EnjoyChina

分类： Network Access

  • Your China Digital Survival Kit: Payments & Must-Have Apps

    Welcome to China’s digital ecosystem. It’s one of the most advanced in the world, and it runs on a handful of “super-apps” that do everything. The biggest hurdle for tourists used to be mobile payments. As of 2025, that problem is finally solved.

    Here is the essential toolkit you need to download and set up before you go.

    Part 1: The “Digital Wallet” (Alipay and WeChat Pay)

    In China, cash is rare and foreign credit cards are rarely accepted, except at high-end international hotels. The entire country—from street-food vendors to taxis to luxury malls—runs on two apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay.

    In the past, these apps required a Chinese bank account, making them useless for tourists. This has changed. Both platforms now allow you to link your foreign credit cards.

    Your Action Plan (Do This at Home):

    1. Download Alipay (支付宝)
      • This is the primary payment app from Alibaba.
      • Download the app and sign up with your home phone number.
      • Go through the identity verification (you may need to scan your passport).
      • Find the “Wallet” section and add your Visa, Mastercard, or other foreign credit card.
    2. Download WeChat (微信)
      • This is China’s “everything app”—primarily for messaging, but with a powerful payment wallet.
      • Download the app and sign up. (You may need a friend who already uses WeChat to verify you, which can be annoying but is a one-time step).
      • Once inside, find the “Wallet” or “Pay” section (it may be under “Me” > “Services”).
      • Add your foreign credit cards here as well.

    How to Use It: When you need to pay, you will do one of two things:

    1. Scan Theirs: The merchant shows you a QR code. You open Alipay or WeChat Pay, tap “Scan,” and scan their code.
    2. Show Yours: You open the app, tap “Pay” or “Money,” and show them your personal QR code. They scan you.

    That’s it. You can now pay for virtually everything in China.

    Part 2: The Must-Have Apps

    With payments and your VPN sorted, you just need the local replacement apps for your daily needs.

    Communication: WeChat (微信)

    Why you need it: This is not optional. It is the primary way everyone in China communicates. You will use it to contact your hotel, tour guides, and anyone you meet. It’s also a payment app and a social media platform.

    Pro-Tip: The built-in translator is excellent. Just long-press any Chinese message and tap “Translate.”

    Navigation: Amap (高德地图)

    Why you need it: Google Maps is blocked and, even with a VPN, has inaccurate and outdated data in China. Amap is the king. It’s the most accurate app for walking, public transit (subways, buses), and driving.

    Pro-Tip: It works in English. While some street names might be in Chinese, the routing and interface are perfectly usable.

    Ride-hailing & Bike-sharing: DiDi (滴滴出行)

    Why you need it: This is the “Uber of China.” It’s cheap, reliable, and covers every city. Didi also provides shared bicycle and electric motorcycle services in many cities, allowing you to roam easily.

    Pro-Tip: You can set it up with your foreign credit card, so you never need to worry about paying the driver. Just like Uber, it’s all handled in-app.

    Translation: Baidu Translate (百度翻译) or Pleco

    Why you need it: You will face a lot of Chinese text, especially on menus.

    Baidu Translate: Has a fantastic “photo” mode. Just point your camera at a menu, and it will translate it live on your screen.

    Pleco: This is more of a powerful dictionary, beloved by students. It’s excellent for looking up specific words and understanding their context.

    With this handful of apps on your phone, you are fully equipped to travel China with the same digital convenience as a local.

  • Got a Local Chinese SIM? Here’s How to Use a VPN for Google, WhatsApp & Tiktok

    You braved the airport counter or the city-center Chinese carriers’ store, presented your passport, and successfully installed a local Chinese SIM card. Your phone shows a full 5G signal. You’re saving a ton of money.

    Then, you open Google Maps, and… nothing. You try to send a WhatsApp message, and it just shows a “Connecting…” spinning wheel.

    This is the moment of panic for many travelers. Don’t worry. Your SIM isn’t broken, and your phone is fine. You’ve just run head-on into the “Great Firewall” (GFW).

