Start with one question: do I need a Chinese number?
If you plan to travel independently, the answer is probably yes. A lot of local services stop at that doorway: delivery riders need to reach you, ride-hailing drivers usually call to confirm the pickup point, and some attractions and venues only accept bookings made with a local number. If you are on a package tour and mainly want social media, roaming or an eSIM will do the job.
Option 1: International Roaming
You keep your existing number and there is no need to swap your physical SIM card. The big advantage is direct access to international apps such as Google and Instagram. The downside is cost — it is the most expensive route, best suited to short trips with modest data needs. Check your carrier's China roaming rates and daily caps before you fly.
Option 2: A Chinese SIM Card
Plans are flexible and can be bought at the airport or in the city centre, with setup taking about 15–20 minutes. You get a Chinese phone number for calls and SMS, at a lower price. One thing to remember: you must bring your passport — it is required for SIM card registration.
Option 3: A China eSIM
This also gives you access to international apps like Google and Instagram, with a range of plans to choose from. Buy and install it online before departure and activate it the moment you land; it is relatively cheap. However, it provides no Chinese number, so some local apps — food delivery and ride-hailing in particular — may be limited. Before buying, confirm that your handset supports eSIM, and check mainland coverage, hotspot support, speed and data caps, validity and the refund policy.
Option 4: Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in airports, hotels and shopping centres, and costs nothing. The catch: with an international number you may not receive SMS verification codes, which makes it better as a backup than as your only connection.
So which one?
● Short trip, mostly social apps → international roaming or an eSIM.
● Need a Chinese number for verification codes, local calls, taxis and deliveries → a Chinese SIM card.
● Budget-conscious but unwilling to give up international apps → an eSIM.
● Just need a quick fix to check a map → public Wi-Fi.
One last reminder: whichever you choose, install the Chinese apps you need and set up your accounts before arrival. Registration usually requires an SMS verification code — a step you really do not want to be doing while queuing at immigration.