Must-Know: Mobile Networks in China
In modern-day China, the mobile phone has become more essential than a wallet or keys. Leaving home without a phone can sometimes make it difficult to get around.
Cellular Data
5G technology has become widely adopted in China, while 4G phones continue to function normally. Meanwhile, 3G services are gradually being phased out.
| Generation | Standard |
|---|---|
| 2G | GSM (China Unicom, China Mobile), CDMA (China Telecom) |
| 3G | WCDMA (China Unicom) CDMA2000 (China Telecom), TD-SCDMA (China Mobile) |
| 4G | TD-LTE, FDD-LTE (China Unicom, China Telecom) |
| 5G | 3GPP 5G NR |
LOCAL TIPS
Mainland China does NOT currently support eSIM cards for smartphones.
Unlocked iPhone 12 models and later can generally be used with 5G networks in China without issues.
Roaming Services
If your phone supports Chinese frequency bands and your home carrier offers international roaming, you can use your existing phone number in China for calls, texts, and internet access. No need to change SIM cards; retain your original number for easy contact. Roaming fees can be high, especially for data.
Purchase a Local SIM Card
Lower costs, especially for heavy data users. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at airports, carrier service centers, or convenience stores. You will need to register with your passport for real-name verification. The three main carriers in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
Rent a Portable Wi-Fi Device
You can rent portable Wi-Fi devices from travel platforms, airports, hotels, or online services that ship internationally. These devices provide wireless internet access to multiple devices, support 4G/5G networks, and often come with unlimited or large data packages.
Public Wi-Fi
Most businesses provide free WiFi, and it's everywhere, even at a noodle shop, where you can ask for the password.