🇨🇳China

SIM and eSIM: what to buy right after arrival

Getting a working internet connection in the first minutes after arrival determines the success of the whole trip — without it you cannot start payment apps, maps or translators. The choice between a physical SIM card and an international eSIM has fundamental technological and legal consequences: Mobile networks in China block access to most Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, Facebook) through the Great Firewall. If a traveler connects via local Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM card, these services will not work without a pre-installed, highly stable VPN, which is often disrupted in China. The technological solution is an international travel eSIM (e.g. from Airalo, Nomad or Saily). These cards use international data roaming, meaning all data traffic is routed through servers in Hong Kong or Singapore, outside the reach of the Chinese firewall. The traveler gets immediate, uncensored access to Western apps without needing to activate a VPN. The limiting factor of international eSIMs is the absence of a Chinese phone number, which prevents registration in some local apps that require SMS verification with a +86 number. Local physical SIM cards from Chinese operators provide a full Chinese number and the best coverage, but are subject to strict real-name registration. The traveler must present a passport and undergo biometric face scanning. All data passes through the firewall, which requires an additional VPN solution.

Comparison table

Overview of the main mobile operators and international eSIM platforms with prices valid as of May 2026:

Where exactly to buy

Physical SIM cards can be bought directly at the international airports. At Beijing Capital (PEK) the stands are in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall (level 1, near exit 5) and in Terminal 2 at the exit from the customs zone. At Shanghai Pudong (PVG) the China Unicom and China Mobile stands are located in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2 on the second floor. Airport prices are heavily marked up compared with brand stores in the city, where the same data volumes cost about half as much — at the cost of harder communication and long waits for registration. International eSIMs must be bought through the providers' official mobile apps (Nomad, Airalo, Saily) downloaded from the European Google Play or App Store before departure. The profile is activated by scanning the generated QR code before boarding. Attempts to download and install eSIM profiles after landing in China are blocked and fail because Western payment gateways and app stores do not work behind the firewall filters.

Short verdict

For a standard tourist staying up to 14 days the best option is buying and installing an eSIM from Nomad or Airalo before departure. This completely removes airport passport registration and long queues and guarantees immediate, uncensored access to navigation and communication channels the moment the plane touches down.

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

Getting from PEK to central Beijing (about 30 km) can be done in several ways, each with specific logistics:

• Train / Airport Express: The fastest and most reliable way into the city. Trains leave from stations at Terminal 3 (level B2, Parking Garage No. 2) and Terminal 2 (level B2, Parking Garage No. 3). The route runs via the Sanyuanqiao interchange (metro line 10) to Dongzhimen (metro lines 2 and 13) and ends at Beixinqiao (metro line 5). A ticket costs a fixed 25 CNY (~3.50 USD / 3.25 EUR) and the ride to Dongzhimen takes 20–30 minutes. Trains run every 10 minutes from 06:20 to 22:52 (from T3) and from 06:35 to 23:10 (from T2).
• Official taxi: Ranks are in the arrivals halls on level B1 (Terminal 3) and on the first floor at exits 5 to 9 (Terminal 2). The daytime rate (05:00–23:00) starts at 13 CNY for the first 3 km, then about 2.30 CNY per kilometer plus a 10 CNY airport expressway toll. The total price to the center is 100 to 150 CNY (~14–21 USD) with a ride of 40–70 minutes depending on traffic. The night rate (23:00–05:00) applies a 20% surcharge (flagfall 15.60 CNY, 2.76 CNY per km), making the total 150 to 250 CNY. Avoid touts inside the buildings and only board official colored cabs at the marked ranks.
• Ride-hailing (DiDi): Can be ordered via the Alipay app. Pick-up zones are strictly assigned: at T2 on parking P1 (level 1M mezzanine), at T3 on parking No. 3 (level B2, zone H). Prices are comparable to metered taxis but guaranteed in advance by the app.
• Airport Bus: Buses leave from T3 (1st floor, exit 5) and T2 (exit 11). The fare is 20 to 30 CNY (long-distance routes up to 80 CNY) and buses run from 07:00 to 23:00. The trip takes 60–90 minutes and is only recommended on a very tight budget.