    Here’s exactly what to do.

    Why Is This Happening?

    Because you are using a local Chinese SIM, all your internet traffic is now inside China’s national internet system. This system, often called the Great Firewall, blocks access to thousands of foreign websites and apps, including:

    • Google (and Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive)
    • WhatsApp
    • Tiktok
    • Facebook / Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (formerly Twitter)
    • The New York Times, BBC, and most foreign news
    • …and many more.

    This is standard for all local internet. The solution is a tool called a VPN.

    What is a VPN (and How Does It Fix This)?

    Think of the GFW as a giant digital fence around China’s internet.

    A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” that digs under this fence.

    When you turn on your VPN, it connects you to a server in another country (like Japan, Singapore, or the US). From that point on, all your traffic flows through that tunnel. The GFW can only see that you’re connected to a server in Japan; it cannot see that you are using that server to access Google.

    The Golden Rule: Download Your VPN Before You Arrive

    This is the most critical piece of advice in this entire guide.

    You must download, install, and subscribe to a VPN service before you leave your home country.

    Why? It’s a classic “Catch-22”:

    • The websites of all major VPN providers are blocked in China.
    • The Google Play Store is blocked in China.
    • The Apple App Store (China region) has removed all unapproved VPN apps by law.

    If you land in China without a VPN already on your phone, you will not be able to get one.

    How to Choose a VPN That Works in China (2025 Reality)

    Disclaimer: We do not endorse specific brands, as the GFW is a constant cat-and-mouse game. Use these criteria to choose.

    1. Paid vs. Free: Do not even try a free VPN. They are 99.9% guaranteed to fail. They are either data-stealing scams, too slow to be usable, or have been identified and blocked by the GFW years ago. You must subscribe to a paid, reputable service.
    2. Look for “Optimized for China” Features: You need a provider that actively works to hide its traffic. Look for terms like “Obfuscated Servers,” “Stealth VPN,” or “Camouflage Mode.” These features disguise your VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, making it harder to block.
    3. Read Recent Reviews: Do not trust a “Best VPN” list from 2024. Check forums like Reddit (e.g., r/VPN) or travel blogs for posts within the last 1-3 months. You need to know what is working right now.

    How to Use Your VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Let’s assume you’re in your hotel, your local SIM is in, and your VPN app is installed.

    1. Test Your SIM: Turn off Wi-Fi. Open your phone’s browser and go to a local Chinese site like Baidu.com or Sina.com. If it loads, your SIM card is working perfectly.
    2. Open Your VPN App: Open the VPN app you installed at home.
    3. Connect to a Server: Choose a server to connect to.
      • Pro-Tip: Servers geographically close to China usually offer the best speeds. Try Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or Hong Kong first.
      • Be patient. It may take 10-30 seconds to connect.
    4. If It Fails, Try Again: If a connection fails, don’t panic. This is normal. Just try a different server (e.g., switch from “Tokyo – Server 1” to “Tokyo – Server 3”) or a different protocol (if your app allows it).
    5. Verify: Once the app says “Connected,” open your browser and go to Google.com. It should now load. Congratulations, you’re through the wall.

    Troubleshooting and Daily Pro-Tips

    “It’s connected, but the internet is slow.”

    This is normal. Your data is taking a longer path (e.g., Beijing -> Tokyo -> Google). It will be slower than a direct connection. Try a different server for better speeds.

    “My VPN keeps disconnecting.”

    This can happen, especially during major public events when the GFW is strengthened. Keep your VPN app updated, as providers constantly release patches to fight new blocks.

    “My battery is draining faster.”

    Also normal. A VPN adds about 10-15% more battery drain.

    Pro-Tip: Use “Split-Tunneling” (The Best Way)

    You do not need your VPN for Chinese apps. In fact, they will run slower with it on.

    • Turn VPN ON: When you need Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail.
    • Turn VPN OFF: When you need to use Chinese apps like Amap (maps), DiDi (taxis), or WeChat. This saves battery and gives you much faster speeds on local services.

