Learn how to find WiFi and reliably access the Internet while traveling in China as a foreigner and overcome potential barriers like censorship and language differences.
Travelers exploring the vast and vibrant landscapes of China will need Internet access for everything, from navigating bustling city streets with map apps, using translation apps, to sharing travel memories with loved ones back home. So is WiFi available in China? The answer is Yes, but it is NOT EASY for travelers to connect to WiFi in China and use it. It is because China’s unique internet regulations are often referred to as the “Great Firewall”. Therefore, knowing how to find WiFi in China and use it will be essential when you need to connect to the Internet.
This article will show you how to find WiFi hotspots in China, connect to them, and stay safe on public WiFi there. We also suggest alternative options for Chinese free wireless connections.
In this article
Yes. WiFi is widely available in China, especially in developed areas. You can easily find free WiFi in many public places like:
However, it is hard for travelers and foreigners to use WiFi in China because:
Notes:
After choosing the WiFi spot you want to connect to, take the following steps:
Most short-term travelers and visitors will find it challenging to connect to many WiFi networks in China because they have no local phone number. However, there are always solutions to this problem:
While public WiFi is widely available in China, it may not be secure, especially for sensitive tasks like online banking. For a safer and more reliable connection, consider these alternative options:
A popular choice is a tourist eSIM, such as Gigago eSIM for China. eSIM is a convenient connectivity option that eliminates the use of a physical SIM card. You can buy and install it online before departure and activate it upon arriving in China.
However, this option requires an eSIM compatible device. Additionally, most eSIM plans for China are data-only and do not include a Chinese phone number, meaning you cannot use them for text verification. However, you can use the included cellular data for Internet access and voice/messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype,… to stay connected.
Using prepaid local SIM cards provides a local phone number for calls and registrations, along with various data plans. This is particularly useful for accessing apps that require a Chinese phone number, such as WeChat.
However, using a local SIM may require you to remove your primary SIM card if your phone only has one SIM slot.
You can buy a Chinese SIM card at airports in Shanghai, Beijing, etc upon arrival, or from official stores of major providers like China Unicom, China Telecom and China Mobile. They are widespread and easy to find.
However, you will need to present a passport for registration. Be prepared for potential language barriers upon purchase.
International roaming allows you to use your existing phone number while in China. It is easy to set up but is often the most expensive option and typically comes with limited data allowances.
Renting a portable pocket WiFi device allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously and often offers and offers good coverage. You can rent a WiFi router at airports or from TravelWiFi, Skyroam online companies. However, this option involves extra costs and shipping for renting or returning the device. You also need to charge the device regularly due to battery life limitations.
For many travelers, using an eSIM is the most convenient and practical option (but only ones with eSIM-supported phones). It eliminates the need to search for WiFi or obtain a Chinese phone number, allowing for effortless connectivity throughout your trip.
Yes, WiFi is easily found across China in general, but particularly good in cafes, hotels, restaurants and bars. You can improve your Internet access by getting a Chinese phone number to login some specific WiFi networks.
Yes, but only for common internet activities like surfing web, checking email, or sharing memories during your trip. For private tasks or information like online banking, you should avoid public WiFi and public hotspots. Use trusted connection of cellular data whenever possible. If use of public WiFi or hotspots is unavoidable, you should use VPN.
WiFi internet speed in China can vary by location, but you will generally find the fastest connection in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. For example, the average internet speed in Beijing is about 232 Mbps, which is very fast.
If you don’t have Chinese phone number, you can still access the WiFi networks in China by buying a local SIM card (but be aware of registration requirements), using a verification service, renting a phone to get a temporary phone number, and asking for help from locals.
You may have trouble connecting to WiFi in China because the government restricts access to certain websites and apps like Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, etc. This means even if your device connects to the WiFi network, you still will not be a ble to access those blocked sites.
To bypass these restrictions, you will need to use a VPN such as NordVPN, which allows you to access the Internet more freely in China.
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