Step 4
Power & Connectivity (SIM)
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
⚡220V / 50Hz
🔌Type A / C / I(Multi-standard outlets common)
🔄Usually not needed (multi-standard outlets)
💡Most outlets accept US/Japan and European plugs without adapter.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
📱China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
🏪Airport carrier counters, carrier shops in cities
📋Passport required, facial recognition registration
💰Tourist SIM from $15-30 for 7-30 days
💡China Unicom tourist SIM includes VPN-free access; buy at airport on arrival.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
📶Limited — International eSIM providers only
🏢Airalo, Ubigi, eSIM2Fly
💰$8-30 for 1-10GB / 7-30 days
💡Chinese carriers do not support foreign eSIM; use Airalo with VPN included.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
📡Good — widely available but requires registration
🏨Available in all hotels; often requires phone number verification
☕Free in cafes, malls, airports, and train stations
💡VPN needed for Google, Facebook, etc.; hotel WiFi may bypass the firewall.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
🔒Heavy — extensive censorship (Great Firewall)
🚫Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter/X, Wikipedia, many Western services
🛡️Essential — install before arrival
💡Download and configure VPN before entering China; most VPN websites are blocked inside.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
🚗DiDi, Amap (Gaode), metro apps
🗺️Baidu Maps, Amap (Google Maps blocked)
💬WeChat (essential for everything), Alipay
💡WeChat is mandatory - payments, communication, and services all-in-one.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
📞+86 (China)
🆘110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
📲Dial 00 + country code + number for international calls
💡VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Skype) may be blocked; use WeChat for calls.