    Is This Legal?

    Chinese law bans the sale and operation of unauthorized VPNs within China. For a tourist, using a VPN to check your email and social media exists in a legal gray area.

    The reality on the ground is clear: No tourist has been reported as being arrested or punished for using a VPN to access Gmail. As long as you are not using it for illegal activities, you will be fine.

    This “VPN dance” is the trade-off for getting ultra-cheap, high-speed local data. For most travelers, it’s absolutely worth it.

  • How to Buy a Local SIM Card in China (A Foreigner’s Guide)

    Want the cheapest data and a local Chinese phone number? The best way is to get a local prepaid SIM card.

    This method is more complex than using an eSIM, but it’s perfect for budget travelers, students, or anyone staying for more than a few weeks. This guide will walk you through the process, which is built around one, mandatory step: Real-Name Registration.

    Warning: A local SIM card puts you inside China’s “Great Firewall” (GFW). You must have a VPN service downloaded and subscribed on your phone before you start this process.

    Which Carrier to Choose?

    You have three choices. For tourists, the choice is simple.

    1. China Unicom: This is the best choice. Their network is fast and has historically been the most compatible with international phones and services (like VPNs).
    2. China Telecom: Also a good choice with a strong network.
    3. China Mobile: A massive network, but in the past, their 4G bands were not always compatible with foreign phones. While this is less of an issue now, China Unicom remains the easiest and most recommended.

    Where to Buy Your SIM Card

    You have two main options, with a clear trade-off between convenience and cost.

    Option 1: At the Airport (e.g., Beijing PEK, Shanghai PVG)

    Where: In the arrivals hall, you will see counters for “China Unicom” or other third-party SIM sellers.

    Pros:

    • Super convenient (you get it immediately).
    • Staff will speak English.

    Cons:

    • Much more expensive.
    • You will be sold a limited-service “Tourist Plan” (e.g., 20GB for ¥200) which is a bad deal compared to local plans.

    Option 2: At a Carrier’s Retail Store (In the City)

    Where: Find any official “China Unicom” (中国联通) or “China Telecom” (中国电信) store. Your hotel can point you to one.

    Pros:

    • Access to the best, cheapest local plans.
    • You can get a plan with huge amounts of data (e.g., 40GB for ¥100) for a fraction of the airport price.

    Cons:

    • Language barrier (staff will likely not speak English).
    • You may have to wait in line.

    My advice: If you’re staying for 2+ weeks, go to a city store. The savings are worth the minor hassle.

    The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your SIM

    Follow this process, and you’ll be set.

    Step 1: What to Bring (Non-Negotiable)

    Your Original Passport: A copy or a photo will not work. You must have the physical passport you used to enter China.

    Cash or Mobile Payment: Many smaller stores only accept cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Don’t expect them to take foreign credit cards.

    Your Phone: They will need to insert and test the SIM.

    (Optional) A Translation App: Have a phrase ready like, “Hello, I am a tourist and I need a prepaid SIM card.” (你好，我是游客，我需要一张预付费SIM卡).

    Step 2: Choosing a Plan

    Don’t get overwhelmed. You just need a simple prepaid plan.

    Use these key phrases:

    • “Yù fù fèi?” (预付费?) — “Prepaid?”
    • “Wǒ yào zhè ge” (我要这个) — “I want this one.” (while pointing).
    • “Duō shao liú liàng?” (多少流量?) — “How much data?”

    The staff will likely show you a few options on a pamphlet. Just point to one that has the data you need (e.g., “30GB”).

    Step 3: The Real-Name Registration

    This is the part that is new for most foreigners, but it’s a standard, legal process.

    1. They will ask for your passport.
    2. They will scan or take a photo of your passport’s information page.
    3. They will use a small tablet or camera to take a photo of your face.
    4. This is to verify that the person buying the SIM matches the passport. It’s a national anti-fraud law. Just smile and follow their lead.
    5. You may have to sign a form on a digital pad.

