For most short trips, roaming or a travel eSIM is the simplest choice: you keep access to your usual apps and do not need to register a Chinese number.
The three options
Roaming on your own SIM
There is nothing to install. Check your provider's China rate before you go: some UK and US plans include China, others charge by the megabyte. Roaming data routes back through your home network, so many travellers find Google, WhatsApp and similar apps keep working.
A travel eSIM
You buy it online before you leave and install it by scanning a QR code. It is usually cheaper than roaming. Your phone must support eSIM and must not be locked to your home carrier. Most travel eSIMs are data only, with no Chinese phone number, and many also route data outside mainland China; the provider's description says which.
A Chinese SIM card
China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom sell them at airport counters and in their shops, and you register the card with your passport. You get a local number, which helps with Chinese apps that send verification texts. The connection has the same restrictions as hotel Wi-Fi, so your usual Western apps will not load on it.
Before you leave
Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
Install a travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, but switch it on only when you land: many plans start counting days from the first connection.
Keep your home SIM active for bank and app verification texts.
Save your hotel addresses, booking confirmations and an offline translation pack on the phone itself.
When you land
Turn on the eSIM or roaming, then open AMap Global and a messaging app and check that both load before you leave the airport. Airports and most hotels have free Wi-Fi, which often sends a login code by text, so it helps to have a number that can receive one.
Sources & checking details
Plans, prices and coverage are set by each provider and can change. Check the plan description before you buy.
