In China, understanding how to use the internet and phone is crucial for a seamless stay. Let's explore the options of eSIM, SIM card, and the role of VPNs.
We will tell you in a table.
China Travel Mobile SIM Card Usage Summary
| eSIM Card | Buy physical SIM Before to China ,mailed overseas | Open International Roaming With Original Sim Card | Open a Local Chinese SIM Card After Arriving in China | |
| Foreign Web Access （like Youtube 、Facebook 、Google） | YES | NO (YES BY VPN ) | YES | NO (YES BY VPN ) |
| China Web Access (like WeChat 、Alipay、DiDi) | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Send/Receive Text Message in China | NO | YES | YES (You can’t register some Chinese App which only support Chinese Phone Number) | YES |
| Send/Receive Your Original Country Text Messages | NO | NO ( You Need Dual SIM) | YES (may incur additional fees) | NO ( You Need Dual SIM) |
| Phone Call In China | NO | YES | YES(many Chinese phones don't call foreign numbers) | YES |
| Phone Call In Your Original Country | NO | NO( You Need Dual SIM) | YES (may incur additional fees) | NO( You Need Dual SIM) |
| How To Purchase | E-SIM website ,easy and don’t need to change physical card . | Amazon and others online Shop. | Ask your service provider | At airport Or local service provider Shop |
| Tips | You can Register And Login Popular Chinese Apps (Like WeChat Alipay Support Foreign Phone Number) Using Your Original Phone Number Before Arriving . Then Data Only Card Will Be Enough For You In Most Scenes | Prepare In Advance | Your Friends may not Contact you Buy Call and Message . Can’t order and buy most attraction’s tickets online . | Easy , cheap and cost few time. But you Need Buy VPN If you want to Google Youtube Facebook etc. Dual Card (Chinese + Original) +VPN may be best choice for most people |
Way 4 Usually Cheaper than Way 2 , And You don’t have to wait for express
