Choose your primary connection
Compare your home carrier’s roaming pass with a reputable travel eSIM that explicitly lists mainland China. Check device lock status, supported bands, data allowance and whether tethering is allowed.
Device and activation rules vary. Apple’s current guidance notes that mainland-China eSIM support depends on model and provider, so check your exact device before buying.
Activate at the right time
Install or provision a travel eSIM before arrival when the provider requires it. Keep the QR code and setup instructions offline, and record which line should handle data and SMS.
Design for no signal
Save addresses, tickets, payment instructions and emergency cards locally. Airport or hotel Wi-Fi may require SMS or identity verification and should be treated as a fallback, not the only plan.