Staying connected in China requires special preparation due to its strict internet censorship (Great Firewall) and unique telecommunications landscape. Lebara offers workable roaming solutions for China through prepaid add-ons and pay-as-you-go options, though with notable limitations. This guide examines Lebara’s China roaming packages, their value proposition compared to alternatives, and essential preparation steps to ensure you maintain reliable connectivity for navigation, translation, and communication throughout your Chinese journey.
I. Does Lebara Work in China?
Yes, Lebara supports roaming in China, connecting to partner networks like China Mobile and China Unicom to provide calls, SMS, and mobile data. However, roaming isn’t automatic and requires activation through either:
- Roaming Add-On packages (recommended for most travelers)
- Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) rates (extremely expensive)
Lebara uses GSM technology compatible with Chinese networks, though service quality varies between urban centers and rural areas. Coverage is generally excellent in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Key considerations before using Lebara in China:
- Roaming must be manually activated before travel
- Data is significantly more expensive than local options
- The Great Firewall blocks access to many Western services
II. Roaming Options with Lebara in China
Roaming Add-Ons (Preferred Option)
Lebara offers prepaid roaming packages that provide predictable costs and reasonable allowances:
| Plan | Price | Validity | Data | Calls | Texts |
| 8-Day Add-On | £10 | 8 Days | 1GB | 50 mins (incoming/outgoing) | 50 SMS |
| 15-Day Add-On | £20 | 15 Days | 2.5GB | 100 mins (incoming/outgoing) | 100 SMS |
These add-ons must be activated manually through the Lebara app or website before travel. Once active, your phone automatically connects to Chinese partner networks upon arrival. Add-ons are best suited for tourists or business travelers on shorter trips who need predictable connectivity costs.
Benefits of Roaming Add-Ons:
- Fixed pricing prevents bill shock
- No need to swap SIM cards
- Keep your regular phone number
- Pre-determined allowances for better budget planning
Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Rates
Without an add-on, Lebara’s standard roaming rates apply, which are prohibitively expensive:
| Service | Cost |
| Mobile Data | £93/GB |
| Incoming Calls | Free |
| Outgoing Calls (to UK) | £0.25/min |
| Outgoing Calls (Others) | £1.99/min |
| Incoming SMS | Free |
| Outgoing SMS (UK) | £0.19/text |
| Outgoing SMS (Global) | £0.49/text |
III. Phone Compatibility in China
China primarily uses GSM and LTE networks, making most modern smartphones compatible. Lebara operates on GSM technology (not CDMA), ensuring broad compatibility with Chinese networks.
Before traveling, ensure your device:
- Is network unlocked
- Supports LTE bands 1, 3, and 41 (most modern phones do)
- Has roaming enabled in settings
Users with dual SIM phones have an advantage, as they can maintain their Lebara connection for calls/texts while using a local Chinese SIM for more affordable data. This hybrid approach offers excellent flexibility for business travelers who need to remain reachable on their regular number.
IV. Alternatives to Lebara Roaming in China
While Lebara add-ons provide convenient connectivity, several alternatives offer better value, especially for longer stays or data-intensive usage.
Local Chinese SIM Cards
Available from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom at airports, convenience stores, and official shops.
Cost: Approximately ¥50-100 (~£5-12) for 10-20GB data packages
Pros:
- Extremely affordable compared to roaming
- Fast, reliable network access
- Excellent coverage throughout China
Cons:
- Requires passport for registration
- Significant language barrier for non-Chinese speakers
- Subject to the same censorship as roaming services
- Change your phone number temporarily
eSIMs (International Travel eSIM)
Digital SIM cards that can be installed remotely if your device supports eSIM technology. You can refer Chinaesim for China trip.
Cost: from $7.00 depending on data allowance
Pros:
- No physical SIM swap required
- Easy activation through QR code
- Can be purchased and installed before travel
Cons:
- Often more expensive than local physical SIMs
- Still requires VPN for bypassing censorship
- Limited to newer devices with eSIM support
Pocket Wi-Fi Devices
Portable hotspots rentable before your trip or at Chinese airports.
Cost: Approximately £5-10 per day
Pros:
- Share connections with multiple devices
- No SIM installation required
- Ideal for families or groups traveling together
Cons:
- Requires regular charging
- Generally slower than direct SIM access
- Additional device to carry and maintain
Public Wi-Fi
Available in hotels, cafes, airports, and some public spaces.
Pros:
- Free
- Widely available in urban areas
Cons:
- Often unreliable and slow
- Security concerns with public networks
- Usually requires a Chinese phone number for verification
- Fully subject to censorship
VI. How to Activate and Use Lebara Roaming in China
Activating Lebara roaming for China requires completing several steps before your departure:
- Log in to your Lebara account through the website or mobile app
- Navigate roaming settings and enable international roaming
- Purchase your preferred roaming add-on package (8-day or 15-day)
- Restart your phone after arriving in China
- Verify connection to China Mobile or China Unicom
- Monitor usage through the Lebara app to avoid exceeding allowances
Once your add-on expires, you’ll automatically switch to Pay-As-You-Go rates (£93/GB) unless you purchase another add-on. Set calendar reminders to avoid this expensive scenario.
VII. Tips Before Traveling to China with Lebara
Proper preparation before traveling to China with Lebara will significantly improve your connectivity experience:
- Enable roaming before departure: Chinese internet restrictions make accessing Lebara’s website/app difficult once in China.
- Buy an add-on in advance: Avoid the extremely high PAYG rates that accumulate quickly.
- Install a reliable VPN before arriving: Download and test several options as China actively blocks VPN services.
- Download essential apps: WeChat, offline maps, and translation tools are invaluable for navigating China.
- Consider a dual SIM phone: Combine the convenience of your home number with affordable local data.
- Bring a power bank: VPN usage, navigation, and translation significantly drain battery life.
- Download offline content: Ensure maps, translations, and documents are available without internet.