Planning a trip to China and wondering how to use your EE mobile plan? This guide explains everything you need to know about EE roaming in China, including whether it works, how much it costs, how to set it up, and cheaper ways to stay connected. With clear steps and smart tips, you can stay online without worrying about high bills.
I. Does EE Work in China?
Yes, EE works in China through local networks, so you can use your phone there. However, China is not included in EE’s free roaming areas, so your regular UK plan won’t cover costs. You’ll need to pay extra for calls, texts, or data unless your plan has special roaming benefits. To use EE in China, you must turn on roaming before you leave the UK.
II. EE Roaming Costs in China
The cost of using EE in China depends on whether you have a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go plan and if your plan includes free roaming extras (like the Full Works Plan after August 29, 2024, or Rest of World Zone 1).
If you have these extras, you can use your UK calls, texts, and data in China for no additional cost.
Without them, you’ll pay per use or need to buy a roaming pass (available only after arriving in China, with instructions sent via text from EE). Pay As You Go users pay for each action without pass options.
Here’s a simple table of costs:
| Service | Pay Monthly (No Extras) | Pay As You Go |
| 24-Hour Roaming Pass | £5/day | Not available |
| 7-Day Roaming Pass | £25/week | Not available |
| Data | Buy data add-on | Buy data add-on |
| Making/Receiving Calls | £1.66/minute | £1.80/minute |
| Sending Texts | 76p/text, 93p/picture | 60p/text, 48p/picture |
| Receiving Texts | Free | Free |
| Voicemail | Same as call rates | Same as call rates |
III. How to Set Up EE Roaming
To use your phone in China, turn on roaming before you travel:
- Send a free text with the word ROAMING to 150 or use the My EE app.
- Set a spending limit (at least £20 is suggested) to avoid service issues.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked and works with China’s 4G networks.
IV. Limitations of Using EE in China
Using EE in China can be convenient, but it has some challenges. Without a roaming pass, costs can add up fast, especially for internet use. Also, China blocks popular apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook due to its internet rules, and EE roaming doesn’t help you access these. If you use a lot of data or stay for a long time, EE’s data add-ons can be expensive.
V. More Affordable & Flexible Alternatives
Instead of relying on EE roaming, try these affordable options:
- Public WiFi: Found in hotels, airports, cafes, and malls. It’s free but not safe, so use a VPN to protect your data.
- Local SIM Card: Buy one from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom at airports or stores. You’ll need your passport, but it offers cheap data plans.
- eSIM: Set it up with a QR code before you go. It gives you local data rates and works on newer phones (check if yours supports it).
- Portable WiFi Device: Rent or buy a small WiFi hotspot to connect multiple devices. Great for families or groups.
For a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected in China, try an eSIM from China eSIM. Their unlimited data plans let you browse, stream, and stay in touch without worrying about data limits. Visit https://chinaesim.com/esim/china-unlimited-data/ to check out their simple options and set up your eSIM before you travel!
VI. Tips to Stay Online in China Without Roaming Shock
To avoid high bills and stay connected, follow these easy steps:
- Use WiFi whenever you can to save data.
- Turn off auto-updates and background data on your phone.
- Download maps, videos, or translation apps before you go.
- Use WeChat for messaging and payments, as it’s very popular in China.
- Switch off roaming when you don’t need it to avoid surprise charges.
By knowing how EE roaming works and exploring options like local SIMs or eSIMs, you can stay connected in China without spending too much. Using a VPN and managing your data wisely will keep you online safely, so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.