    Step 4: Activation and Payment

    After your information is in the system (it takes about 5-10 minutes), they will:

    1. Give you the new SIM card.
    2. Ask for payment (this is when you pay for the plan).
    3. Install the SIM in your phone.

    CRITICAL ADVICE: DO NOT LEAVE THE STORE.

    Wait for them to activate it. Test it. Open your phone’s browser and go to a Chinese website, like Baidu.com. (Do not test with https://www.google.com/search?q=Google.com, as it will be blocked and you’ll think the SIM is broken).

    Once you see a local website load, the SIM is working. Now you can leave, turn on your VPN, and enjoy full internet access.

  • The Best Travel eSIMs for China in 2025 (and How to Install One)

    For the modern tourist, the travel eSIM is a game-changer, and for a trip to China, it’s by far the best and most recommended solution.

    It balances cost, convenience, and—most importantly—gives you full internet access (including Google and WhatsApp) without needing a VPN. This guide explains what they are, which to buy, and how to set one up.

    First: What Is a Travel eSIM?

    An eSIM is a “digital SIM” that’s embedded in your phone. A “travel eSIM” is one you buy online specifically for a trip.

    Critical Fact: When you buy an eSIM for China, you are not buying a mainland Chinese SIM. You are buying a roaming SIM, usually from a provider based in Hong Kong, Singapore, or another nearby region.

    This is the secret. Because your data routes through Hong Kong, it bypasses the Great Firewall (GFW). eSIM = No VPN needed = Full access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram.

    Step 1: Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?

    You must check this before you buy.

    • iPhones: iPhone 11, XS, XR, and all newer models (including SE 2/3) support eSIM.
    • Samsung: Galaxy S20 and all newer models (S21, S22, etc.) and most Z-Flip/Fold models.
    • Google: Pixel 3 and all newer models.

    Your phone must also be “unlocked” from your carrier. If you bought it directly from Apple/Samsung, it is. If it’s on a carrier payment plan, check with them first.

    Step 2: The Best eSIM Providers for China (2025)

    While prices change, these providers are consistently the most reliable for travelers in China. They all partner with China Unicom or China Mobile, which have excellent 4G/5G coverage.

    ProviderPopular Plan (Example)ValidityNetwork in China
    Airalo10GB / $18 USD30 DaysChina Unicom / Mobile
    HolaflyUnlimited Data / $297 DaysChina Unicom
    Nomad5GB / $15 USD30 DaysChina Mobile / Unicom
    Ubigi10GB / $22 USD30 DaysChina Mobile

    Note: Prices are for illustrative purposes. Check their websites for current deals.

    My Recommendation:

    • For most users, Airalo or Nomad offer the best balance of data and price (e.g., 10GB is more than enough for a 2-week trip).
    • If you are a heavy data user and want peace of mind, Holafly’s unlimited plan is excellent, though more expensive.

    Step 3: How to Buy and Install Your eSIM (A Step-by-Step Guide)

    Do this at home, while you still have good Wi-Fi.

    Before Your Trip (At Home):

    1) Choose & Buy: Go to the provider’s website (e.g., Airalo) and purchase your China plan.

      2) Get the QR Code: They will email you a QR code.

      3) Install:

      • On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
      • On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Add SIM.

      4) Scan the QR code and follow the prompts. Your phone will install the eSIM profile.

      5) Label it: Your phone will ask you to label the eSIM. Call it “China Travel” so you know what it is.

      6) Keep it OFF: Your plan’s validity “timer” usually starts when it first connects to a network. Leave this eSIM turned off for now. Set your “Cellular Data” back to your home SIM.

      When You Land in China (At the Airport):

      1) Turn Off Your Home SIM: Go to your cellular settings and turn OFF your primary “Home” SIM. This prevents all roaming charges.

      2) Turn ON Your eSIM: Turn ON your “China Travel” eSIM.

      3) Set Data: Make your “China Travel” eSIM your primary line for Cellular Data.

      4) Enable Roaming: This is the most important step! You must turn ON “Data Roaming” for your “China Travel” eSIM. (This sounds scary, but it’s correct. You are “roaming” onto the Chinese network, but you will not be charged extra).

