Getting Ready to Travel to China SIM Card or Roaming

Getting ready for your China trip? Do you know what's most important?

It's not just clothes, your passport, or that perfectly planned itinerary. The one thing you absolutely can't do without is internet! Whether you want to chat with friends, post real-time updates on social media, use maps for navigation, or find amazing local spots, internet is your true travel companion that makes your China trip so much easier and more enjoyable.

Many people might be wondering, "What do I need to prepare for traveling to China?" especially when it comes to internet access. Should you buy a Chinese SIM card or enable roaming from Thailand? Which option is more cost-effective and convenient?

In this article, Gother will help you find the answer with a clear comparison to determine which option suits you best. If you're planning to visit China... don't miss this!

Before deciding whether to buy a SIM card or enable roaming, we need to understand China's "Great Firewall" first. The Great Firewall is an internet control system that restricts access to foreign websites and applications such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, Line, YouTube, Twitter, and many others. This means if you use a regular Chinese SIM card, you won't be able to access these apps at all, making it difficult to chat with friends or use the apps you're familiar with.

But there is a solution! Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will help you access these websites and apps. However, you need to choose a reliable VPN that actually works in China, as sometimes they can also get blocked.

• Save both money and time: Planning ahead allows you to compare prices for flights, accommodation, and various activities to get the best value, including preparing for "internet" needs. This way, you won't have to pay unnecessarily high prices once you arrive in China.
• Solve problems on the spot easily: Know beforehand, don't waste time! China has its own unique lifestyle systems, such as paying through Alipay or WeChat Pay, taxi-calling apps that are different from back home, or even accessing social media that's restricted. If you prepare in advance, you won't have to sit there confused on the spot.
• Travel with more peace of mind and safety: Preparing complete documents, offline maps, or informing people back home about your travel plans will help you feel more at ease throughout your trip and better handle unexpected situations.

Buying a SIM card in China is the most popular choice for people who want to use the internet to its fullest. The advantages include:

• Cheaper prices: Chinese SIM internet packages are much cheaper than enabling roaming from Thailand, especially for longer trips of several days.
• Variety of options: There are several service providers in China such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, each offering plenty of package choices.
• Fast internet, stable signal: Using a local SIM gives you better and more stable internet signal, especially in areas far from the city center.
• Easy use of local apps: Using a Chinese SIM allows you to use various local apps like Baidu Maps, Didi (ride-hailing app), or Alipay without any problems.

But there are also disadvantages:

• Somewhat complicated process: Buying a Chinese SIM requires using your passport for registration, and sometimes you need to verify your identity with facial scanning.
• Need to use VPN: If you want to use Facebook, Line, or Google, you need to install a VPN, which sometimes doesn't work very stably.
• Need to change phone number: Using a Chinese SIM means you have to change your phone number, so you can't receive calls or messages on your original number.

Enabling roaming from Thai mobile carriers is another option many people choose, especially those who don't like complications. The advantages include:

• Super convenient: You can enable it from Thailand, and when you arrive in China, you can use the internet immediately.
• No need to change numbers: You can keep using your original phone number, so you won't miss important contacts.
• Use original apps immediately: Most Thai mobile carriers partner with service providers in China, allowing you to use various blocked apps without needing a VPN.
• Various package options: Thai mobile carriers now offer many roaming package choices, including daily, weekly, or monthly options.

But the disadvantages are:

• More expensive: Roaming packages are usually much more expensive than buying a Chinese SIM card.
• Signal not as good as local SIM: In some areas, the signal might not be as good as a Chinese SIM, and there might be speed limitations when you exceed the specified data limit.
• Might not be worth it for long trips: If you're traveling for more than 7 days, buying a Chinese SIM might be more cost-effective.

Time to make the decision! Choosing between buying a SIM or enabling roaming mainly depends on your travel style and how long you'll be staying in China. Here's our summary:

Suitable for buying a Chinese SIM:

• Traveling for 7 days or more
• Want unlimited internet usage
• Need fast speed and stable signal in all areas
• Don't rely heavily on using foreign apps

Suitable for enabling roaming:

• Short trips of just a few days
• Want convenience without spending time buying a SIM in China
• Want to use original apps like Line, Facebook, Google without the hassle of VPN
• Want to keep your original phone number for important contacts