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How to get internet in China | eSIM with VPN vs local SIM
If you're planning a trip to China, you should know what we think. essential to have internet to get around the country. Apart from the most basic uses like checking hotel reservations, using a translator or maps, in China you'll also need internet to pay anything...even the subway. That's why I'm going to explaincarte how to have internet in China, from the one that was the most convenient option to the most economical and local.
Please note the Chinese government applies Strong censorship on all types of applications of Western origin, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and even Google apps like Gmail or Google Maps. For this reason, having a fast VPN (a system that simulates you are outside of China) is essential. Don't worry! Among the alternatives I'm going to explain...car There is also the eSIM with built-in VPN that we use, and you won't have to do anything strange to use your mobile normally.
➤ Hire eSIM with VPN and -5% discount
How to have internet in China with VPN: Our recommendation
Throughout the article I will talk about the specific details of each of the options and What are their prices and advantages?But if you don't want to dedicatecarI've spent a lot of time on this and if you need a quick answer, I'll tell you that My chosen option was one eSIM with VPN built-in. If you are traveling on a tight budget your best option is to use a local SIM + Install a VPN before traveling to China.
Are you going to China soon? You can read our China itinerary in 15 days or the best route to get to know China in 21 days.
China eSIM with VPN – The best way to have internet in China
Undoubtedly, the most convenient option for having internet in China is to buy an eSIM with a built-in VPN, so you don't have to worry about buscar I need a VPN that works in China and is cheap or free. Currently The best eSIM with built-in VPN is Holafly, A company specializing in eSIM cards is offering a 5% discount to our readers. With this card, you can have internet access from the moment you land.
➤ Hire Holafly with VPN and -5% discount
Why do I recommend an eSIM in China over a cheaper local SIM? It's simple, for convenience and simplicityOf course you can buy a local SIM and use a VPN app, but keep in mind that many VPNs don't work when using Chinese phone carriers and that some VPNs can significantly slow down your phone.
Best eSIM card with VPN to have internet in China
As we were saying, buying an eSIM is not the cheapest choice to have internet in China, but it is the most convenient and the one that guarantees you normal access to all your applicationsPlus, they come with unlimited internet so you don't have to connect to public WiFi.
➤ Hire Holafly with VPN and 5% discount with the code «VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS«
If you barely use the internet on a daily basis, you probably won't do so while traveling, so getting a card that offers a small amount of internet could also be useful. There are dozens of companies that offer eSIMs in China with VPN and limited data packages. If you tell me in the comments how long your trip is and how much internet you need, I will recommend the best company for you.
Other advantages of eSIM cards in China with VPN are:
- Installation is simple: Right after the purchase, they send you a QR code and when you scan it, the phone setup starts automatically. Activate the Chinese eSIM when you land and you will have internet instantly.
- You keep your WhatsApp number. You can call and message your WhatsApp contacts as usual.
- You keep the SIM card of your usual operator. By activating the Chinese eSIM you will have a “dual SIM” with your regular card, in case you need it. This is important because you can continue receiving confirmation calls or SMS when making online transactions such as purchases or account verifications. Plus, you're sure not to lose your SIM because you don't need to...carthe one on your phone.
How to activate an eSIM card in China
Installing an eSIM is very simple. You don't need to be particularly tech-savvy to do it, and the email you receive after purchase includes step-by-step instructions. While there are a couple of ways to do it, for us the quickest and easiest has always been to use the attached QR code. Simply scan this QR code with another phone or print the email.
Once your phone is scanned, the installation process will begin automatically, and the eSIM will be ready in less than a minute. Remember that you need an internet connection to install the Chinese eSIM. I recommend doing this before your flight, while you still have internet access from your regular carrier.
Once you arrive at the destination country you have to remember disable mobile data option from your usual operator and leave only the new local operator active. Check that the option allow roaming is activated, otherwise the Chinese eSIM will not work.
If you're still unsure which eSIM to choose, here are two comparisons we've written between the most important eSIM companies on the market: Holafly vs Airalo and also the comparison of Holafly vs Saily.
Where to buy one local SIM card to have internet in China
You will need internet to catch public transport or pay for anything on the way to your accommodation, so even though prices at the airport are somewhat more carI recommend you buy your SIM card to have internet in China upon arrival or via amazon before travelling.
Anyway, there are ticket booths where you can buy bus or train tickets with cash, so you can also do it that way and wait to buy the physical SIM card in the city center. In my opinion, it's a bit complicated, and considering you need internet for everything in China, I would buy it at the airport. It will be a great help in finding transportation. go from the airport to the center.
To connect to the airport's public WiFi You have to use machines in arrivals that give you a code to connect (you need that code or a Chinese phone number).
Buying a SIM card at the Shanghai or Beijing Airport
In the luggage collection area we saw carTVs advertising local SIM cards. Prices start from €20 inside the airport. There are three main operators: China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile, the cheapest (and popular).
There are several stands selling SIM cards from all major carriers, and there are also convenience stores that sell local SIM cards, along with the typical snacks and drinks. These stores tend to be a bit cheaper.
