China Mobile vs China Unicom vs China Telecom: The Ultimate eSIM Comparison Guide for Travelers (2025)

Planning a trip to China? Staying connected isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. From navigating Beijing’s hutongs with Google Maps to sharing your Great Wall photos on Instagram, reliable internet access makes or breaks your travel experience. This guide is designed for international travelers and tourists planning a trip to China. Choosing the right mobile network—specifically among China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—is crucial for staying connected and accessing essential services during your trip. China’s unique digital landscape means choosing the right mobile network solution requires careful consideration.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about China’s three major telecommunications operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—and explain why a prepaid international eSIM is your smartest connectivity solution for traveling in China.

Understanding China’s Telecommunications Landscape

China boasts one of the world’s most advanced mobile networks, with near-universal 4G coverage and rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure. Three state-owned operators dominate the market, collectively serving over 1.6 billion subscribers:

• China Mobile: The industry giant with approximately 60% market share and over 900 million subscribers
• China Telecom: The second-largest operator with around 20% market share and 334 million 5G subscribers
• China Unicom: The third major player with approximately 20% market share and 279 million 5G subscribers

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the three major telecommunications operators in China. (Fact: 1)

Each carrier operates its own nationwide network with distinct characteristics, coverage patterns, and technical specifications. Understanding these differences is crucial for travelers seeking optimal connectivity.

Carrier Comparison: Coverage, Compatibility, Pricing, and Tourist Friendliness

Below is a direct comparison of China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom on key points relevant to international travelers. Each point is supported by verified facts.

Feature	China Mobile	China Unicom	China Telecom
Coverage	Best in rural and remote areas due to the largest number of 4G/5G base stations.	Strong urban 4G/5G coverage, covers nearly 90% of the population.	Strong signal stability in southern cities and better in weak signal environments.
Device Compatibility	Can have compatibility issues with foreign phones, especially with 4G/5G.	Superior compatibility with international phones, especially for travelers.	Often has compatibility issues with international devices, but modern phones generally work.
Pricing	Generally higher fares than Unicom and Telecom.	Lower fares compared to China Mobile; more budget-friendly.	Competitive pricing and better call/data deals, especially for domestic users.
Tourist-Friendliness	Less tourist-friendly due to device compatibility and higher pricing.	Most tourist-friendly; smooth setup for foreign devices and traveler-specific packages.	Moderate; strong in southern China but can have compatibility issues.
Regional Strengths	Excels in rural and remote areas.	Excels in urban areas and northern cities.	Excels in southern China, especially in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

China Mobile: The Coverage King

Network Overview

China Mobile stands as the world’s largest mobile telecommunications company by subscriber base. The carrier operates the most extensive network infrastructure in China, providing coverage to approximately 97% of the population, including remote rural areas where other carriers struggle to reach.

Technical Specifications

4G/LTE Technology: China Mobile primarily uses TD-LTE (Time Division Long Term Evolution), a less common standard globally. The network operates on these LTE frequency bands:

• Band 38 (TD 2600 MHz)
• Band 39 (TD 1900 MHz)
• Band 40 (TD 2300 MHz)
• Band 41 (TD 2500 MHz)

5G Network: As of December 2024, China Mobile has deployed over 1.7 million 5G base stations, the largest 5G network globally. The carrier utilizes both sub-6GHz and mmWave spectrum for 5G deployment, with coverage concentrated in major cities and rapidly expanding to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Speed Performance

According to Speedtest Global Index data, China Mobile network speed delivers:

• Median 4G download speeds: 195+ Mbps nationwide
• Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai): Up to 230 Mbps on 4G
• 5G download speeds: Exceeding 300 Mbps in covered areas

Coverage Strengths

China Mobile excels in:

• Rural Coverage: Unmatched signal coverage reach in countryside areas, small towns, and remote regions
• Mountainous Regions: Superior signal penetration in China’s diverse topography with stable signal
• Nationwide Consistency: Most reliable option for travelers moving between urban and rural areas
• Subway and Underground: Excellent coverage in metro systems across major cities

Limitations for International Travelers

The critical challenge with China Mobile for foreign visitors lies in device compatibility. The carrier’s TD-LTE technology operates on frequency bands that many international smartphones don’t support. Phones purchased outside China—particularly from North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia—may experience:

• Inability to access 3G networks (which use TD-SCDMA)
• Limited or no 4G connectivity despite having an LTE-capable device
• Forced connection to slower 2G networks in areas without compatible 4G coverage

Pricing Structure

China Mobile typically commands premium pricing due to its market dominance. Prepaid plans for tourists are available but generally cost 10-15% more than equivalent offerings from competitors.