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)

PVG is connected to central Shanghai by high-speed rail systems and road infrastructure:

• Train / Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation): The line connects the airport with the major transport hub Longyang Road (transfer to metro lines 2, 7 and 16). A one-way ticket costs 50 CNY (~7 USD); a discount to 40 CNY (~5.60 USD) applies on showing a same-day boarding pass or when paying with the Shanghai Public Transport Card (SPTC). A return ticket valid 7 days costs 80 CNY. The 30 km trip takes exactly 8 minutes at a top operating speed of 300 km/h (morning and evening peaks) or 430 km/h (only 09:02–10:47 and 15:02–16:47). Operating hours from the airport are 07:02 to 21:42 (night departures at 22:15 and 22:40). Longyang Road is not in the city center; travelers must transfer to the metro.
• Metro Line 2: The direct and cheapest connection from the airport to People's Square in the center. The fare is 7 to 9 CNY (~1–1.30 USD) depending on distance and the ride takes about 60–75 minutes. Operating hours are 06:00 to 22:30.
• Official taxi: Ranks at Terminal 1 (exit 12) and Terminal 2 (arrivals hall). The price to the center is 150 to 200 CNY (~21–28 USD) during the day; after 23:00 a night surcharge raises it to 180 to 250 CNY. The ride takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Airport bus: Connections to specific districts cost 20 to 30 CNY and take 60–90 minutes.

Recommendation by traveler type

For solo travelers with light luggage the best options are the Airport Express in Beijing for 25 CNY and, in Shanghai, the Maglev combined with a metro transfer for 45 CNY in total. These options completely avoid the risk of traffic jams. Families with children and lots of luggage should choose an official airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer, which removes the logistical stress of metro interchanges. For night arrivals after 23:30, when trains and metro stop running, the best choice is the DiDi ride-hailing service or an official night taxi. For travelers on an extremely tight budget the best options are Shanghai's all-day Metro Line 2 for 7 CNY or the Beijing airport bus for 20 CNY.

City transport and apps

Chinese urban public transport is fully digitalized and integrated into mobile platforms. You no longer need ticket machines to buy single metro tickets — they often refuse foreign banknotes and do not support international payment cards. Travelers use the city transport section directly in the Alipay app (under "Transport" / 出行). After initial registration and linking a foreign card, the user generates a QR code for the specific city. This code is held to the optical reader at the turnstiles when entering and leaving the metro or when boarding city buses. The system automatically calculates the distance traveled and charges the corresponding amount in CNY to the linked card, with no extra fees for transactions up to 200 CNY. For road transport, use exclusively the integrated version of DiDi Chuxing inside Alipay or WeChat mini-programs. The traveler enters the destination in English and the system automatically translates messages to the driver. Payment is charged automatically after the ride. For navigation and public transport routing you must use AMap (高德地图), whose maps — unlike Google Maps — are completely accurate and up to date in China.

Recommendation by traveler type

For solo travelers with light luggage the best options are the Airport Express in Beijing for 25 CNY and, in Shanghai, the Maglev combined with a metro transfer for 45 CNY in total. These options completely avoid the risk of traffic jams. Families with children and lots of luggage should choose an official airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer, which removes the logistical stress of metro interchanges. For night arrivals after 23:30, when trains and metro stop running, the best choice is the DiDi ride-hailing service or an official night taxi. For travelers on an extremely tight budget the best options are Shanghai's all-day Metro Line 2 for 7 CNY or the Beijing airport bus for 20 CNY.

City transport and apps

Chinese urban public transport is fully digitalized and integrated into mobile platforms. You no longer need ticket machines to buy single metro tickets — they often refuse foreign banknotes and do not support international payment cards. Travelers use the city transport section directly in the Alipay app (under "Transport" / 出行). After initial registration and linking a foreign card, the user generates a QR code for the specific city. This code is held to the optical reader at the turnstiles when entering and leaving the metro or when boarding city buses. The system automatically calculates the distance traveled and charges the corresponding amount in CNY to the linked card, with no extra fees for transactions up to 200 CNY. For road transport, use exclusively the integrated version of DiDi Chuxing inside Alipay or WeChat mini-programs. The traveler enters the destination in English and the system automatically translates messages to the driver. Payment is charged automatically after the ride. For navigation and public transport routing you must use AMap (高德地图), whose maps — unlike Google Maps — are completely accurate and up to date in China.

Money and payments

The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY / RMB). The indicative exchange rate as of April 2026 corresponds to 1 USD ≈ 7.20 CNY, 1 EUR ≈ 7.80 CNY, 1 SGD ≈ 5.36 CNY. China is an almost cashless economy where paying with cash or ordinary plastic cards in shops is a marginal affair. Travelers must use mobile payments through the Alipay and WeChat Pay platforms with linked international Visa or Mastercard cards. The fee policy for mobile transactions follows these rules:

