Overview & preparation
Internet in China: your options
Payment, maps and messages depend on a working connection. Consider your options before you lose access to familiar Wi-Fi.
Three ways to connect
- ✓Travel eSIM: a digital plan for compatible devices. Many plans are data-only; a local phone number is not guaranteed.
- ✓Local SIM: a plan from a mainland operator. It can include a local number, with identity checks and handset compatibility requirements.
- ✓International roaming: use your existing carrier abroad. It is familiar, but China coverage and charges depend on your plan.
What to check in advance
- ✓Device compatibility, coverage, price, validity period and whether calls or SMS are included.
- ✓Whether your usual online services will work through that connection.
- ✓A second way to get online if your first plan is unavailable. Exact choices, activation and recovery belong in the action guide.
Free sample · From the complete guide
Try this part of your Hangzhou journey
Practical steps
Choose and test your landing connection
Roaming or a travel eSIM is usually the simplest way to have data immediately after landing. Install the eSIM before departure, label each line clearly and confirm which line supplies mobile data and which receives SMS. A data-only eSIM normally does not include a mainland Chinese number. If you need a local number, take your passport to an official China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom service point after arrival. A local number is useful, but it is not required for the main travel apps.
- Roaming
- Fastest to activate Check your carrier's China data price and fair-use limit.
- Travel eSIM
- Install before boarding Check phone compatibility, lock status, data allowance and whether tethering is included.
- Local SIM
- Passport registration required Useful for a mainland number; airport counter hours and stock are not guaranteed.
About this excerpt
Selected from Land with a working connection and a fallback. Guide updated October 5, 2026. App labels and local arrangements can change.
Inside the Full Guide
Included in the Full Hangzhou Guide, together with this city’s Quick Cards.
- Your connection plan
- Do you need a local SIM?
- HGH · Xiaoshan T4: SIM location & hours
- HGH · Xiaoshan T3: SIM location & hours
- Buy, activate and test before walking away
All three journey stages
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