      Within a minute, your phone will connect to China Unicom or China Mobile, and you will have full, high-speed internet.

      Troubleshooting: “It’s Not Working!”

      If you land and have no connection, 99% of the time it’s one of these:

      1. “Data Roaming” is OFF: Go into your eSIM’s settings and make sure the “Data Roaming” toggle is ON.
      2. Your Home SIM is still active: Make sure your home SIM is disabled or that cellular data is not pointed at it.
      3. You need to restart: Just restart your phone.

      That’s it. The eSIM is the simplest, most effective way for any modern tourist to stay connected in China.

    1. Using International Roaming in China: Is It Worth It?

      Landing in a new country is stressful. The idea of your phone “just working” is incredibly appealing. That’s the promise of international roaming—using your home SIM card in China. But is this convenience worth the shocking price tag?

      Here’s a deep dive into whether you should use roaming on your trip.

      How Roaming Works (and Why It Skips the ‘Wall’)

      When you use international roaming in China, your phone connects to a local partner network, like China Unicom or China Mobile. However, your data “request” (e.g., to open https://www.google.com/search?q=Google.com) isn’t processed in China. It’s routed back to your home country and processed by your home carrier (like AT&T, Vodafone, etc.).

      Because the data request is handled outside China, it is not subject to the Great Firewall (GFW). This means you get full, unfiltered access to the entire internet—Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, news sites—without needing a VPN.

      Check Your Carrier: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

      The value of roaming depends entirely on your provider.

      The “Daily Pass” (Most Carriers: AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, etc.)

      What it is: These carriers offer a flat-fee “day pass” for international use. This is typically $10 – $15 USD (or £7 – £10) per 24-hour period.

      The Verdict: This is wildly expensive. For a 10-day trip, you would pay $100-$150 for data you could get from an eSIM for $20. This is an emergency option, not a planned one.

      The “Free” Roaming (T-Mobile, Google Fi – US)

      What it is: Some plans, like T-Mobile’s “Go5G” or Google Fi, include “free” international data in China.

      The Catch: Read the fine print. This “free” data is almost always slowed to 2G or 3G speeds (around 256kbps). While this is enough to (slowly) load a message in WhatsApp, it’s not enough to load a map, browse the web, or post a photo. It’s a “connectivity” plan, not a “data” plan.

      Pros vs. Cons: A Clear Breakdown

      Pros:

      • Ultimate Convenience: Nothing to set up. It works from the moment you land.
      • Keep Your Number: You can make and receive calls/texts on your regular phone number (though this may cost extra).
      • No VPN Needed: Full access to the global internet.

      Cons:

      • Extreme Cost: The “day pass” model is a budget-killer.
      • Slow Speeds: “Free” roaming plans are often too slow for modern use.
      • Accidental Usage: If you forget to buy a pass, pay-as-you-go rates can be dollars per megabyte, leading to a bill of hundreds or thousands.

      Conclusion: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Roaming?

      You SHOULD use roaming if:

      • You are on a very short business trip (1-2 days) and your company is paying.
      • You are on a multi-country tour, and China is just a 24-hour layover.
      • Your only goal is to receive critical iMessages or WhatsApp texts, and you have a “free” (slow) roaming plan.

      You SHOULD NOT use roaming if:

      • You are staying in China for more than 3 days.
      • You are on a personal vacation or budget.
      • You want to use maps, social media, or browse the web effectively.

      Final Verdict: For 99% of travelers, roaming is a bad deal. It’s either too expensive or too slow. You are far better off choosing a Travel eSIM or a Local SIM Card.

    2. Keeping Connected in China: The Ultimate Guide to SIMs, eSIMs, and Roaming for Tourists

      Getting connected in China is famously different from anywhere else. You’ll encounter two unique challenges: The ‘Great Firewall’ (GFW), which blocks services like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and a mandatory Real-Name Registration law for all local SIM cards.

      Don’t worry. Getting online is easy if you know the options. This guide will help you decide the best method for your trip before you fly.