Foreign debit and credit cards work for cash withdrawals at ATMs of the major state banks such as Bank of China (BOC), ICBC and China Construction Bank (CCB). Chinese ATMs charge a foreign-card processing fee of 20 to 30 CNY (~3–4 USD / 2.50–3.50 EUR) per transaction. Single-withdrawal limits are technically set at 2,500 to 3,000 CNY (Bank of China ATMs have a fixed 3,000 CNY limit for foreign cards). When withdrawing, strictly refuse dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which offers settlement in the card's home currency (e.g. CZK/EUR) at an unfavorable rate with a 3–5 % markup; always choose the "Without Conversion" / settlement in CNY option. Chinese ATMs apply a strict card-retention rule: if the traveler does not remove the card from the slot within 30 seconds of taking the cash, the machine permanently swallows it. Cash should serve only as a backup in case the phone fails or the banking connection drops. Physical small coins and banknotes are in short supply. If a traveler pays for a small purchase with a 100 CNY note, merchants often have no change to give back. The recommended routine is the convenience-store protocol — right after the first ATM withdrawal, visit a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart chain store, buy a small item (water, chewing gum) and get the large note broken into small 10 and 20 CNY notes.

Accommodation

The choice of neighborhood for the first nights in Chinese metropolises fundamentally affects the logistics of the trip. In the big cities the following districts are recommended:

• Beijing – Wangfujing: The historic and commercial center of the city within walking distance of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The area is perfectly connected to metro lines 1 and 5. Average hotel prices range between 800 and 1,800 CNY per night depending on the season.
• Beijing – Sanlitun / Chaoyang: A modern, international district full of Western restaurants, bars and diplomatic missions. It suits travelers who prefer nightlife and a European dining scene. Hotel prices are 600 to 1,400 CNY per night.
• Shanghai – People's Square: The central transport hub where the key metro lines cross, including the direct line 2 from PVG airport. It is the optimal starting point for getting oriented quickly. Prices range from 400 to 900 CNY per night.
• Shanghai – Jing'an: A residential and shopping district with a high concentration of Western-style cafés, parks and cultural sights. It offers a calmer atmosphere than People's Square while keeping excellent metro access. Prices are 500 to 1,200 CNY per night.

Accommodation of foreigners is subject to strict government regulation. Chinese hotels must hold a special state license to host foreign guests. Cheap guesthouses, hostels and smaller inns (so-called binguan) often lack this license and will refuse to accommodate foreigners at arrival. When booking through foreign portals (e.g. Trip.com), always strictly tick the "Accepts Foreigners" option in the search filters. At check-in, hotels routinely require a refundable deposit to cover potential damage or room spending. The deposit ranges between 500 and 2,000 CNY and can be paid in cash, as a hold on an embossed credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or via an authorized payment in the Alipay app.

Local rules and cultural differences

• Photography bans: It is strictly forbidden to photograph or film any military installations, barracks, government buildings, border zones and uniformed members of the armed forces or police. Ignoring this ban can lead to immediate detention, questioning and deletion of data.
• Drone operation: Drone use in China is subject to strict registration tied to a Chinese phone number and identity verification. Beijing and other large cities enforce a no-exceptions No-Fly Zone over the entire wider center. An unauthorized flight can be classified as a threat to national security.
• Drug legislation: China applies absolute zero tolerance to drugs. Possession, distribution or smuggling of any quantity of narcotics (including cannabis) is punished with extreme prison sentences, life imprisonment or the death penalty. Police carry out random drug tests (including hair or urine tests) on guests in clubs, bars and hotels. A positive result — even if the substance was used legally before flying to China — leads to immediate detention, a heavy fine, deportation and a permanent entry ban.
• Digital behavior: Under the PRC Cybersecurity Law, foreigners on Chinese territory must observe local regulations on social media comments. Publishing posts criticizing the political system, state officials or China's sovereignty (e.g. the status of Taiwan or Tibet) can lead to criminal prosecution or a block on leaving the country.

Everyday practical information

The mains voltage in the Chinese grid is 220 V at 50 Hz. Hotel sockets are installed in a hybrid form: they support both flat two-pin type A plugs (common in the USA and China) and the classic round two-pin type C plugs (the standard European plug without earthing). Three-pin earthed plugs (type E/F) require an adapter to the Chinese three-pin type I. China uses one single time zone across its entire territory — Beijing Standard Time (UTC+8). As a result, in the western parts of the country (e.g. Sichuan or Yunnan provinces) the winter sun rises as late as around 08:30. Typical opening hours of shopping centers, supermarkets and restaurants are 10:00 to 22:00, and they operate seven days a week without weekend breaks. Public toilets in China are easy to find at every metro station and at tourist attractions. They are, however, almost exclusively of the squat type and no toilet paper is provided, so travelers must always carry their own. Tap water is not drinkable even after boiling; use bottled water for drinking and hygiene. Public Wi-Fi in cafés and at airports requires registration via an SMS code sent to a Chinese phone number, which makes these connections effectively unavailable to foreign tourists without a local SIM card.