China Unicom: The International Traveler’s Choice

Network Overview

China Unicom ranks as the second-largest telecommunications operator in China and has earned a reputation as the most foreigner-friendly carrier. The company’s strategic focus on international compatibility makes it the preferred choice for tourists and expatriates using foreign-purchased smartphones.

Technical Specifications

4G/LTE Technology: China Unicom uses FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Long Term Evolution), the global standard for 4G networks. This gives it superior compatibility with international devices. Operating bands include:

• Band 1 (FDD 2100 MHz)
• Band 3 (FDD 1800 MHz)
• Band 5 (FDD 850 MHz)
• Band 8 (FDD 900 MHz)

3G Technology: Unlike China Mobile, China Unicom operates standard WCDMA/UMTS 3G networks on bands commonly supported worldwide:

• Band 1 (2100 MHz)
• Band 8 (900 MHz)

5G Network: China Unicom has jointly built over 1.3 million 5G base stations with China Telecom through an infrastructure-sharing agreement. The carrier recently repurposed its 900 MHz frequency band (previously used for 2G/3G/4G) to strengthen 5G coverage, particularly in urban areas.

Speed Performance

China Unicom delivers competitive network speed:

• Median 4G download speeds: 143+ Mbps nationwide
• Urban areas: Consistent performance with less variation than China Mobile
• 5G speeds: 300+ Mbps in covered metropolitan areas
• Superior VPN performance: Faster and more stable connections for encrypted traffic

Coverage Strengths

China Unicom performs exceptionally well in:

• Northern China: Historically stronger presence in cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and northeastern provinces offering stable signal
• Major Urban Centers: Excellent signal coverage in all tier-1 and tier-2 cities
• Business Districts: Optimized infrastructure in commercial zones
• University Areas: Strong presence near educational institutions

The carrier provides solid coverage for approximately 90% of China’s population, which includes all areas most tourists typically visit.

International Device Compatibility

This is where China Unicom truly shines for international travelers. The carrier’s use of globally standardized FDD-LTE and WCDMA technologies means:

• iPhones: Near-perfect compatibility across all models
• Android Devices: Seamless connectivity for phones from Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Sony, and other international brands
• European Phones: Full 3G and 4G support for devices purchased in EU countries
• North American Phones: Compatible with most unlocked devices from the US and Canada
• Australian/Japanese Phones: Excellent compatibility due to shared frequency band usage

Data Roaming Excellence

China Unicom has established extensive international roaming partnerships, making it the preferred network for:

• Travelers who need seamless connectivity across borders (China, Hong Kong, Macau)
• Business visitors requiring reliable international connectivity
• Users of international mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs)

Pricing Structure

China Unicom offers competitive pricing, generally 10-20% lower than China Mobile for equivalent data packages. Tourist-oriented prepaid plans provide excellent value, with various options tailored to different trip lengths and data requirements.

China Telecom: The Southern Specialist

Network Overview

China Telecom operates as China’s oldest telecommunications company and maintains particularly strong infrastructure in southern China. The carrier has evolved from its fixed-line heritage to become a formidable mobile operator with over 334 million 5G subscribers.

Technical Specifications

4G/LTE Technology: China Telecom primarily uses FDD-LTE like China Unicom, ensuring good international compatibility:

• Band 1 (FDD 2100 MHz)
• Band 3 (FDD 1800 MHz)
• Band 5 (FDD 850 MHz)

3G Technology: China Telecom historically used CDMA2000 technology, which has limited international compatibility. However, this is less relevant today as the network has largely transitioned to 4G and 5G.

