Data roaming in China should or shouldn't

If you're planning to travel to China and you want to use your mobile phone while you're there, understanding data roaming is essential. Data roaming allows you to use your phone's data services, such as internet access, when you're in a foreign country. Here's what you need to know about data roaming in China:

1. What is Data Roaming?

Let’s start with the basics. Data roaming is a mobile phone feature that lets you connect to a different network when you're traveling outside your carrier's usual coverage area. Where does the term roaming come in? Well, without access to your home network, your phone "roams" or searches for another one. Roaming basically acts as a connectivity backup plan, allowing you to make calls, send text messages, and use data even when your travels take you beyond your carrier’s reach.

2. How Does Data Roaming Work?

  • Whether you live in a major metropolitan like New York City or a tranquil village in the United Kingdom, your phone relies on local cell towers and infrastructure to establish a connection with your home network. Not only does your network provider often own the physical infrastructure (like cellphone towers) and manage the mobile network, they also set the data plans and determine the pricing for data usage in your area.
  • Now, even if you’re using the largest carrier in the world, there will be times when you inevitably travel outside their area of coverage. When this happens, your mobile device looks for another network through a process called data roaming. But the network you connect to isn’t exactly random. Mobile providers have roaming agreements with other networks to keep their users connected outside their coverage area.
  • Despite these roaming agreements, you shouldn’t continue to use your mobile device as if you were at home. Why? Two words: roaming fees. If you’ve ever been stuck without Wi-Fi on vacation and turned on your data roaming to grab a rideshare to your hotel, you know just how quickly these roaming fees can add up.
  • Beyond cost, roaming relies on local infrastructure, which can affect the speed and reliability of your connection. And, depending on the agreement between your home network and the roaming partner, you may even encounter usage restrictions — so it’s not exactly the most seamless (or affordable) way to stay connected during your next trip.

Here's what you need to know about data roaming in China:

  • 1
    Check with your mobile carrier: Before you travel to China, contact your mobile carrier and inquire about their international roaming plans. They will provide you with details about the availability, coverage, and costs associated with data roaming in China.
  • 2
    Enable data roaming: Once you arrive in China, you'll need to enable data roaming on your phone. This can usually be done through your phone's settings menu. Keep in mind that data roaming can be expensive, so make sure you understand the charges and have an appropriate plan in place.
  • 3
    Check network compatibility: China uses different network standards compared to some other countries. Ensure that your mobile phone is compatible with the networks used in China. Most modern smartphones are compatible with China's networks, but it's always a good idea to check beforehand.
  • 4
    Consider purchasing a local SIM card: If you plan to use a significant amount of data or make local calls while in China, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card. This will allow you to have a Chinese phone number and access data services at local rates. You can purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or mobile carrier shops in China.
  • 5
    Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: To minimize data usage and save costs, connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever available. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas in China offer free Wi-Fi access. Additionally, you can use popular messaging apps like WeChat, which is widely used in China, to communicate over Wi-Fi.
  • 6
    Be mindful of internet restrictions: Keep in mind that China has internet restrictions and a different digital landscape compared to many other countries. Some websites and services, including popular social media platforms, may be blocked or have limited access. This is known as the Great Firewall of China. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) service to bypass these restrictions if accessing certain websites is important to you.

HERE are the list of mobile carriers that offer affordable roaming rates for China?

This post we provide you with a list of commonly known mobile carriers that have historically offered competitive international roaming rates for China. However, keep in mind that rates and plans can change over time, so it's always best to directly contact the carriers for the most up-to-date information. Here are some mobile carriers known for their international roaming options:

```liquid

Mobile Carriers with Affordable Roaming Rates for China

These carriers offer competitive roaming rates for travelers to China
T-Mobile
United States
AT&T
United States
Verizon
United States
Sprint
United States
Vodafone
Multiple countries
Orange
Multiple countries
Telefonica/O2
Multiple countries
Three
Multiple countries
EE
United Kingdom
Singtel
Singapore
Telstra
Australia
Optus
Australia
Rogers
Canada
Bell
Canada
Telus
Canada
 ```

How Much Does Roaming Cost?

While roaming costs can vary significantly depending on your mobile provider and plan, you'll typically be charged for roaming in one of two ways: flat rates or pay-per-use.

$

Flat roaming rates

Flat daily roaming plans provide a more predictable way for travelers to access data, minutes, and texting while abroad. For North Americans, this can cost anywhere between $12-$15 per day. Although flat rates offer a convenient and predictable way to stay connected, they typically come with limitations. To avoid any surprises, it's always best to read through their terms and conditions before your trip.

📊

Pay-per-use roaming

For a more flexible option, some carriers offer international pay-per-use plans for texts, calls, and data. These rates vary, but on average you can expect to pay $1.50 per minute for calls, $0.50 per text message, and $20 per MB of data. Don't forget: we're talking about megabytes, not gigabytes here. To put that into perspective, you can quickly burn through 1.5 MB of data by clicking on one high-resolution Instagram pic or watching a 1-minute video at standard quality.

