Recently, the hashtag "#chinatravel" has suddenly gone viral online. A 16-second video titled "China is too beautiful to be real" racked up 2.5 million likes and 43 million views. Foreign netizens are frantically liking and saving it, while jokingly praying they’ll get rich soon so they can travel to China. Hahaha, it turns out netizens around the world are all the same!
In China, daily life revolves around digital convenience—from paying with Alipay and WeChat to hailing taxis and ordering takeout via apps. So, the first question for foreigners before coming to China is: How to get online?
International Roaming
Keeping your personal phone number active with international roaming is convenient, but it often comes with high costs. Before your trip, check roaming charges for China and ask if your provider has partnerships with China Telecom—this might unlock more affordable rates.
eSIM
eSIM cards are generally a budget-friendly option, with competitive prices for data (and sometimes calls/texts) compared to pricey international roaming. For example, a 15GB data plan costs just $21 (around 150 yuan). No physical SIM card is needed, and you can even activate it before arriving in China. The downside? No phone number, so you can’t make calls or receive texts.
Travel SIM Card
After arriving in China, you can buy a local SIM card (with a Chinese phone number) at the airport using your passport. This is a game-changer: you’ll be able to receive texts and make calls, which are essential for booking app accounts, hailing taxis, ordering takeout, reserving hotels, and buying tickets. Prices are also great compared to roaming or eSIM—for instance, China Mobile offers a package with 20GB data + 80 minutes of calls for 150 yuan (about $21).
Pro tip: At Shanghai Pudong Airport’s arrival area, head to the right side of the Cheerway Easy Go convenience store—there’s a dedicated shop selling SIM cards for overseas travelers.
(⭐️ Stay tuned for a detailed 2024 guide to buying SIM cards at Shanghai Pudong Airport! DM me if you need tips on eSIMs~)
China’s popular attractions are like windows into its real, vibrant soul: there are rural mountains⛰, pastoral idylls☘, towering skyscrapers🏙, and modern prosperity🌟. We cherish our past while embracing the future!
Welcome to China—may your trip be wonderful! 🌟
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