5G Network: Through its infrastructure-sharing agreement with China Unicom, China Telecom operates over 1.3 million 5G base stations. The carrier is progressively reallocating its prized 800 MHz spectrum from 3G/4G services to improve wide-area 5G coverage, particularly in suburban and rural zones.

Speed Performance

China Telecom delivers strong performance metrics:

• Median 4G download network speed: 143.68 Mbps nationwide
• Speed Advantage: In actual tourist use cases, China Telecom surprisingly outperforms China Unicom in median 4G download and upload speeds in many urban areas
• City highlights: Tianjin shows particularly impressive speeds at 326.07 Mbps on fixed networks
• 5G performance: Competitive speeds of 300+ Mbps in covered areas

Coverage Strengths

China Telecom excels in:

• Southern China: Dominant presence in provinces like Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu
• Major Southern Cities: Outstanding signal coverage in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Shanghai
• Pearl River Delta: Best-in-class connectivity in China’s manufacturing heartland
• Coastal Regions: Strong infrastructure along eastern seaboard cities

International Device Compatibility

China Telecom’s FDD-LTE deployment provides good compatibility with international devices, though historically not quite as seamless as China Unicom due to its CDMA legacy. Modern smartphones (2020 onwards) generally work well on China Telecom’s network.

Regional Considerations

While China Telecom provides nationwide coverage, travelers should note:

• Southern Advantage: If your itinerary focuses on Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or southern provinces, China Telecom often delivers the best experience
• Northern Coverage: Adequate but historically less optimized than China Unicom in northern regions
• Rural South: Excellent connectivity in southern countryside and suburban areas

Pricing Structure

China Telecom offers competitive pricing similar to China Unicom, with attractive bundles aimed at attracting customers from market leader China Mobile. Tourist packages provide solid value, particularly for trips focused on southern China.

Network Comparison Summary Table

Feature	China Mobile	China Unicom	China Telecom
Market Share	~60%	~20%	~20%
Subscribers	900M+	279M 5G	334M 5G
Coverage Area	Best nationwide (97%). Learn how long it takes to activate your eSIM	Excellent urban (90%)	Strong in south
4G Technology	TD-LTE	FDD-LTE	FDD-LTE
4G Speeds	195+ Mbps	143+ Mbps	144 Mbps
5G Stations	1.7M+	1.3M (shared)	1.3M (shared)
International Phone Compatibility	Poor	Excellent	Good
Regional Strength	Rural + nationwide	Northern cities	Southern cities
VPN Performance	Moderate	Excellent	Good
Tourist Friendliness	Low	High	Moderate
Pricing	Premium	Competitive	Competitive
Best For	Rural travel, Complete China tour	International travelers, Northern China	Southern China focus

The Great Firewall Challenge: Why Your Choice Matters

Here’s what most travel guides don’t tell you: simply having internet access in China isn’t enough. China operates the world’s most sophisticated internet censorship system, commonly known as the Great Firewall (GFW). This nationwide filtering mechanism blocks access to countless websites and services that travelers rely on daily.

What’s Blocked in China?

If you purchase a local SIM card from any Chinese carrier upon arrival, you’ll immediately lose access to:

Communication Apps:

• WhatsApp (messaging and calls)
• Telegram
• Line
• Signal
• Facebook Messenger

Social Media Platforms:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter (X)
• Pinterest
• Snapchat
• TikTok (international version)
• Reddit

Google Services (Complete Suite):If you’re traveling and want to make the most of Google services abroad, consider reading A Complete Guide to the eSIM Cards for Travelers to learn how to stay connected seamlessly.

