First Trip to China? Arrive Connected & Cashless.
No guessing at airport kiosks. Learn how to install a travel eSIM before flying, link foreign cards to Alipay & WeChat Pay, navigate visa-free arrival rules, and pick the exact English-friendly apps that work on day one.
Pre-Flight eSIM
Get instant 4G/5G data when you land—no airport SIM queues and no home roaming bill shock.
Compare plans →Alipay & WeChat Pay
Link Visa or Mastercard before departure so QR checkouts and metro gates work smoothly.
Setup steps →Maps, Didi & Trains
Why Google Maps falls short in China and which English-ready apps handle trains and rides.
See app list →Visa-Free Checklist
30-day visa-free vs. 240-hour transit prep: passport checks, hotel bookings, and arrival cards.
View checklist →How Foreign Visitors Get Internet in China
Pick your connectivity setup before boarding based on your phone hardware and trip length.
| Option | Best For | Setup Effort | Includes +86 Number? | Passport Scan Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Installed Travel eSIM e.g. Airalo China / Asialink | Most 3–30 day tourists with unlocked eSIM phones | Low — install at home in 3 minutes | No (Data-only) | Usually no |
| Airport Physical Tourist SIM China Unicom / China Mobile | Locked-eSIM phones, 30+ day stays, or local SMS needs | Medium — airport counter queue & passport scan | Yes | Yes (mandatory) |
| Home Carrier Roaming AT&T / Verizon / Telstra etc. | Short 1–2 day corporate layovers on expensed lines | Zero — just turn on roaming | Keeps home number | No |
Will Your Phone Support a Travel eSIM in China?
Select your device category below before purchasing any digital eSIM plan. Two things are mandatory: hardware eSIM support (EID) and no carrier lock.
- Go to Settings → General → About and scroll to Carrier Lock. It must say "No SIM restrictions".
- Dial
*#06#or open Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service. If you see an EID number or Add eSIM, your phone is ready. (Most global iPhone XS / XR and newer support eSIM.)
Essential Pre-Flight Guides
Step-by-step checklists written for first-time international visitors.
Alipay & WeChat Pay Setup for Foreign Visitors in China (2026 Guide)
How to link Visa or Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay before flying, avoid card declines at checkout, and stay connected to scan QR codes anywhere in China.
Read guide →China Visa-Free & 240-Hour Transit Checklist for First-Time Visitors
What to check before boarding a flight to China under the 30-day visa-free or 240-hour transit policy: passport rules, hotel bookings, arrival cards, and mobile data.
Read guide →Essential Apps for China Travel: Maps, Rides, Translation & Trains
Which everyday Western apps stop working smoothly in China, what local alternatives work best in English, and how to book high-speed rail tickets.
Read guide →China Airport Physical SIM vs. Travel eSIM: Which Should You Choose?
Comparing arrival airport SIM cards and pre-installed China travel eSIMs across passport registration, pricing, `+86` phone numbers, and day-one convenience.
Read guide →