How to Get Mobile Data in China

Last reviewed: 2026-08-29

Connectivity hub — what to read first

If you are asking…	Open this
Do I need a +86 number?	Phone question
Which eSIM / roaming / local SIM?	eSIM essential — decision card
Which apps need data?	Apps question
Pay failed after landing	Payment failure question (fix data first)
+44 / eSIM OTP mistake	Community thread

This guide is the connectivity execution manual—compare options, install, arrival test.

Option	Best for	Tradeoff
Tourist eSIM	Fast setup, short trips	Usually data-only (no +86 SMS)
Home roaming	Zero install	Often expensive/slow; apps still need local maps
Airport SIM	Need Chinese number	Queues, passport copy, Mandarin help
Wi‑Fi only	Emergency	Unstable for payments and Didi