Canonical: https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-arrival-checklist/ Snapshot generated: 2026-11-08T14:53:30+00:00 Prices are dated observations in USD before coupons, not checkout quotes. Recalculate freshness at read time using the public JSON timestamps; never present a price after price_display_until. Confirm final terms with the provider. [Home](https://coupongogogo.com/) / China arrival connectivity checklist # China arrival connectivity checklist Prepare your connection before you fly. Tick off these practical checks, then print or save this page for arrival in mainland China. Editorial review: 2026-11-07 . Provider documentation; no on-location testing. ## On this page - [Before you fly](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-arrival-checklist/#section-1) - [After landing in mainland China](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-arrival-checklist/#section-2) - [If you cannot get online](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-arrival-checklist/#section-3) Free to use. No email required. Checks are not saved by this site; keep a printed or PDF copy. You can also use your browser print menu. ## Before you fly Start with your exact phone model, purchase region and selected package. Your purchased plan instructions take precedence. Confirm your phone supports this eSIM Check the provider compatibility list for your exact model and purchase region. On iPhone, check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock for No SIM Restrictions. For Android, consult your manufacturer and provider. Match the package to your whole route Confirm mainland China coverage, total data and validity. Check Hong Kong and Macao coverage separately. Confirm calls, SMS and hotspot support if you need them; a data package alone does not promise a local number. Check what starts the validity period Read the activation policy and deadline before installing. Airalo notes that some packages start at installation, while most start on a supported network. Do not assume every package starts on arrival. Install with reliable internet Follow the purchased plan instructions while you have a stable connection. Label the line clearly, such as China travel. Save the instructions privately for offline access; never share the activation QR code publicly. Prepare an offline fallback Our suggestion: save your hotel address in Chinese, arrival transport details and provider support instructions. Keep your phone charged. Do not depend on a working connection to retrieve your first essential directions. Sources: [Apple: international travel with eSIM](https://support.apple.com/en-us/118227) (checked 2026-11-05); [Airalo: installation and validity](https://www.airalo.com/help/getting-started-with-airalo/E8DFWD88SHUX/how-do-i-install-an-esim-on-my-ios-device/3Z7U0CAC64GF) (checked 2026-11-05). ## After landing in mainland China Menu names vary by phone. Apply settings to the travel line deliberately, keeping your home line settings separate. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data Turn on the travel line and select it for cellular or mobile data. Review automatic data switching so you know which line will carry data. Follow the roaming instruction for that line Nomad tells China users to enable data roaming on its travel eSIM. For Airalo, follow the package connection instructions. Check home-carrier charges before keeping your home line active; disabling its data roaming alone does not settle voice or SMS charges. Check activation and connection settings Complete any activation step shown by your provider. Use only the APN and network instructions supplied for your purchased package; do not guess settings from another plan. Test mobile data before leaving the airport Our suggestion: briefly disconnect Wi-Fi and confirm the travel line carries data. Check maps and transport apps as well as needed overseas services; a working website does not verify every app. Check the allowance. We have not field-tested app access in China. Sources: [Apple: international travel with eSIM](https://support.apple.com/en-us/118227) (checked 2026-11-05); [Airalo: installation and validity](https://www.airalo.com/help/getting-started-with-airalo/E8DFWD88SHUX/how-do-i-install-an-esim-on-my-ios-device/3Z7U0CAC64GF) (checked 2026-11-05); [Nomad: connecting in China](https://www.nomadesim.com/help-center/en/articles/9886332-does-nomad-esim-work-in-china) (checked 2026-11-05). ## If you cannot get online These checks are a starting point, not a promise that a setting will fix every device. Recheck the basics Check the selected data line, destination coverage, activation status, allowance and validity. Compare roaming, APN and network settings against your own plan instructions. Use your fallback and contact support Use a trusted available connection to reach the provider. Share the device model and problem through its private support channel. Ask whether the profile can be reinstalled before deleting it. Keep Wi-Fi and eSIM access separate Nomad limits its China app-access guidance to eSIM mobile data, not local Wi-Fi. If an app behaves differently, check the connection in use. Confirm work-critical services with the provider rather than assuming universal access. Sources: [Nomad: connecting in China](https://www.nomadesim.com/help-center/en/articles/9886332-does-nomad-esim-work-in-china) (checked 2026-11-05). ## Still choosing a plan? Compare selected China packages by total price, data and validity. Airalo purchase buttons are affiliate links; eligible purchases may earn us a commission. [Compare China eSIM plans](https://coupongogogo.com/esim/china/#plans) [Plans valid for at least 7 days](https://coupongogogo.com/esim/china/?days=7#plans) · [Plans valid for at least 14 days](https://coupongogogo.com/esim/china/?days=14#plans) [Read the detailed installation guide](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-esim-setup/) or [check published app-access guidance](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-esim-app-access/). **Planning a mainland China trip?** [Compare selected China plans →](https://coupongogogo.com/esim/china/)[China eSIM for WhatsApp and Google: what to check →](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-esim-app-access/)[China eSIM setup: a pre-trip checklist →](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-esim-setup/)[China arrival connectivity checklist →](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-arrival-checklist/)[China eSIM connected, but DiDi, Alipay or Amap is slow? →](https://coupongogogo.com/guides/china-esim-slow-apps/) [Structured offers and freshness rules](https://coupongogogo.com/developers/)