International Roaming, SIM Cards, and Wifi Hotspots

If you are planning to travel to China and are wondering whether you can use your mobile phone, the short answer is probably “yes,” but there are a few options you might want to consider. Some choices may save you money depending on how much you plan to use your phone.

International Roaming Service

Most mobile phone providers offer customers international roaming services when you sign up for your phone contract. If you purchased a very basic plan, it may not support international roaming. In that case, you cannot use your mobile phone as it is for making calls.

If you have the option for international roaming, you usually need to contact your mobile provider to enable this feature and inform them of the countries you plan to visit. Some mobile phone providers may not even have roaming availability in China. If roaming in China is an option, keep in mind that it can be very expensive, with rates varying by country. Therefore, inquire about the charges for phone calls, text messages, and data usage.

Next, assess your expected phone usage. If you only plan to use your mobile phone in emergencies, you should be fine with roaming. However, if you are on a business trip or plan to make numerous calls, texts, and go online frequently, you have other options. You can buy an unlocked phone and purchase a SIM card locally in China or get a mobile wifi service to use with your phone.

Get an Unlocked Phone and SIM Card

If you can obtain an unlocked mobile phone, which means a device not tied to a specific carrier’s network (like AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon), you will have more flexibility with service providers. Most phones are locked to a particular carrier, so purchasing an unlocked smartphone can be a more convenient and reliable option. Although you may pay more—sometimes several hundred dollars more—you won’t rely on anyone to unlock it for you. These phones are available from Amazon, eBay, other online retailers, and local stores.

With an unlocked phone, you can easily buy a local pre-paid SIM card in China, often found in shops within airports, metro stations, hotels, and convenience stores. A SIM card, or subscriber identity module, is a small card inserted into your phone (usually near the battery), providing your phone with its number as well as voice and data service. The cost for a SIM card typically ranges from RMB 100 to RMB 200 ($15 to $30), which includes initial minutes. You can add more minutes by purchasing phone cards available in convenience stores and stalls, usually for amounts up to RMB 100. Rates are reasonable, and the menu for recharging your phone supports both English and Mandarin.

Rent or Buy a Mobile Wifi Device

If you prefer to use your phone or other devices, like your laptop, but wish to avoid international roaming charges, you can purchase a mobile wifi device, also known as a “MiFi” device, which serves as your own portable wifi hotspot. You can buy or rent one for about $10 per day, offering unlimited data usage. Moreover, some plans may provide a limited amount of data, at which point you would need to purchase additional data for a fee.

A mobile wifi device is one of the most economical ways to maintain connectivity while traveling. To use it, turn off international roaming on your phone, then log in to the mobile wifi network. Once successfully connected, you should be able to access the internet and make calls via FaceTime or Skype. You can arrange for this service by renting a small handheld device before your trip or upon arrival at the airport. If traveling with multiple people, the hotspot usually allows sharing for several devices simultaneously.

Online Limitations

It is essential to understand that gaining online access does not guarantee complete connectivity. Certain web channels and social media platforms are blocked in China, such as Facebook, Gmail, Google, and YouTube. Therefore, it is advisable to research apps that can assist you while traveling in China.

Need Help?

Figuring out your mobile connectivity options might require some extra time, but this effort can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in the long run if you plan to utilize your phone or the internet. If you encounter difficulty in locating where to buy a SIM card or a mobile wifi device, hotel staff or local tour guides are usually very helpful and can assist you in resolving such issues.