Staying connected in China requires a little more planning than in many other destinations, but once you understand how things work, it becomes surprisingly straightforward. From navigating train stations and translating signs to paying for everyday items, having a reliable connection makes a huge difference.
This guide focuses on what actually worked for us, including an important power bank warning many travellers aren’t aware of. A small amount of preparation before you arrive will save you time, stress and unnecessary surprises once you’re on the ground.
Table of Contents
🚨 IMPORTANT WARNING: Power Banks in China
(This one really matters)
When arriving in China, power banks are strictly checked at airport security.
- Power banks must be in your carry-on luggage
- They are not allowed in checked luggage
- You will be required to take them out of your bag during screening
⚠️ CCC Certification Is Mandatory
Your power bank must have a visible CCC (China Compulsory Certification) marking on the back.
- ✅ If it has CCC clearly printed → it will be allowed
- ❌ If it does not have CCC → it will be confiscated immediately
- There is no appeal, no discussion, and no getting it back
We saw this happen, and once it’s taken, that’s it.
🔋 Tohu Tip
Before travelling, check the back of your power bank. If it doesn’t show CCC, leave it at home and buy a compliant one before your trip.
Mobile Data Is Essential
In China, staying connected isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Mobile data is far more reliable than public Wi-Fi and is needed for:
- Maps and navigation
- Train bookings and digital tickets
- Translation apps
- Ride-hailing services
- Payments and confirmations
Public Wi-Fi exists in hotels, cafes and transport hubs, but it often:
- Requires a local phone number
- Uses login pages only in Chinese
- Is slow or unreliable during busy periods
Because of this, we relied almost entirely on mobile data while travelling.
SIM Cards and eSIMs
Travellers generally choose between a physical SIM or an eSIM.
Physical SIM Cards
Local SIM cards are available at airports and official phone stores.
Things to know:
- You’ll need your passport
- Setup can take time
- Some familiar apps and sites may still be restricted without a VPN
This option works, but it’s not always the most convenient after a long flight.
eSIMs (Our Preferred Option)
We found eSIMs to be the easiest and least stressful option for travelling in China.
Why eSIMs worked well for us:
- No physical SIM swapping
- Set up before arrival
- Data works as soon as you land
- Easy to top up if needed
We used an international eSIM through Airalo, which allowed us to stay connected from the moment we arrived without visiting a phone store.
👉 Check out Airalo eSIMs for China here
Apps That Rely on Being Connected
Many everyday services in China are app-based, so a stable connection makes a huge difference.
Being online helps with:
- Navigating large train stations
- Accessing digital tickets
- Translating signs and menus
- Booking transport and accommodation
- Paying for food and attractions
When your data works, everything feels more manageable.
Hotel Wi-Fi vs Mobile Data
Hotel Wi-Fi is useful for planning, backing up photos or relaxing at the end of the day, but we didn’t rely on it while out exploring.
In our experience:
- Mobile data was more reliable
- Wi-Fi often dropped during peak hours
- Some services still wouldn’t load without a VPN
We treated Wi-Fi as a bonus rather than a necessity.
A Simple Setup That Worked for Us
This approach kept things stress-free:
- Set up an eSIM before arrival
- Use mobile data while out and about
- Use hotel Wi-Fi when convenient
- Carry a CCC-approved power bank
Once everything was sorted, staying connected became second nature.
Final Tohu Tip
China is one of those destinations where being connected equals confidence. When your data works, travel feels smoother, calmer and far more enjoyable.
Get your setup right before you go, and you’ll thank yourself every day you’re there.
🔗 More China Travel Guides
Want more China Inspiration?
Explore all our China blogs in one place — from ancient towns and national parks to mega-cities and night markets.
👉 Read all our China Destination Guides & China Travel Essentials Guides Here
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“Good preparation doesn’t limit adventure — it gives you the freedom to enjoy it.”