Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
China uses 220V, 50Hz. Sockets commonly accept Type A (flat US-style), Type C (European) and Type I (Australian) plugs, so a universal adapter is handy.
- Voltage
- 220V, 50Hz
- Plugs
- Type A / C / I
- Adapter
- A universal adapter is convenient
- Many hotel sockets are multi-standard; still bring an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
Three carriers operate: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. You can buy a tourist SIM at airport counters with your passport (real-name registration). Note: local SIMs still sit behind the Great Firewall.
- Carriers
- China Mobile / Unicom / Telecom
- Where
- Airport counters, telco shops
- Register
- Passport / real-name required
- A local SIM alone will not bypass blocked sites without a VPN
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
Travel eSIMs are popular for China because some route data through servers outside the mainland, giving open internet without a separate VPN. Set one up before you arrive.
- Why eSIM
- Some route around the firewall
- Providers
- Airalo, Holafly and similar
- Setup
- Install and activate before landing
- Check the plan's coverage and whether it offers open internet
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes and airports, but public hotspots often require a Chinese phone number for SMS verification. All Wi-Fi is behind the Great Firewall.
- Where
- Hotels, cafes, airports
- Verification
- Often needs a Chinese number
- Firewall
- Same blocks apply on Wi-Fi
- For open internet, rely on a travel eSIM or preset VPN
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
The "Great Firewall" blocks Google, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X and many others. VPN use sits in a legal grey zone and is not guaranteed to work — prepare before you arrive.
- Blocked
- Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, etc.
- VPN
- Grey area; not always reliable
- Maps
- Use Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps
- Set up a VPN or a suitable travel eSIM before landing, not after
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Key apps: Alipay/WeChat for payments and chat, Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps for navigation, DiDi for rides, 12306 or Trip.com for trains, and a dictionary app like Pleco.
- Pay/chat
- Alipay, WeChat
- Maps/rides
- Amap/Baidu, DiDi
- Trains
- 12306, Trip.com
- Install and set these up before you land, while apps still download freely
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
China's country code is +86 and mobile numbers have 11 digits. For emergencies dial 110 (police), 120 (ambulance) or 119 (fire). WeChat is the default for calls and messaging.
- Country code
- +86
- Mobile numbers
- 11 digits
- Emergency
- 110 / 120 / 119
- WhatsApp/Line are blocked, so locals use WeChat for calls