      There are three main ways for a tourist to stay connected in China.

      Your Three Options: A Quick Comparison

      This table breaks down everything you need to know to make a quick decision.

      OptionCostEase of UseNeeds VPN? (for Google, etc.)How to Get It
      A.
      International Roaming      		Extremely High⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easiest)No (Data routes via your home)Automatic (from your home carrier)
      B.
      Travel eSIM      		Medium⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Easy)No (Data routes via a 3rd country)Online, before you travel
      C.
      Local Chinese SIM      		Very Low⭐⭐ (Complex)Yes (Absolutely necessary)At a Chinese airport or city store

      Option A: International Roaming (Your Home SIM)

      This is the simplest, most seamless, and most expensive option. You simply land in China, turn off airplane mode, and your phone connects to a local partner (like China Unicom) and “just works.”

      • How it Works: Your data is routed back through your home carrier (e.g., T-Mobile in the US, Vodafone in the UK). Because your data isn’t inside the Chinese internet, it completely bypasses the GFW. You’ll have full access to Google, WhatsApp, and everything else.
      • Pros:
        • Zero setup. Land and go.
        • Keep your original phone number.
        • No VPN needed.
      • Cons:
        • The cost. Many carriers charge $10-$15 per day for a roaming pass. Pay-as-you-go rates can be astronomical.
        • Some “free” roaming (like T-Mobile’s) is often slowed to unusable 2G/3G speeds.
      • Best for:
        • Very short trips (< 3 days).
        • Business travelers whose company is paying.
        • Travelers who value absolute convenience over any cost.

      Option B: Travel eSIM (The Recommended Choice)

      For most tourists with a modern phone (iPhone 11 or newer, Google Pixel 3+, etc.), this is the new champion of travel connectivity.

      • How it Works: You buy a digital SIM card online from a provider like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad before you leave. You install it using a QR code. When you land, you activate the eSIM, and it connects to a local Chinese network.
      • The Critical Fact: These are not Chinese SIMs. They are “travel” or “roaming” eSIMs, often based in Hong Kong or Singapore. Like international roaming, your data routes outside mainland China, so you do not need a VPN to access Google, Instagram, etc.
      • Pros:
        • Buy and set it up entirely from home.
        • Land and connect immediately.
        • No VPN required.
        • Cost-effective (e.g., $20 for 10GB).
      • Cons:
        • Your phone must be “eSIM compatible” and “unlocked.”
        • You get data only (usually no local Chinese phone number).
      • Best for:
        • 90% of modern tourists.
        • Travelers who want convenience and reasonable prices.

      Option C: Local Chinese SIM Card (The Budget Way)

      This is the “old-school” method. It’s the cheapest by far, but also requires the most work. You physically buy a plastic SIM card after you arrive in China.

      • How it Works: You must go to an airport counter or a carrier store (like China Unicom) in the city. You must present your original passport to comply with the “Real-Name Registration” law. They will take your photo and scan your passport.
      • The Critical Fact: This SIM card gives you a local Chinese phone number and puts you inside the GFW. This means no Google, no WhatsApp, no YouTube, etc., unless you have a VPN.
      • Pros:
        • The cheapest data (e.g., $30 for 40GB).
        • A local phone number, which can be useful for booking restaurants or using some local apps.
      • Cons:
        • You must have a working VPN (and you must install it before you go).
        • The hassle of finding a store, language barriers, and the registration process.
        • You can’t get it until you’ve already landed.
      • Best for:
        • Long-term travelers (> 15 days).
        • Budget backpackers.
        • Students or people who need a local phone number.

      My Final Recommendation

      • For almost everyone: Use a Travel eSIM. The convenience of setting it up at home and having data the moment you land—with no VPN needed—is unbeatable.
      • If you’re on a tight budget or staying for a month: Get a Local SIM Card. Just make sure you’ve already set up your VPN before you fly.

      No matter which option you choose, there are other digital tools you need to prepare. Make sure to also read our guide on the other essentials for your trip.