How to Get Mobile Internet in China for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Published: December 2024

Mobile internet in China is essential for travelers navigating this vast and dynamic country.

Whether you’re a tourist exploring China’s iconic landmarks or a business traveler staying connected with work, accessing mobile internet in China can be challenging. Strict internet regulations, limited access to familiar platforms, and navigating local options often create hurdles.

This article will guide you through the coverage, costs, and best connectivity options available, ensuring a stable online experience for your trip.

In this article

I. Mobile Internet in China – Coverage and Speed

China’s mobile internet is widely available, but the quality of coverage and speed depends on the carrier and location. Knowing which network to choose can save you from connectivity issues during your trip.

1. China Mobile Internet Coverage

The 3 major carriers – China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom – provide varying levels of coverage:

China Mobile: Offers the widest coverage, with strong signals in cities and decent reception in rural areas. Ideal for travelers exploring both urban and remote regions.
China Telecom: Best for southern and eastern cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, but weaker in northern and rural areas. Suitable for urban-focused trips.
China Unicom: Reliable in major cities like Beijing and Shenzhen but limited in rural areas. A solid choice for city travelers.

► Recommendation: China Mobile is best for overall coverage, while China Unicom is great for city-only visits.

2. China Mobile Internet Speed

According to Speed GEO, internet speed in China varies by carrier and location, with urban areas having better performance:

China Mobile: Provides steady speeds of ~130 Mbps for downloads and ~65 Mbps for uploads, suitable for most travel needs.
China Telecom: Slower, with ~30 Mbps for downloads and ~15 Mbps for uploads, but still reliable for basic browsing in cities.
China Unicom: Faster in cities, with ~73 Mbps for downloads and ~28 Mbps for uploads, but less effective in remote areas.

► Recommendation: China Mobile offers consistent speed nationwide, while China Unicom is better for faster urban connections.

In summary, China Mobile is the best all-around choice for travelers who want reliable mobile internet. Choose China Unicom if you plan to stay in major cities and prioritize speed.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists in China?

China offers various options to stay connected, including SIM cards, eSIMs, roaming, public Wi-Fi, and pocket Wi-Fi. Each has its advantages and disadvantages based on cost, convenience, and usage needs.

Option	How It Works	Cost	Where to Buy	Pros	Cons
China SIM Card	Physical SIM for local networks.	Affordable.	Airports, shops.	High-speed data, local number.	Requires unlocked phone, setup time.
China eSIM	Digital SIM activated via QR code.	Competitive rates.	Online.	No physical card, easy to switch.	Requires eSIM-compatible phone.
Roaming	Use your home network in China.	Expensive.	Automatic with SIM.	Easy setup, retains your number.	High cost, limited data speeds.
Public Wi-Fi	Connect to free or paid hotspots.	Free or low-cost.	Cafes, hotels.	No additional devices needed.	Inconsistent coverage, security risks.
Pocket Wi-Fi	Portable router connects to networks.	Rental fees apply.	Online rental, airports.	Connect multiple devices.	Extra device to carry and charge.

► Recommendation: For most travelers, a China SIM card is the best option, offering affordability and reliable connectivity. However, if your phone supports eSIM, it is even more convenient, eliminating the need for a physical card while allowing easy activation and flexibility.

Tip: Before getting an eSIM, ensure your phone is unlocked for SIM cards. For eSIM, check compatibility using this eSIM-compatible device list.

III. Internet Rates in China

Good to know: 1 CNY = 0.14 USD (December 2024)

Below is a comparison of typical mobile internet rates for tourists in China.

Option	Cost
China SIM Card	$14–$42 for 1GB–5GB (30 days).
China eSIM	$6.90 for unlimited data (5 days), up to $30 for 30 days.
Roaming	$5–$10 per MB (varies by provider).
Public Wi-Fi	Free in most hotels, cafes, and airports; some may require purchases or memberships.
Pocket Wi-Fi	$4.50–$12 per day, plus deposits or shipping fees.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in China

Below are the leading data SIM card packages from top China operators: Mobile, Telecom, and Unicom.

Carrier	Plan Name	Data + Features	Validity	Price
China Mobile	5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day	– 3GB shared data in Mainland China and Macau (512 kbps after high speed)	3 days	HK$ 58 (~ $7.44)
	China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day	– 5GB shared data in Mainland China and Hong Kong (128 Kbps after high speed)	10 days	HK$ 108 (~ $13.85)
	China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day	– 10GB shared data in Mainland China and Macau (512 kbps after high speed)– 10 Minutes voice call	10 days	HK$ 148 ( ~ $18.98)
	China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day	– 15GB shared data in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau– 10 Minutes voice call	15 days	HK$ 188 (~ $24.11)
China Unicom	4-day data only / web surfing pass (4G上网卡)	1 GB – 3GB	30 days	18 RMB – 38 RMB (~ $3 – $6)
	4G data king plan ((流量王套餐)	8GB – 35 GB	–	88 RMB – 238 RMB ($8 – $35)
	Ice Gold Plan (冰神套餐) (High usage)	20 GB – 80 GB	–	128 RMB – 388 RMB (~ $19 – $58)
	4-day data only / web surfing pass (4G上网卡)	3GB	30 days	38 RMB (~ $5.5)
China Telecom	Data Pack 2 (流量包2)	6GB	30 days	58 RMB (~ $8.4)
China Telecom	Data Pack 3 (流量包3)	10GB	30 days	88 RMB (~ $12.7)

Note: These prices are only for reference and may vary depending on the package and current promotions. It's always best to check the operator's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

V. Data eSIM for China – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

Tourists visiting China have several options for mobile internet. Two primary methods are:

Buy from Chinese operators
Buy from Gigago

1. Buy from Chinese operators

The flagship store of China Telecom

How to Purchase:

Visit the operator’s official store or authorized retailer in China.
Provide identification, such as a passport, for registration.
Complete the purchase and follow the setup instructions.

Pros: Access to local rates and packages with potentially better network coverage.
Cons: Language barriers during purchase, requires in-person registration, and may involve a more complicated setup process.

2. Buy from Gigago

How to Purchase:

Go to the Gigago website and navigate to “Buy eSIM.”
Search for “China” and select a suitable data plan.
Make payment and receive the QR code or activation details via email.
Scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually.
Enable data roaming on your phone to start using the internet.

Pros: 100% online process, no need for physical documents or visits, easy activation with a QR code, and immediate internet access upon arrival. Flexible data plans cater to different travel needs.

Cons: Requires an eSIM-compatible device and may have slightly higher costs than local operators.

For China, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $4.90 . What is great about Gigago’s China eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.90 – $128.00 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip to China is; with Gigago, you always have an option.

VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in China

Can I use my own phone in China?

Yes, you can use your own phone in China. Ensure it’s unlocked and supports the necessary frequency bands for Chinese networks. This allows you to use a local SIM card or eSIM for connectivity.

How can I access blocked websites and apps in China?

Many international websites and apps are restricted in China. To access them, download a reliable VPN before arriving, as VPN websites may be blocked once you’re in the country.

Is it possible to top up a Chinese SIM card online?

Yes, many carriers offer online top-up options through their websites or apps. Ensure you understand the process, as some platforms may be in Chinese.

Are there alternatives to using a VPN for accessing blocked sites in China?

While VPNs are common, some travelers use proxy servers or specialized SIM cards with built-in VPNs. However, their reliability varies, so it’s best to research and choose a reputable service.

VII. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful for navigating mobile internet in China. Whether you choose a SIM card, eSIM, or another option, staying connected can greatly enhance your trip. With the right plan, you’ll have reliable internet to explore this incredible country without any connectivity worries.