International roaming charges

Compare roaming costs across different carriers when traveling abroad.

UK Carriers (Typical Rates)

Calls
Incoming calls £2.30 per minute
Outgoing calls to UK £2.30 per minute
Texts
Outgoing text messages to UK £0.75 per message
Outgoing picture messages to UK £0.80 per message
Mobile data
500MB bolt-on per day £7.50 per day

AT&T (Pay Per Use)

Data
Pay per use in Canada $0.015/KB
Pay per use in other countries $0.0195/KB
Messages
SMS to send $0.50
MMS to send $1.30

Rates vary by provider and contract. International data plans with discounted rates are available for most carriers. Check with your provider for specific pricing.

Data Roaming in China: What You Need to Know

Follow these essential steps to stay connected during your trip

1

Check with your mobile carrier

Before you travel to China, contact your mobile carrier and inquire about their international roaming plans. They will provide you with details about the availability, coverage, and costs associated with data roaming in China.

2

Enable data roaming

Once you arrive in China, you'll need to enable data roaming on your phone. This can usually be done through your phone's settings menu. Keep in mind that data roaming can be expensive, so make sure you understand the charges and have an appropriate plan in place.

3

Check network compatibility

China uses different network standards compared to some other countries. Ensure that your mobile phone is compatible with the networks used in China. Most modern smartphones are compatible with China's networks, but it's always a good idea to check beforehand.

4

Consider purchasing a local SIM card

If you plan to use a significant amount of data or make local calls while in China, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card. This will allow you to have a Chinese phone number and access data services at local rates. You can purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or mobile carrier shops in China.

5

Use Wi-Fi whenever possible

To minimize data usage and save costs, connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever available. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas in China offer free Wi-Fi access. Additionally, you can use popular messaging apps like WeChat, which is widely used in China, to communicate over Wi-Fi.

6

Be mindful of internet restrictions

Keep in mind that China has internet restrictions and a different digital landscape compared to many other countries. Some websites and services, including popular social media platforms, may be blocked or have limited access. This is known as the Great Firewall of China. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) service to bypass these restrictions if accessing certain websites is important to you.

How to turn on Data Roaming?

  • How to turn on International Roaming on iPhone

    Turning on data roaming on your iPhone is simple:

    1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
    2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data (the naming may vary depending on the region)
    3. Toggle on the Cellular Data option
    4. Tap on Cellular Data Options or Mobile Data Options
    5. Toggle on Data Roaming

  • How to turn on International Roaming on Android

    It’s just as easy to turn on roaming on Android:

    1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone
    2. Tap on Connections or Network & Internet
    3. Select Mobile Network or Cellular Networks
    4. Toggle on or check the box for Data Roaming

    How to Avoid Roaming Charges in China

    Stay connected without breaking the bank. Here are the best ways to avoid expensive roaming charges while traveling in China.

    • Enable airplane mode and use Wi-Fi

      Before you depart for China, enable airplane mode on your phone to disable cellular data. Then, connect to Wi-Fi networks for internet access. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas in China offer free Wi-Fi access. This way, you can stay connected without incurring roaming charges.

    • Purchase a local SIM card

      Buying a local SIM card in China can be an affordable option for accessing data and making local calls. You can purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or mobile carrier shops in China. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Chinese network frequencies. Remember to carry your passport, as it may be required for SIM card registration.

    • Rent a portable Wi-Fi device

      Another option is to rent a portable Wi-Fi device, also known as a pocket Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot. These devices provide wireless internet connectivity for multiple devices and can be rented from various providers. You can pick up the device upon arrival in China or have it delivered to your accommodation.

    • Use offline maps and apps

      Before your trip, download offline maps and apps that offer offline functionality. This way, you can navigate and access essential information without requiring an internet connection. Offline maps, translation apps, and travel guides can be particularly useful while exploring China.

    • Utilize messaging apps for communication

      Instead of relying on traditional text messages or voice calls, use messaging apps that work over Wi-Fi or data connections. Apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Skype allow you to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content without incurring additional charges.

    • Use public Wi-Fi hotspots cautiously

      While using public Wi-Fi networks can help you avoid roaming charges, exercise caution when connecting to unsecured or unfamiliar networks. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or personal accounts, over public Wi-Fi to protect your data security.

    Conclusion

    Consider a travel SIM card or international roaming plan: Some mobile carriers offer travel-specific SIM cards or international roaming plans that provide reduced roaming rates for specific countries, including China. Before your trip, inquire with your mobile carrier about any available options that can offer cost-effective data usage while in China.

    Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your specific needs, budget, and length of stay in China. It's always advisable to check with your mobile carrier and research local regulations and requirements for SIM card usage in China.