Essential Guide for Foreigners in China:

When I recently talked with a friend, I was shocked to hear that many foreigners who come to China for business or work barely leave the area around their hotels. Even if they have translators, they often feel trapped. Why? Because once they leave hotel Wi-Fi, they have no internet connection—and without maps or translation apps, they’re afraid they won’t find their way back.

That’s such a waste! China is huge, vibrant, and full of amazing things to see and do. But without internet access, many visitors miss out on the experience entirely.

The solution is simple: get a Chinese SIM card with mobile data. Once you’re online, even if you don’t speak a word of Chinese, apps will guide you through food, transportation, shopping, and entertainment.

There’s one thing to know, though: China’s internet is separated from many foreign platforms. Services like Google, Facebook, or ChatGPT require a VPN, and honestly, most free VPNs are unreliable.

To get a SIM card, you’ll need to visit a telecom service center in person with your passport. In China, all SIM cards must be registered under your real name—this is mandatory. Years ago, you could buy anonymous SIM cards at newspaper stands, but those days are gone.

For Chinese citizens, applying online with an ID card is quick and easy, but for foreigners, the online option isn’t available yet. So yes, you’ll need to go to a store.

There are only three telecom providers in China:

China Mobile

China Telecom

China Unicom

You’ll see their stores everywhere—just walk down any main street in a Chinese city.

The good news is that plans are very affordable. Prices vary depending on the package, but they’re almost always cheaper than what you’d pay in the U.S. or Europe. Just ask the staff in the store for the best option based on your stay.

With a local SIM card in hand, you’ll finally be free to explore China without being tied to hotel Wi-Fi.

Must-Have Apps in China

To make your stay in China even smoother, there are a few essential apps you should download right after getting your SIM card. These apps cover everything from food delivery to shopping and transportation.

1. Meituan (美团)

Meituan is the ultimate “all-in-one” app for dining, entertainment, and local services. You can order food, book movie tickets, find discounts on restaurants, and even hire cleaning services. Prices on Meituan are often cheaper than what you’d pay in-store. That said, if you’re coming from Europe or the U.S., you’ll probably find most things in China already very affordable—so discounts are just a nice bonus.

2. Taobao (淘宝)

If you’re staying in China for more than a month, downloading Taobao is a must. It’s like Amazon, but with even more variety and incredibly low prices. You’ll find creative, fun, and surprisingly high-quality products you never thought you needed. Delivery is fast too—most items arrive within three days, no matter where you are in the country.

One thing to note: unlike the U.S., where return windows are usually long, Taobao’s return policy is typically just seven days. So make sure you decide quickly if you want to keep what you’ve bought.

3. Didi (滴滴)

Didi is China’s version of Uber, and it’s absolutely essential if you don’t plan on renting a car. Whether it’s the middle of the day or 3 a.m., you can open the app, request a ride, and a driver will usually show up within minutes to take you anywhere in the city.

Honestly, I can’t imagine why you’d be out at 3 a.m. unless you’re catching a train or a flight. Then again, maybe you’re just coming out of a bar—that works too.