Do I Need a Local SIM Card or VPN When Travelling in China? The Simplified Yes or No answer (2025 Guide)

Firstly, I must emphasise this is NOT an absolute necessity for every visitor to China, especially those on a short visit. It really depends on your own needs, but it does help minimise frustrations in certain situations. Have a look to see if these apply to you.

📶 Get a local SIM card if:

✅ 1. You want to get the best value for money for your data plan.

Local data is cheaper than eSIM data plans or international roaming data plans in the majority of cases. Whether it’s worth the effort and time is for you to decide.

✅ 2. You want to use local Wi-Fi rather than mobile data in public areas outside of hotels.

Most Wi-Fi networks at shopping malls, cafes, restaurants send a text for verification. However, it only works for China numbers (+86).

Even if your answer is yes, remember - you’ll need a VPN to access blocked apps and websites through Wi-Fi and the local SIM card.

✅ 3. You want to order food delivery to your hotel room or buy things online on all available platforms

You can still do these things through the Alipay or WeChat mini-programs, but this currently limits you to the selected apps like Eleme or Taobao.

❌ You do not need a local number for DiDi (use either the DiDi standalone app or mini-program inside the Alipay app)

❌ You do not need it to buy tickets to attractions unless booking through the WeChat mini-program. Most attractions are available on Trip or Alipay app.

❌ You will still need a VPN if you want to access certain Western apps and websites through the local SIM card. With an eSIM or international roaming plan, you don’t need a VPN as long as you’re happy with accessing those blocked apps and sites through your mobile only.

So, those are the main reasons. It’s not really worth it for anything else, especially if you’re only in China on a short trip. If you’re here for longer than 2 weeks, my answer would be yes.

Remember your phone must be unlocked in order for a local SIM card to work.

🪜Step-by-Step - How to Get a Local SIM Card in China

The big network providers: China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom (doesn’t really matter which one, in my opinion)

1. Visit a network provider shop in the arrivals terminal after landing.

Note: If you’ve already arrived in the city centre, visit a network provider shop in the central districts (it must be a service hall branch 营业厅，other branches may not have the setup to serve foreigners. This is not relevant if you are doing it at the airport).

⬇️

2. Tell staff you want a traveller’s SIM card, how much data you need, how long you want it for, 0 call minutes (unless you have a reason to).

⬇️

3. Provide your passport for registration. Have your photo taken if asked. Sign relevant papers when required.

⬇️

4. Get your SIM. Remember to download the relevant app to monitor your data use.

📍Get a VPN if you want to rely on local Wi-Fi or SIM because:

✅ 1. the eSIM option doesn’t work with your phone or your international data roaming plan is too expensive.

✅ 2. you’re here on a long visit or you’re a heavy data user (e.g. watching lots of videos when out of the hotel) + don’t want to pay over the top for additional mobile data