• Google Search
• Gmail
• Google Maps
• Google Drive
• Google Photos
• YouTube
• Google Play Store
• Google Translate app

News & Media:

• New York Times
• BBC
• Wall Street Journal
• Bloomberg
• The Guardian
• CNN

Business Tools:

• Dropbox
• Slack (unreliable)
• Many VPN services
• Various cloud storage platforms

Streaming Services:

• Netflix (international content)
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Spotify
• Twitch

The Tourist’s Dilemma

Imagine arriving in Beijing, excited to explore the Forbidden City, only to realize:

• You can’t use Google Maps to navigate
• You can’t message your family on WhatsApp
• You can’t share photos on Instagram
• You can’t access your Gmail for important confirmations
• You can’t check your work Slack or cloud documents
• You can’t even search for restaurant recommendations on Google

For years, the standard solution was installing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before arriving in China. However, VPNs come with significant challenges:

VPN Limitations:

• Must be downloaded and set up before entering China
• Connection reliability varies dramatically
• Chinese government actively blocks popular VPN services
• Speeds can be frustratingly slow
• Regular disconnections disrupt your experience
• Some VPNs stop working without warning during your trip
• Additional monthly subscription cost ($10-15/month)
• Requires technical knowledge to troubleshoot
• Doesn’t always work on all devices simultaneously

The Game-Changing Solution: International Travel eSIMs

This is where international travel eSIMs revolutionize connectivity for China travelers. Here’s the crucial distinction that makes all the difference:

How Local Chinese SIM Cards Work

When you buy a physical SIM card from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom at the airport or a local shop:

1. Your phone connects to the local carrier’s network
2. All internet traffic routes through Chinese domestic servers
3. The Great Firewall filters every website and app request you make
4. Blocked services remain completely inaccessible
5. You need a VPN to bypass restrictions

How International Travel eSIMs Work

When you use a travel eSIM from a reputable international provider like Baztel:

1. Your phone connects to local Chinese networks for signal strength
2. Your internet traffic routes through international servers (typically Hong Kong, Singapore, or your home country)
3. Data processing occurs outside mainland China’s jurisdiction
4. The Great Firewall never sees or filters your traffic
5. All apps and websites work exactly as they do at home—no VPN needed

This is the critical advantage: Travel eSIMs leverage international roaming agreements to automatically bypass the Great Firewall through their routing infrastructure. You’re using local networks for connectivity but international servers for data processing.

Why Buy Your eSIM Before Arrival: The Prepaid Advantage

Immediate Connectivity Upon Landing

With a prepaid eSIM installed before departure:

• Your phone connects automatically when you land
• No searching for airport SIM card shops with long queues
• No time wasted during precious travel hours
• Instant access to ride-hailing apps, maps, and messaging
• Call your hotel or contact local connections immediately

Bypass the Great Firewall From Arrival

This is crucial: Once you’re in China without internet access, you’re effectively locked out of setting up circumvention tools.

• Can’t download VPN apps (VPN websites are blocked)
• Can’t access app stores to get necessary tools
• Can’t research solutions using Google Search
• Limited to asking locals with Chinese apps you don’t have

A prepaid international eSIM solves this permanently—you have unrestricted internet access the moment you land.

No Language Barriers

Airport SIM card vendors in China:

• Often have limited English-speaking staff
• Use complex Chinese-language registration processes
• Require understanding local pricing structures
• May not explain which services are restricted
• Can’t always answer questions about international apps

Buying from BazTel means:

• Clear English-language purchase process
• Transparent pricing with no surprises
• Detailed setup instructions in your language
• Customer support available before and during your trip
• No communication challenges

Simplified Documentation Requirements

Local Chinese SIM cards require:

• Passport presentation and scanning
• Facial recognition verification
• Chinese phone number linkage in some cases
• Completion of registration forms (often in Chinese)
• Sometimes proof of accommodation
• Potential wait times for system verification

With BazTel’s prepaid eSIM:

• Purchase online in minutes
• No in-person verification required
• No documentation beyond payment
• Setup completed from your home before departure
• Available instantly via email

Price Transparency and Planning

Buying at arrival presents challenges:

• Airport shops often charge premium prices
• Limited plan options with unclear terms
• Pressure to make quick decisions
• Difficulty comparing different carriers
• Hidden fees or unexpected charges
• Payment may require Chinese payment apps

BazTel’s prepaid eSIM offers:

• Clear, published pricing in your currency
• Detailed plan comparisons before purchase
• Time to research and choose the perfect option
• No pressure or rushed decisions
• Pay with familiar international payment methods
• Exact cost known before your trip

Avoid Compatibility Issues

Purchasing at arrival risks: Learn more about interesting facts about Albania before your trip.

