Navigating the complexities of mobile internet in China can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. From public Wi-Fi hotspots to portable Wi-Fi devices, prepaid SIM cards, and international roaming, each option has its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring a seamless and connected travel experience in this vast and dynamic country.
As one of the largest and most developed mobile markets in the world, China has its own unique network structure that visitors need to be aware of.
All three carriers have extensive nationwide coverage in China, with China Mobile having the broadest reach.
Based on data from Speedtest Global Index, Chinese mobile networks continue to deliver some of the fastest speeds in the world:
In summary, while frequency and standard inconsistencies remain challenges for global compatibility, domestic network coverage and speeds in China have consolidated it as a global leader in overall mobile internet performance and deployment. Continuous expansion of 5G promises even greater mobile connectivity nationwide.
| Option | Coverage | Speed | Validity | Requires VPN? | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile prepaid SIM | Nationwide 2G coverage, expanding 4G coverage but uses non-standard TDD-LTE | 2G speeds for data, faster 4G in cities but congested network | Monthly plans (valid 30 days) | No, but some sites may be blocked | $13-88 |
| China Unicom prepaid SIM | Wide 3G/4G coverage on standard frequencies | Fast 3G/4G speeds | Monthly plans (valid 30 days) | No, but some sites may be blocked | $13-86 |
| China Telecom prepaid SIM | Limited to areas with 4G coverage, uses non-standard CDMA network | Fast 4G where available | Monthly plans (valid 30 days) | No, but some sites may be blocked | $13-60 |
| China eSIM plans | Usage-based plans covering mainland China | Fast speeds on 3G/4G networks | Valid for 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days | No for 5-15 day plans, yes for 30 day plan | $1-15 |
| Hong Kong SIM with China roaming | Usage-based plans covering Hong Kong and mainland China | Fast speeds on HK and China networks | Valid for 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days | No | $1.30-23 |
| eSIM from Chinaesim.com | Usage-based plans covering multiple countries | Fast speeds on local and China networks | Valid for 7, 10, 15 or 30 days | No | $1.80-19 |
China Unicom generally provides the best coverage within mainland China through its prepaid SIM cards. However, eSIM plans offer more flexible usage periods without requiring purchase of a physical SIM.
Estimating your data needs and budgeting accordingly is crucial when planning your trip to China. Here’s a general guide to help you anticipate costs based on different trip lengths and data requirements.
Before exploring pricing options, it’s essential to estimate your anticipated data usage during your trip. Consider the following factors:
Chinaesim.com is a popular provider of prepaid SIM cards and data plans specifically tailored for travelers in China. Here’s a comparison of our pricing for different data allowances:
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 3GB total - 5 days
3GB
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 5 days
10GB
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
China eSIM 5GB total - 7 days
5GB
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
China eSIM 1GB/day - 7 days
1GB/day
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
China eSIM 3GB/days - 15 days
3GB/day
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
China eSIM 20GB total - 30 days
20GB
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
Greater China eSIM 10GB total - 10 days
10GB
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
Greater China eSIM 4GB/day - 15 days
4GB/day
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
China Vietnam eSIM 8GB total - 7 days
8GB
These plans offer competitive rates and can be a cost-effective option for those planning longer stays or requiring substantial data usage.
Based on the data allowances and pricing from Chinaesim.com, here’s an estimate of costs for different trip lengths:
There are three main mobile network operators in China – China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Together they provide nationwide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. China Mobile is the largest, with over 900 million subscribers, while China Unicom and China Telecom have around 20% market share each.
The three main mobile networks in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. China Mobile is the largest network with around 60% market share.
China Mobile uses TD-SCDMA for 3G which is not compatible with most foreign phones. It uses TDD-LTE for 4G which is also less compatible. China Unicom uses standard UMTS for 3G and FDD-LTE for 4G which is more compatible. China Telecom uses CDMA for voice and EVDO for 3G which are also less compatible.
You need to go to an official carrier store with your passport. Real name registration and facial recognition is required. Data-only eSIM plans are also available from foreign providers.
The main types are monthly plans bundled with data and minutes, daily data plans, and monthly data-only add-on packs. Unlimited plans include full speed data caps then throttling. Rates vary by province.
According to speedtest data, China ranks 63rd in the world for average mobile internet speeds at around 25 Mbps. Speeds are generally fastest in large cities and on China Unicom and China Mobile’s 4G networks.
Yes, there is widespread internet censorship in China blocking many foreign websites and filtering search results and social media. A VPN is generally required to access unfiltered content.
Learn more about: How to Bypass Internet Censorship in China
By considering factors such as coverage, speed, cost, and ease of use, visitors to China can make informed decisions on selecting the most suitable mobile internet option for their trip. Whether opting for a pocket Wi-Fi device for shareable connectivity, a local SIM card for long-term stays, or international roaming for short trips, planning ahead and budgeting for mobile data costs can enhance the overall travel experience in China.
Get Started
Useful Guide
