For getting around
Apple Maps
Built into iPhone. Walking, driving and transit directions in supported locations. Save your hotel’s Chinese address separately.
Check availability05 / eSIM & app stack
Land connected.
Find your own way.
Choose the right data plan and put the useful apps on your home screen before you leave.
Provider-reported features, not independent speed tests. Actual speed depends on your phone, location, network congestion and package limits. Confirm the exact plan before purchase.
| Provider | Network & speed | Personal hotspot | International app access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip.com ↗ Multiple suppliers | Varies by supplier and package. Check high-speed data allowance and throttling policy. | Check the exact listing. Conditions differ between products. | Some listings advertise access to international apps. Confirm the selected package; this is not a promise for every Trip.com eSIM. |
| Airalo ↗ China / Asia / Global plans | 4G/5G advertised. Actual performance varies; not speed-tested here. | Supported where the device and network allow. A hotspot APN may need configuration. | The provider says China-covering plans use international routing for supported services without a separate VPN. |
| Nomad ↗ China plans | 4G/5G advertised. Actual performance varies; not speed-tested here. | Generally supported. Device and network stability are not guaranteed. | The provider says current China plans support services including Google, WhatsApp and Instagram via international routing. |
Five minutes before departure
- Confirm your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Read when the plan’s validity starts before installing.
- Install on a reliable internet connection and label the line.
- On arrival, select the eSIM for data and enable its roaming.
- Keep access to your home SIM for verification texts; check its roaming charges.
The connection matters
International routing applies to that eSIM’s mobile-data connection. Hotel Wi-Fi and local SIMs may have different access restrictions. Routing does not override a service’s own regional terms or availability.
Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not give you a Chinese phone number. Nomad currently asks travelers to buy new plans before entering China; an active, unexpired plan can be topped up inside China.
Four useful downloads
A small stack. A big difference.
For the metro
MetroMan
Download city data before you leave for offline metro planning, station information and multilingual navigation.
Get MetroManFor the right words
DeepL
Text, speech and photo translation. Save essential phrases separately; do not rely on an offline translation mode.
Get DeepLFor everyday payments
Alipay
Link an eligible international card for merchant payments. Personal transfers and red packets cannot use that foreign card.
Read the setup guidePaying with a foreign card? Ask for a merchant payment QR. A personal transfer code can fail. Keep a cash backup; ¥300 is our suggested starting buffer.