• Getting a SIM that doesn’t work with your specific phone model
• Discovering compatibility issues when it’s too late
• Staff who may not understand international phone models
• No easy returns or exchanges at airport shops
• Wasted time and money

With BazTel:

• Verify compatibility on website before purchase
• Comprehensive device compatibility checker
• Customer support to answer questions beforehand
• Purchase the right product for your specific device
• Peace of mind before you travel

Multi-Device Coverage

Modern travelers often carry multiple devices:

• Smartphone for communication and navigation
• Tablet for entertainment and work
• Laptop for business or content consumption

Local SIM cards: For information on whether you should keep data roaming on or off when using a local SIM card abroad, see Should Data Roaming Be On or Off? A Complete Traveler’s Guide.

• Only work in one device at a time
• Require physical swapping between devices
• May not support hotspot/tethering features
• Additional SIM purchases needed for multiple devices

BazTel eSIM with hotspot capability:

• Share connection across all your devices
• No physical swapping required
• Connect smartphone, tablet, and laptop simultaneously
• One purchase covers all your connectivity needs

Security and Privacy

Local SIM cards require:

• Personal information registered with Chinese carriers
• Facial recognition stored in local databases
• All activity potentially monitored on local networks
• Uncertainty about data privacy policies

International eSIMs provide:

• Registration with international provider outside China
• Data routing through international servers
• Less exposure to local surveillance systems
• Familiar privacy policies from global providers

Introducing Baztel: Your Ultimate China Connectivity Solution

BazTel’s China Mainland eSIM stands apart from other travel eSIM providers with a unique, powerful advantage: triple-network access combined with built-in Great Firewall bypass.

The BazTel Triple-Network Advantage

Unlike competitors that partner with just one or two Chinese carriers, BazTel China eSIM provides access to all three major networks:

✅ China Mobile – Access the country’s most extensive network, perfect for rural and remote areas

✅ China Unicom – Connect through the most international-device-friendly network with excellent urban coverage. If you need to transfer an eSIM from one Android phone to another, follow this easy step-by-step guide.

✅ China Telecom – Leverage superior southern China infrastructure for optimal speed and reliability

What This Means for You:

Your phone intelligently switches between networks to maintain the strongest possible signal wherever you travel. Whether you’re:

• Exploring remote sections of the Great Wall (China Mobile’s superior rural coverage)
• Navigating Beijing’s business districts (China Unicom’s excellent urban infrastructure)
• Touring Shenzhen’s tech corridor (China Telecom’s southern dominance)

BazTel ensures you’re always connected to the optimal network for your location, without any manual switching or configuration.

Unrestricted Internet Access

Every Baztel China eSIM includes automatic Great Firewall bypass, giving you complete access to:

• ✅ Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Photos, YouTube)
• ✅ Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit)
• ✅ Messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Signal)
• ✅ Streaming (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, Twitch)
• ✅ Business Tools (Dropbox, Slack, Microsoft 365, cloud services)
• ✅ News Sites (New York Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal, CNN)
• ✅ Any other website or app you use at home

No VPN required. No setup complexity. No restrictions. Just pure, unfiltered internet access from the moment you land in China.

Flexible Plan Options

BazTel offers various mobile package tailored to every travel style:

Short Trip Plans (3-7 Days)

• Perfect for: Tourist visits, brief business trips, layovers
• Data options: 1GB to 5GB daily allowances
• Price range: Highly competitive starting from budget-friendly rates
• Best for: City-focused itineraries, casual users

Medium Duration (8-15 Days)

• Perfect for: Extended vacations, multi-city tours
• Data options: 2GB to 10GB daily allowances or fixed packages
• Price range: Excellent value per-day pricing
• Best for: Active travelers, social media enthusiasts

Long Stay Plans (16-30 Days)

