about the service.
- SIM cards only work with open band devices.
- Mobile data plans offered by these SIM cards tend to be a bit low.
Pocket WiFi for China
Time to talk about Pocket WiFi devices. They were among the most popular alternatives back in the day, and they are also useful nowadays, but the prices managed when renting one of these devices is too high for some people.
Now, if you want to use this service, you have to keep in mind the prices and penalties charged by the company you are using to rent the device. Other than that, it gives proper coverage most times.
Free WiFi in China
We can’t forget to talk about free WiFi hotspots in China, because they are quite important for many travelers due to how easy it is to find one while visiting the country.
The only thing we have to remember about this service is that it won’t always be available. People have the chance to use it as long as there’s an open hotspot, but if there’s no open WiFi, then it can be a headache for travelers. Still, you can use apps such as Avast Wi-Fi Finder, WiFi Map, and WinMap to help you out when trying to find open WiFi hotspots on the road.
Can I use my phone service in China?
This is the biggest question some people have, and it basically answered by talking about roaming services in China. As long as the roaming service is available with the phone service you use, then you can use it.
The only thing to consider is that roaming services tend to be more expensive than we think, and that’s something we can’t forget when making a trip budget.
Using my cell phone in China with T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers people the chance to use their roaming service with the three different plans they offer to people. As of now, these plans vary from 30 to 47 USD and each one has different benefits for people.
They will work with what comes with the local plan and have extra rates for people who want to use more than what they have access to.
Using my cell phone in China with Three
As for Three, they manage their roaming service in a totally different way. Their rates vary depending on the service that is being used, but for people who are using mobile data, the rates are £6 per MB.
It is a bit too high, especially for people who are staying for quite some time outside of the UK.
Local mobile operators in China
Using a local mobile operator is still an option affordable for many people due to the prices of the services offered by local companies. But there’s something to consider and it is the fact that these services are not as easy to access as it seems.
That’s why we recommend people to get prepared before they prepare for their trip to avoid any further issues they might have.
How much does it cost to use my cell phone in China?
Time to close things up with everything we have mentioned above. Let’s take a quick look at all the rates people have to keep in mind while traveling.
| Service | Internet tariff in China |
| eSIM card China | 6GB for 30 days for 39 USD |
| SIM card China | 8GB for 30 days for 47 USD |
| T-Mobile roaming in China | From 30 to 47 depending on the plan chosen by the customer. |
| Three Roaming in China | £6 per MB |
| Pocket WiFi for China | From 50 to 100 USD for a week of usage. |
| Public WiFi in China | Free |
This guide is not only useful for people who are traveling to China, but also to other destinations as well. So it is something you can re-use, but you need to change the rates for the country you are visiting.
In case you want to make a recommendation for the services you are going to use while traveling, using the Holafly eSIM or SIM cards is the best choice you can make.
