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Get connected before you land.

The practical layer beneath every guide — compare eSIM providers, activate in minutes, manage plans from your phone, and know exactly what ID China will ask of you.

Everything You Need for China

Practical tools and guides designed for international travelers visiting China.

Most Important

Internet & eSIM

Stay connected in China and understand your best mobile data options.

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Payments

Learn how to use Alipay, WeChat Pay, international cards and cash in China.

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Transportation

Understand high-speed rail, metro systems, taxis, DiDi and getting around China.

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Food & Dining

Learn what to eat, how to order food and how to navigate restaurants in China.

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Hotels & Stay

Understand where to stay, hotel booking and accommodation tips for international visitors.

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Emergency

Important emergency numbers, hospitals, police and what to do when something goes wrong.

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Internet & eSIMCompare ProvidersActivationOverseas AppsIdentity
Compare Providers

Find your eSIM plan

Filter by region, trip length and data appetite. We surface the closest plan from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and RedteaGO — and flag the best value.

Region
Duration
Data need

Airalo

Pay-as-you-go data across 200+ countries

eSIM
$123 GB · 30 days$4.00/GB
Activation
App-based, instant auto-install
Identity
None for data-only eSIM
In China
Rides on a China Unicom partner network. Data-only — no local number, no VPN included.
View plans

Holafly

Unlimited data plans, no caps

eSIM
No plan matches these filters.
Activation
App-based, instant QR install
Identity
None for data-only eSIM
In China
Unlimited data on a partner carrier. Great for heavy users; throttle may apply after high usage.
View plans

Nomad

Flexible data plans, frequent deals

eSIM
$123 GB · 30 days$4.00/GB
Activation
App-based, instant QR install
Identity
None for data-only eSIM
In China
Data-only on a partner network. Watch for promotional discounted plans.
View plans
Best value

RedteaGO

Regional & global data packages

eSIM
$113 GB · 30 days$3.67/GB
Activation
App-based, instant QR install
Identity
None for data-only eSIM
In China
Data-only; strong on regional Asia packages. Small starter packs available.
View plans
Activation Tools

Activate in five steps

A universal checklist plus the access details you need if a plan does not auto-connect.

Step-by-step activation

A universal flow that works for every provider below. Tick each off as you go.

  1. Check eSIM compatibility

    iPhone XS and newer, iPad (2018+), and recent Androids (Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+) support eSIM. Find it under Settings → About → look for an EID number.

  2. Buy your plan

    Purchase in the provider app or website. You receive a QR code instantly — no physical delivery.

  3. Add the eSIM

    On iOS: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add. Or tap "Add from app" where supported.

  4. Set the APN if needed

    Most plans auto-configure. If data does not connect, set the APN listed in your plan details (often "internet" or carrier-specific).

  5. Enable before you land

    Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming while still on home Wi-Fi. Activate before you fly so you connect the moment you touch down.

Access details & APN

If a plan does not auto-connect, this is the detail you almost always need.

APN

internet

Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Cellular Data Network → APN.

Keep your QR code

Screenshot or save the QR from your provider app. You can re-scan it to reinstall on a new device without re-buying — most providers allow this.

Overseas Apps

Manage plans from your phone

Each provider app lets you browse and buy plans, check live usage, top up, and pull up access details when you need them.

Airalo App

Pay-as-you-go data across 200+ countries

iOS · Android

In-app you can

  • Buy & install plans in-app
  • Live data-usage tracker
  • Top-up & extend plans
  • View eSIM install details
Open Airalo

Holafly App

Unlimited data plans, no caps

iOS · Android

In-app you can

  • Unlimited-data plans
  • Live usage & days-remaining
  • In-app support chat
  • Reinstall on new device
Open Holafly

Nomad App

Flexible data plans, frequent deals

iOS · Android

In-app you can

  • Buy & manage plans
  • Usage & expiry tracker
  • Top-up data packs
  • Access APN details
Open Nomad

RedteaGO App

Regional & global data packages

iOS · Android

In-app you can

  • Browse regional plans
  • Usage monitoring
  • Top-up & extend
  • eSIM transfer support
Open RedteaGO
Identity Verification

What ID China requires

Real-name registration is the rule — but a foreign eSIM sidesteps most of it. Here is exactly what each service asks for.

What China asks for

China runs on real-name registration. The good news for visitors: a foreign data-only eSIM skips almost all of it. The moment you want a local number, public Wi-Fi, or a train ticket, your passport enters the chat.

Carry always

Your physical passport — not a photo. Hotels, trains, carrier stores and SIM registration all scan the original.

ScenarioRequirementDetail
Foreign eSIM (data-only)
NoneBuy with a card, install via QR. No ID, no local number.
Local China SIM (Mobile / Unicom / Telecom)
Passport + in-personBuy at an official carrier store; real-name registration is mandatory. You get a Chinese phone number.
Hotel check-in
PassportPhotocopied on arrival; your passport is your room key at many hotels.
Public & hotel Wi-Fi
Phone numberPortals often require SMS OTP. A foreign SIM or Chinese number works; a data-only eSIM does not.
High-speed rail & flights
PassportPassport number is used at booking and scanned at the gate — it is your ticket.
Alipay / WeChat Pay
Passport (verification)Foreign accounts verify with a passport; a foreign Visa/Mastercard links in-app.

TipA foreign data-only eSIM gets you online the second you land with zero paperwork. For anything that needs a Chinese phone number — food delivery, some Wi-Fi portals, ride-hailing — a local SIM with real-name registration is the upgrade.