Connectivity in China works differently from almost anywhere else. On mainland Chinese networks and on most hotel and café Wi-Fi, many of the services travellers rely on are blocked: Google Search, Maps and Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X. At the same time, daily life runs through two Chinese apps, Alipay and WeChat, for payments, tickets and messages.
Preparing before you fly makes the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful first day.
Key facts for China
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119, traffic accidents 122
- Embassies: in Beijing, with consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and other large cities
Why a travel eSIM matters in China
A travel eSIM such as Telcomia's is a roaming line issued outside mainland China. Its data normally leaves the country through the issuing network, so WhatsApp, Google and other international apps usually keep working without a VPN. A local Chinese SIM and most Wi-Fi networks follow mainland rules, and those apps will not load on them.
Even so, download offline maps, booking confirmations and important documents before departure, in case a service is slow or unavailable on a given day.
Paying: set up Alipay or WeChat before you go
Cash and foreign cards are accepted in hotels and large shops, but many taxis, restaurants, markets and ticket machines expect a QR payment. Alipay and WeChat Pay both let visitors link an international card. Install one of them at home, verify your identity and link your card before the trip, because doing it on arrival without a working connection is much harder.
Getting around
Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China; local map apps such as Amap, or Apple Maps on an iPhone, are far more accurate. Ride-hailing runs through DiDi, which works in English and can be paid with a linked international card. For high-speed trains, tickets are booked with your passport, and stations are large, so arrive early.
Hong Kong and Macau are separate
Hong Kong and Macau have their own networks and rules, and the blocks described above do not apply there. A plan for mainland China does not automatically cover them; if your route includes them, check the list of countries on the plan page or add a plan for each.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installs at home with a QR code, which matters here because some download sites may not open once you are in China. Its validity starts when it first connects in China. Your own number keeps receiving texts and verification codes, which you will need for banking and for setting up payment apps.
A Chinese SIM requires real-name registration with your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in China
- 110 is the police, 120 an ambulance and 119 the fire service; 122 is for traffic accidents.
- Embassies are in Beijing and many countries have consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and other large cities. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in China, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Emergency phrases in Chinese are ready to show on screen in the app.
Questions travellers ask about China
Will WhatsApp and Google work with a Telcomia eSIM?
Usually yes, because the eSIM is a roaming line issued outside mainland China. On local SIMs and most Wi-Fi they are blocked.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in China?
China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom, depending on the plan, with 4G and 5G where available.
Can I pay with my bank card?
In hotels and large shops, often. For everything else, link your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you travel.
Does a China plan work in Hong Kong?
Not automatically. Hong Kong and Macau are separate destinations with their own networks.
The short version
Install the eSIM and a payment app at home, link your card, download offline maps, and keep your own number active for verification codes.
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