• Perfect for: Extended business travel, digital nomads, comprehensive tours
• Data options: Up to 20GB+ with various fixed and daily refresh options
• Price range: Best per-GB value with volume discounts
• Best for: Heavy users, remote workers, content creators

Unlimited Options

• Daily unlimited data with fair usage policies
• Perfect for: Streaming, video calls, heavy download needs
• Throttled speeds after daily threshold (typically 1-2GB at full speed)

Premium Features Included

5G Network Access: Experience blazing-fast speeds in 5G-covered areas across major Chinese cities. BazTel eSIMs support the latest 5G technology on all three carrier networks, ensuring you benefit from China’s cutting-edge mobile infrastructure.

Hotspot/Tethering Capability: Share your connection across multiple devices. Your BazTel eSIM allows tethering to laptops, tablets, and other devices, making it a complete connectivity solution for all your tech.

No Speed Throttling (Fair Use): Enjoy consistent high-speed data throughout your plan duration, with transparent fair usage policies clearly stated for unlimited plans.

Instant Activation: Your eSIM activates automatically when you land in China—no manual activation or configuration required.

24/7 Customer Support: Access BazTel’s multilingual support team anytime during your trip for technical assistance or questions.

Easy Top-Ups: Running low on data? Purchase additional data packages directly through the BazTel app or website, even while in China.

How BazTel Compares to Alternatives

Feature	BazTel China eSIM	Local SIM Card	Single-Network eSIMs	VPN + Local SIM
Network Access	All 3 networks	1 network	1-2 networks	1 network
Great Firewall Bypass	✅ Automatic	❌ Blocked	✅ Usually	⚠️ Inconsistent
Purchase Location	Before travel	Upon arrival	Before travel	Before travel + arrival
Setup Time	5 minutes	30-60 minutes	5-10 minutes	20-40 minutes
Google/WhatsApp Access	✅ Immediate	❌ Blocked	✅ Immediate	⚠️ If VPN works
Rural Coverage	✅ Excellent – see our eSIM compatibility list to check if your device is supported.	Varies by carrier	⚠️ Varies	Varies
Device Compatibility	Broad	Risk of issues	Broad	Depends
Language Barrier	None	Significant	None	Some
Documentation Required For seamless mobile connectivity during your travels, refer to the eSIM for North America page.	Minimal	Passport + registration	Minimal	Passport
Customer Support	24/7 English	Limited/Chinese	Varies	Varies
Price Transparency	✅ Clear upfront	⚠️ Varies	✅ Clear	Multiple costs

Real-World Performance

BazTel users consistently report:

• Signal Strength: Excellent to outstanding in 95%+ of locations including metros, elevators, and rural areas
• Speed: Full 4G LTE speeds (50-200 Mbps) in most areas, 5G speeds (300+ Mbps) in covered cities
• Reliability: Less than 1% service interruption rate across user base
• App Performance: Seamless functionality for video calls, streaming, social media, and navigation apps

Installation Process: Simple in 3 Steps

1. Purchase & Receive (Before Travel)
   • Select your plan on BazTel website
   • Complete purchase with international payment methods
   • Receive QR code via email within minutes
2. Install (Before or During Travel)
   • For more information on how to stay connected while you travel, check out the best eSIM plans for frequent travelers.
   • Scan QR code in your phone’s eSIM settings
   • eSIM profile downloads in seconds
   • Keep your primary SIM active for calls/texts
3. Activate (Upon Arrival)
   • Turn on Data Roaming for Baztel eSIM
   • Connection establishes automatically
   • Start browsing unrestricted internet immediately

Technical Deep Dive: Understanding Network Technologies

For tech-savvy travelers, understanding the technical differences between China’s carriers helps explain why device compatibility varies:

TD-LTE vs. FDD-LTE: The Critical Distinction

TD-LTE (Time Division LTE) – China Mobile

• Developed as China’s homegrown 4G standard
• Uses time-division multiplexing (uploads and downloads share the same frequency at different times)
• Operates on Band 38 (2600 MHz), Band 39 (1900 MHz), Band 40 (2300 MHz), Band 41 (2500 MHz)
• Limited global adoption outside China and India
• Most international phones lack TD-LTE band support
• Result: Many foreign phones can’t access China Mobile’s 4G network

