Pocket Wi-Fi for China: Where to get it and alternative options
When you set out to visit the Forbidden City or the Great Wall of China, having good mobile data coverage is a must. Since China has tons of people and megatons of tourists, having your own unlimited data access, or portable Wi-Fi, in your pocket is definitely a good idea. But where should you get it? And what are your coverage options?
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How does rental pocket Wi-Fi work in China?
Rental pocket Wi-Fi for China works the same as in any other country. You find a portable Wi-Fi provider, rent a mobile hotspot, connect your mobile phone or computer, and you’re good to go. Sometimes, you might even ask a provider to deliver a pocket Wi-Fi hotspot to your country. However, exceptions may apply for countries such as the U.S., where delivery services may be limited.
It’s also important to note that Chinese providers limit internet access to specific websites (for example, social media sites or certain news outlets), so you may be wise to use a VPN when connecting to Chinese pocket Wi-Fi.
Getting a pocket Wi-Fi for China at the airport
What’s great about pocket Wi-Fi is that you can find it relatively easily once you touch down in China. Travelers will be able to find kiosks that offer portable Wi-Fi hotspots in Beijing Capital International (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), and Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) airports.
If you’re not a fan of roaming the airport to find a portable Wi-Fi kiosk, you can also pre-book a hotspot online and pick it up once you arrive. That way, you’ll save some time and won’t have to wander around the airport thinking about which pocket Wi-Fi device and service available you should pick.
What do you need to consider before buying a pocket Wi-Fi in China?
Speaking about picking the best portable Wi-Fi option, you should consider the following when choosing your pocket Wi-Fi provider.
Data limit. Before buying a pocket Wi-Fi plan, decide how much internet you’ll need for your trip. Some portable Wi-Fi providers may offer unlimited internet access, while others provide daily and regular internet plans that vary in price and available data amounts.
Coverage. China offers good service coverage with 4G and 5G connections. However, not all carriers support such connection speeds. Before picking your portable Wi-Fi, settle upon the connection coverage you want. And remember, better coverage means more expenses.
Battery life. Portable Wi-Fi devices need charging. So if you’re traveling long distances, consider looking for options that won’t consume battery life like it’s a succulent Chinese meal.
Logistics. For comfort lovers, some pocket Wi-Fi providers offer the option of getting the hotspot via mail. Of course, the service costs extra, but it’s a convenient way to set up your portable Wi-Fi before leaving for the journey.
Best rental portable Wi-Fi providers in China
The criteria for the best pocket Wi-Fi in China may vary depending on your preferences. That’s why we’ve found the most popular portable Wi-Fi plans and lined them up in one place, so it’s easier for you to choose the most suitable mobile internet.
Provider | Data plan | Cost | Delivery options | Coverage | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roamingman | Weekly rental | US$25/week | Available at various global airports, can be delivered to China | Major cities and rural areas | 4G |
BeFreeTour | Weekly rental | US$31.15/week | Available at Chinese airports only | Good coverage in cities | 4G |
Rent n’ connect | Weekly rental | US$79.46/week | Available at the airport, can be delivered to hotel | Extensive coverage, including remote areas | 4G/5G |
Travel WiFi | Weekly rental | US$55.65/week | Shipping worldwide | City coverage, less in rural areas | 4G |
Alternatives to pocket Wi-Fi for China
While pocket Wi-Fi devices are a great way to stock up on mobile data while traveling, you can also find alternatives that may suit your needs better. Here are a few of them.
Prepaid SIM cards for China
If you're traveling to China and looking for a convenient mobile internet option, you may want to look into prepaid SIM cards. They’re an optimal choice for users who’re not planning to spend a lot of time on their phone but still prefer having some data in case they need it. To get yourself a Chinese SIM card, all you need to do is find a store at the airport or locally that sells China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom prepaid SIM cards. The price should range from US$15 to US$30, depending on the data plan and the provider you choose.
Prepaid SIMs come with various mobile internet plans. For example, you can grab a China Unicom SIM card that offers a 30-day plan with 3GB of data for around US$15 or consider the China Mobile option, which has internet plans, such as 10GB for approximately US$30. Keep in mind that while a prepaid SIM is a nice substitute for pocket Wi-Fi in China, you’ll have to insert and set it up manually, so brush up on your Mandarin before you buy the SIM card or find someone to help you.
Free Wi-Fi in China
Using free Wi-Fi hotspots to surf the internet is always a good option, right? Not really. While open Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient, they’re also unprotected and can expose your internet data to malicious actors. So use them at your own risk (preferably, only if you absolutely have to!) and don’t forget to turn on the VPN to safeguard your connection.
Best alternative: An eSIM for China
If you’ve read our blog posts before, you knew this part was coming. Installing an eSIM for your trip to China is by far the most convenient and pocket-friendly way to access mobile internet wherever you go. An eSIM (or embedded SIM) doesn’t require you to tinker with physical SIM cards, is easy to set up and manage (for example, switching between carriers typically poses no problem), and doesn’t cost as much as prepaid SIM or portable Wi-Fi.
To set up an eSIM for China, you only need to ensure that your phone supports an eSIM connection and find a suitable mobile eSIM data provider, such as Saily. From here, just download the eSIM, pick any of the available data plans, install them on your phone, and you’re all set! No queues, multilingual installation instructions, or struggles with SIM card trays. With Saily, it’s just a few taps — and you’re good to go.
Finding pocket Wi-Fi too complicated? Try a Saily eSIM instead
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FAQ
Lukas is the mental prisoner of the song "Orinoco Flow," which plays in his head every time he hears the word "Saily." However, that doesn't stop him from wanting to share his knowledge about connecting to the internet via eSIM — even if his current phone doesn't support it.
