Does AT&T Roaming Still Work in China?

Rachel Tran

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Published: November 2025

Many travelers who use AT&T in the U.S. wonder if their mobile plan still works once they land in China. It’s a common question because, after all, AT&T serves about 45% of U.S. mobile users, so many Americans rely on it when traveling abroad.

The short answer is yes, AT&T roaming does work in China, but there are a few important things to know before you depend on it. In this guide, we’ll explain how AT&T roaming functions there, what it costs, common issues you might face, and smarter alternatives that can help you stay connected more affordably and reliably.

I. Does AT&T roaming still work in China?

Yes, AT&T roaming works in China but comes with some limitations. AT&T partners with local Chinese carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use data while traveling. Once roaming is activated on your account and device, your phone should automatically connect – no extra setup needed.

What limitations with AT&T roaming in China?

Even though your AT&T connection works technically, you’ll still face China’s Great Firewall restrictions. Popular apps and websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked unless you use a VPN. So, while your AT&T service technically works, internet access will still be restricted by local regulations.

II. How can travelers use AT&T roaming in China?

AT&T offers two services for travelers to China:

1. AT&T International Day Pass in China

AT&T offers an International Day Pass for travelers who want to use their U.S. plan while abroad. With this option, you can use your existing talk, text, and data as if you were still in the United States.

What you get:

• Unlimited talk and text
• Data allowance is included in your domestic AT&T plan
• Keep your regular AT&T phone number
• Voicemail, call forwarding, and other features work normally
• Two-factor authentication codes are received as usual

How it works:

Day-to-day usage depends on your domestic plan:

• If you have an unlimited data plan at home, you’ll have unlimited high-speed data in China. However, AT&T may slow speeds after you exceed a certain threshold, typically 22GB per month of total usage.
• If you have a limited data plan (for example, 10GB per month), you’ll share that same 10GB between your usage at home and in China.

The International Day Pass does not activate automatically – you need to add it to your account before or during your trip to China.

Who can use it:

• This service is available on most AT&T postpaid plans, but not all.
• Prepaid users or customers on certain older unlimited plans may not be eligible for this option. Check your plan eligibility through the AT&T website or by calling customer service before you travel.

2. Pay-per-use rates (if Day Pass not activated)

If you don’t activate the AT&T International Day Pass, your usage in China will be billed at pay-per-use rates, which are much higher.

How it works: Charges apply automatically when you make a call, send a text, or use data abroad. Costs can add up quickly, even with light phone activity.

Who can use it: Available for most AT&T users with roaming enabled, but not recommended due to the high expense.

III. How much does AT&T roaming cost for China?

Using AT&T in China can be expensive if you’re not prepared. Here’s what you can expect:

1. International Day Pass

It costs $12 per 24-hour period. The 24-hour period starts from the moment you first use your phone (make a call, send a text, or use data), not when you land in China.

For example: a typical 7-day trip where you use your phone daily: $84 ($12 × 7 days).

The Day Pass is more valuable if you have an unlimited data plan at home, as you’re essentially getting unlimited data in China for $12 per day.

2. Pay-per-use rates (if Day Pass not activated)

The costs become significantly higher than the International Day Pass’s. Actually, AT&T’s pay-per-use rates are designed to encourage you to use the Day Pass instead.

• Data: $2.05/MB. To help you figure out its costs, scrolling social media for a few minutes takes 10-20MB and costs $20-$40.
• Voice call: $3.00/min (applied to both making calls and receiving calls). For example, a 10-minute call costs $30.
• Text messages: $0.50/sending SMS, $1.30/sending picture messages, and free receiving SMS.

These pay-per-use rates can result in bill shock reaching thousands of dollars if you’re not careful. Therefore, enabling the Day Pass or finding another solution is strongly recommended.

3. Hidden Fees to watch for

• Roaming activation fees: some AT&T plans charge one-time activation fee ($10-$20) when you first enable international roaming features.
• MMS charges: Group texts with photos or long texts that convert to MMS automatically can trigger unexpected fees.
• Premium SMS charges: Verification codes from certain apps or services may be routed through premium SMS services.
• Data throttling: It applies to unlimited data plans. Throttling can force you to purchase additional high-speed data passes.

IV. How to activate and use AT&T roaming in China

Activating AT&T roaming is simple. Follow these quick steps:

Step 1: Enable roaming on your account

Log into your AT&T account or the myAT&T app to make sure international roaming is turned on.

Step 2: Add the International Day Pass

Add it online, in the app, or by texting “TRAVEL” to 7637.

Step 3: Ensure device compatibility

Confirm your phone supports China’s 4G/5G networks and is unlocked (especially if you plan to use an eSIM).

Step 4: Turn on data roaming after arrival

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → turn on Voice & Data Roaming.
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → enable Data Roaming.

When you arrive in China, your phone should automatically connect to a local network (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom). You’ll receive a text from AT&T confirming roaming activation and rates.

If it doesn’t connect automatically, go to your phone’s network settings, select a network manually, or restart your device. If the issue persists, contact AT&T support.

V. Common problems when using AT&T roaming in China

While roaming works, many travelers run into similar issues:

• Slow data speeds: Depending on the local partner network.
• Blocked apps and services: Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and many Western sites don’t work under China’s internet rules.
• High costs: The Day Pass adds up quickly on long trips.
• Unreliable VPN use: While some VPNs may help bypass restrictions, they’re not always stable in China.

So while AT&T roaming is technically available, it’s often not the most practical or affordable solution for longer stays.

VI. Best Alternative: Travel eSIM for China

If you want fast internet and lower costs, a travel eSIM is the best choice for China. International eSIM providers like Gigago offer eSIM plans that give you instant local data without replacing your SIM card or paying expensive roaming fees.

Here’s why travelers love using Gigago eSIMs:

• Affordable pricing: Plans start from just a few dollars.
• Instant activation: Scan a QR code, and you’re online in minutes.
• Stable local network: Connect directly to Chinese carriers like China Mobile or China Unicom.
• No extra fees: You only pay for the data you need.
• Reliable access for maps, translation, messaging, and navigation apps.

Using a travel eSIM also helps you stay connected even if your AT&T service is turned off.

Below we make a comparison table between AT&T roaming vs. Gigago eSIM for China to help you figure out which is better for travelers:

If you’re visiting China for more than a few days, a Gigago eSIM is almost always the smarter option.

VII. FAQs

While AT&T roaming does work in China, the combination of high daily costs ($12/day), Great Firewall restrictions, and potential connectivity issues makes it less ideal for most travelers.

For most travelers, the Gigago China eSIM offers a simpler, cheaper, and faster way to stay connected without worrying about daily roaming fees or blocked services. Before your next trip, consider setting up an eSIM — you’ll save money and enjoy a smoother experience online.