FDD-LTE (Frequency Division LTE) – China Unicom & China Telecom

• Global standard adopted by most countries
• Uses frequency-division multiplexing (separate frequencies for uploads and downloads)
• Operates on Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 5 (850 MHz), Band 8 (900 MHz)
• Universal support in smartphones manufactured for international markets
• Result: Nearly all international phones work seamlessly on China Unicom and China Telecom 4G networks

5G Technology in China

China leads the world in 5G deployment, with all three carriers operating on two main spectrum bands:

Sub-6 GHz (Primary Coverage)

• n41 (2.6 GHz): Used by China Mobile
• n78 (3.5 GHz): Shared by all three carriers, primary 5G band
• n79 (4.9 GHz): China-specific band for ultra-high capacity

Good news: Most international 5G phones support n78, the main band used by Chinese carriers.

Coverage allocation:

• Low frequency bands (700-900 MHz): Wide coverage, penetrates buildings, moderate speeds (100-200 Mbps)
• Mid frequency bands (1800-2600 MHz): Balanced coverage and speed
• High frequency bands (3500+ MHz): Limited coverage, ultra-fast speeds (300-1000+ Mbps)

Frequency Band Compatibility Check

If you’re bringing your own phone, verify it supports these bands:

For China Unicom/China Telecom (Recommended):

• 4G: B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B8 (900 MHz)
• 5G: n78 (3500 MHz)

For China Mobile (Advanced):

• 4G: B38, B39, B40, B41 (various frequencies)
• 5G: n41 (2600 MHz), n78 (3500 MHz), n79 (4.9 GHz)

Check your phone’s specs at:

• Settings > About Phone > Model Number
• Search your model + “frequency bands” on Google
• Search your device on our China Mainland eSIM page
• Check manufacturer specifications

Most compatible phones:

• ✅ iPhone 8 and newer (all bands)
• ✅ Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
• ✅ Google Pixel 4 and newer
• ✅ OnePlus 8 and newer
• ✅ Recent Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei international models

Essential China Travel Connectivity Tips

Before You Depart

1. Verify eSIM Compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology (Settings > General > About > Digital SIM – on iOS; Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs – on Android)
2. Keep Your Primary SIM Active: Your home SIM can remain installed. Set Baztel eSIM as data source, keep home SIM for calls/texts.
3. Download Essential Apps: While Baztel gives you unrestricted access, download these before departure for convenience:
   • Google Maps (download offline maps of Chinese cities)
   • Google Translate (download Chinese language pack)
   • Your airline app
   • WeChat (China’s super-app – useful for some local services)
   • Didi (Chinese Uber equivalent)
4. Test Your eSIM: If possible, install and test your eSIM at home to ensure it’s properly configured.
5. Save Important Information Offline: Download hotel confirmations, flight details, and emergency contact information.

Upon Arrival in China

1. Enable Data Roaming: This sounds counterintuitive but is required for eSIMs to work. Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > BazTel eSIM > Enable Data Roaming.
2. Select Baztel for Mobile Data: Ensure your phone uses the BazTel eSIM for data, not your home carrier.
3. Turn Off Home SIM Data: Disable data roaming on your home SIM to avoid accidental charges.
4. Test Connectivity: Open Google, Instagram, or WhatsApp to verify unrestricted access.
5. Check Network Connection: Your phone should show “China Mobile,” “China Unicom,” or “China Telecom” as the carrier, with your data routing automatically through Baztel’s international servers.

During Your Trip

1. Monitor Data Usage: Check consumption in Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data to avoid exceeding your plan.
2. Connect to WiFi When Available: Hotel and restaurant WiFi can supplement your eSIM data (though it will be subject to Great Firewall restrictions).
3. Use Hotspot Wisely: If sharing connection across devices, monitor data usage carefully as video streaming and downloads consume data quickly.
4. Top-Up Preemptively: If running low, purchase additional data through Baztel before completely exhausting your allowance.
5. Keep Customer Support Info Handy: Save BazTel’s support contact information for quick access if needed.

