ByChow.
Independent China travel checklist · Item 3/6

Internet & SIM

Google, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are blocked on mainland Chinese networks. How you get online decides which apps you can use.

ChowWritten by Chow · Updated [month/year] · [… min read]
Option 1

travel eSIM

Most convenient
  1. 1Check that your phone supports eSIM.
  2. 2Buy a China eSIM plan online and choose the days and data.
  3. 3Install the eSIM while still in Vietnam, but don't turn it on yet.
  4. 4When you land, turn on the eSIM and data roaming. Your data goes through a foreign carrier, so you can still reach Google and Facebook.
Option 2

Roaming from your Vietnamese carrier

Nothing to install
  1. 1Sign up for a China roaming plan with your carrier.
  2. 2Turn on data roaming when you arrive.
  3. 3Keep an eye on your remaining data so you don't get extra charges.
Option 3

Chinese local SIM

Good for long stays
  1. 1Buy it at the airport or a carrier store and register with your passport.
  2. 2You get a Chinese phone number, handy for signing up to some services.
  3. 3Note: it uses the local network, so Google and Facebook will be blocked.
Notes
  • Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes is also the local network.
  • Download offline maps and translation packs in case the signal is weak.
  • Save photos of your passport, hotel confirmations and tickets on your phone.

Chow's note: [eSIM plan you used]

ByChow.
Checklist · Item 3/6

Internet & SIM

Google, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are blocked on mainland Chinese networks. How you get online decides which apps you can use.

ChowWritten by Chow · [… min read]
Option 1Most convenient

travel eSIM

  1. 1Check that your phone supports eSIM.
  2. 2Buy a China eSIM plan online and choose the days and data.
  3. 3Install the eSIM while still in Vietnam, but don't turn it on yet.
  4. 4When you land, turn on the eSIM and data roaming. Your data goes through a foreign carrier, so you can still reach Google and Facebook.
Option 2Nothing to install

Roaming from your Vietnamese carrier

  1. 1Sign up for a China roaming plan with your carrier.
  2. 2Turn on data roaming when you arrive.
  3. 3Keep an eye on your remaining data so you don't get extra charges.
Option 3Good for long stays

Chinese local SIM

  1. 1Buy it at the airport or a carrier store and register with your passport.
  2. 2You get a Chinese phone number, handy for signing up to some services.
  3. 3Note: it uses the local network, so Google and Facebook will be blocked.
Notes
  • Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes is also the local network.
  • Download offline maps and translation packs in case the signal is weak.
  • Save photos of your passport, hotel confirmations and tickets on your phone.

Chow's note: [eSIM plan you used]