How to use VPN to have internet in China
Whether you have chosen to buy a local SIM or you have a computer in your luggage and need to connect to the WiFi networks of hotels or cafes you're going to need a VPN to have internet in China with access to websites that we take for granted like Google. Even if you have unlimited mobile internet you may need to use WiFi for example if you go by Beijing to Shanghai train since due to the speed and the rural areas through which it passes, coverage is not good.
Without going into technical details, a VPN serves to encrypt your connection and simulate that you are abroad. This serves to avoid censorship by the Chinese government. and be able to connect to all prohibited websites and use all the applications on your phone.
Although we use the Chinese eSIM with VPN from Holafly we still needed a VPN to be able to work with our computers. Now we use NordVPN, which is also very useful to us in other situations during our trips. With a quick Google search you will see that there are hundreds of different options.
FAQ on how to have internet in China
In China, many Western apps are banned without a VPN. The most common examples are... carThese are any Google apps like Google Maps, Gmail or YouTube, and also other social networks like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok.
The best thing about buying an eSIM like the one from Holafly It already includes a VPN that unlocks internet access. If you purchase a local SIM, you'll need to first install a VPN valid for China, which you'll need to activate every time you use the internet.
We haven't encountered any travelers who have had problems using VPNs; all travelers use them to use their phones normally. Even Chinese citizens use VPNs to access apps like Instagram.
It depends a lot on the location, the time, and the number of people around you. Even so, in cities, you'll have enough speed to browse, upload content, and use social media without any problems.
Based on our personal experience traveling around the country and using the internet daily, the best eSIM for traveling around China is Holafly.
I hope this article helps you clarify your doubts about how to have internet in China and prepare your trip well, whether you choose a Chinese eSIM with VPN or a local SIM. You can check out the rest of our articles on travel to China on your own to continue organizing your adventure.
Hello, travelerslowcosteros, great and thanks for this post!
I have a question about something you mentioned: *Make sure the option to allow roaming is enabled; otherwise, the Chinese eSIM won't work.* What does that mean, the roaming option for the new eSIM? If it's Hola Fly, for example?
Another question would be about payment. If I have Alipay or WeChat to pay, which mobile phone do I have to be registered with? The one from my country?
Hello John!
When installing a new eSIM, the phone usually disables the "allow roaming" setting by default, since most SIMs have this feature.cargo when used abroad, but for it to work Holafly abroad you must activate that option.
As for the phone number, if it is your country's.
All the best
Hi, we only want internet for maps and WhatsApp, so unlimited data seems excessive to me. I was thinking of 10GB for the 15 days we're going. Which ESOM company do you recommend?
thank you very much!
Hi!
If you only need a limited amount of internet, there are much cheaper options. For example, if you're looking for a reputable company with a built-in VPN, you can opt for https://saily.sjv.io/XmGOL5 And if you prioritize price, the cheapest one I have found is: https://esim.sm/en/go/CN?aff_id=64275 Although I don't know if the latter includes a VPN, you should install one on your phone before traveling just in case.
I'll share this message with you via email in case you don't see it.
Greetings and enjoy China
Hi!
Do you recommend purchasing a Chinese SIM card directly at the airport upon arrival, or is it better to bring one purchased locally? I've seen in the comments that you've shared a link to purchase it on Amazon.
Greetings and thank you!
Josu
Hi Josu, the price will be roughly similar whether you buy it through Amazon or at the airport. More than anything, you'll save yourself a little paperwork upon arrival, but I'm sure international airports are used to selling SIM cards to tourists, so you won't have any problems.
Hey guys! With the eSIM card and VPN from Holafly Can you share the internet with another phone? Or do you need to have a SIM card and VPN for each phone?
Thank you!!
Hello Sara!
Yes, you can share the internet, but the daily data allowance is limited—usually 500MB. I don't know if it's different in China, but you could ask the holafly help chat to make sure.
I hope the information is useful to you
Hi!
I would like tocarI need an eSIM with VPN. My phone is a Samsung A72, which is not compatible with... HolaflyWhat other eSim companies with VPN do you recommend?
A greeting and thanks in advance,
Hi carmen,
If not compatible with Holafly This means that they do not accept any eSIM, not even from other companies. In that case you will have to buy a physical SIM card once there or you can even get them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4g7Gw6G
Hello,
Nice post on how to get internet.
From what I understand they used 2 phones, one with eSIM and another with a Chinese SIM and Chinese phone number.
The question would be, on which phone did they use wechat/alipay?
Hello Ishmael!
We use Alipay without any problem with the eSIM, it works on any phone regardless of the operator, it is an APP that requires an internet connection regardless of the method.
I hope my answer has clarified your doubts, hugs!
Hello. Is my Samsung S23 ultra phone compatible for the acquisition of eSIM? I have installed wechat and I have the idea of acquiring eSIM with VPN to be able to access the Internet comfortably, yes I use the Internet daily. My question is how do I synchronize to make daily payments… Thanks
Hello, Nieves
Yes, Holafly It is compatible with the latest generation smartphones. We paid everything through Alipay, which was very easy to use. Here is the link to the article where we explain everything in detail. https://viajeroslowcosteros.com/que-es-alipay-y-como-usarlo-para-pagar-en-china-guia-facil-paso-a-paso/ I hope it helps you!