Network Optimization Tips

For Best Performance:

• Enable LTE/4G or 5G in mobile network settings (don’t limit to 3G)
• In rural areas, connection may take 15-30 seconds to establish
• If experiencing slow speeds, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to reconnect
• In buildings with poor signal, move near windows for better reception

Battery Management:

• 5G consumes more battery; switch to 4G if battery is low
• Turn off WiFi scanning if not actively using WiFi
• Lower screen brightness in outdoor areas
• Close background apps consuming data

Common Questions About China Connectivity

Q: Is it legal to use an international eSIM in China?

A: Yes, absolutely. Using international roaming services is completely legal for tourists. International eSIMs operate under roaming agreements between carriers and are a standard, legitimate way to stay connected while traveling abroad.

Q: Will using Baztel eSIM get me in trouble for accessing blocked websites?

A: No. Tourists using international roaming services (including eSIMs) to access global internet are not targeted or penalized. The restrictions primarily apply to residents using local services. Millions of international travelers use this method without any issues.

Q: Can I use WhatsApp video calls on Baztel eSIM?

A: Yes, perfectly. WhatsApp (including video calls), Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and all communication apps work seamlessly on BazTel eSIM with no restrictions or quality degradation.

Q: What happens if I run out of data during my trip?

A: You can purchase additional data packages directly through the BazTel website or app, even while in China. Top-up data is typically available instantly after purchase.

Q: Can I receive calls and texts on my regular phone number?

A: Yes. Your primary SIM remains active for calls and texts from your home carrier. You’ll just use the BazTel eSIM for data. Note that you may incur international roaming charges for calls/texts on your home carrier (check with them beforehand).

Q: Does BazTel work in Hong Kong and Macau?

A: Check BazTel’s specific plan details. Many China eSIM plans include Hong Kong and Macau, but some are mainland-only. If crossing to these regions, verify coverage before travel.

Q: Will I have problems in remote areas like Tibet or Xinjiang?

A: BazTel’s triple-network access significantly improves coverage in remote regions. However, some extremely remote areas may have limited or no cellular coverage from any carrier. Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia generally have good coverage along major routes and cities but can be spotty in wilderness areas. China Mobile’s network (included with BazTel) offers the best remote coverage.

Q: How does speed compare to home internet?

A: In major Chinese cities, you’ll often experience faster speeds than typical home connections. 4G LTE regularly delivers 100-200+ Mbps, and 5G can exceed 300 Mbps. Rural areas typically provide 20-50 Mbps, still more than adequate for all standard activities.

Q: Can I use my eSIM for mobile gaming?

A: Yes. The low latency and high speeds on Chinese networks support online gaming, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. However, some game servers may be region-locked.

Q: What if my phone isn’t eSIM compatible?

A: If your device doesn’t support eSIM (generally phones released before 2018), you’ll need to purchase a physical SIM card. However, you’ll lose the automatic Great Firewall bypass advantage and will need to set up a VPN beforehand.

Q: Do I need to activate my eSIM at a specific time?

A: Most Baztel plans activate automatically when you first connect to a Chinese network. Some plans activate on a specific date you select during purchase. Check your specific plan details—validity periods typically start from first use or activation date.

Q: Can multiple people share one eSIM?

A: No, each eSIM is tied to a specific device. However, you can use the hotspot feature to share the connection with travel companions’ devices. For groups, consider purchasing multiple eSIMs for convenience and redundancy.

Q: Is customer service available in English?

A: Yes, BazTel provides English-language customer support via multiple channels including email, chat, and phone support available 24/7.

Q: What’s the difference between unlimited and fixed data plans?

A: Fixed data plans give you a set amount of high-speed data (e.g., 10GB total). Unlimited plans provide unrestricted data but may throttle speeds after a daily threshold (typically 1-2GB per day). Choose based on your usage: fixed for controlled, predictable use; unlimited for heavy streaming and downloading.