Can I Use My US Phone in China? Complete Guide (2025)

Yes, your US phone will work in China—but how well and how much it costs depends on your carrier and what you set up.

Here's everything you need to know.

The Short Answer

Question	Answer
Will my phone turn on?	Yes
Will calls/texts work?	Yes (with roaming)
Will data work?	Yes (with roaming or local SIM)
Will it be expensive?	Depends on your plan
Will Google/apps work?	Only with VPN or certain roaming

Phone Compatibility

Your Phone Will Work If:

Most modern US phones work in China:

• iPhone 6 and later: All compatible
• Samsung Galaxy: Most models work
• Google Pixel: Compatible
• Most unlocked phones: Work fine

Technical Check

China uses these network bands:

• 4G LTE: Bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41
• 5G: Bands n1, n28, n41, n78, n79

Most US phones have bands 1, 3, 5, 7—you'll get 4G coverage. You might not hit maximum speeds but will have usable data.

Locked vs Unlocked

Unlocked phone: Can use any SIM card (local or international) Carrier-locked phone: Can only use your carrier's SIM (roaming only)

If you want to use a local Chinese SIM, your phone must be unlocked.

Option 1: International Roaming

Use your existing US plan in China.

Major Carrier Plans

T-Mobile:

• Magenta and Magenta Max include international roaming
• Unlimited texting, data (slower speeds)
• Calls: $0.25/minute
• Bonus: Roaming often bypasses China's firewall (Google works!)

AT&T:

• International Day Pass: $10/day
• Use your domestic plan abroad
• Daily cap of 50 charges/month

Verizon:

• TravelPass: $10/day
• Use your domestic data/calls
• Daily charge only on days you use it

Google Fi:

• Works internationally at no extra charge
• Same rates as US
• Data works in 200+ countries
• Often bypasses firewall

Pros of Roaming

✅ Keep your US number ✅ No setup needed ✅ Some carriers bypass firewall (T-Mobile, Google Fi) ✅ Simple—just turn on roaming

Cons of Roaming

❌ Can be expensive (AT&T/Verizon $10/day) ❌ Data speeds may be throttled ❌ Coverage might be limited ❌ Most roaming DOES NOT bypass firewall

Firewall Bypass

Some carriers route traffic through US servers:

• T-Mobile: Often bypasses firewall
• Google Fi: Usually bypasses firewall
• AT&T/Verizon: Typically does NOT bypass

Not guaranteed—depends on how carrier routes data.

Option 2: Chinese SIM Card

Buy a local SIM for cheapest data.

Where to Buy

At the airport:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom counters
• Easy but slightly more expensive
• English assistance available

In city:

• Carrier stores everywhere
• Cheaper than airport
• Need passport for registration

Requirements

• Passport (mandatory registration)
• Unlocked phone
• Some patience (process takes 20-30 minutes)

Typical Costs

Plan	Data	Validity	Price
Tourist SIM	5GB	7 days	¥50-80
Tourist SIM	10GB	30 days	¥100-150
Regular SIM	20GB	30 days	¥100-200

Very cheap compared to US roaming.

Pros of Local SIM

✅ Cheapest option ✅ Best coverage and speeds ✅ Local phone number (for registrations) ✅ Can top up easily

Cons of Local SIM

❌ Lose your US number temporarily ❌ Subject to Chinese firewall (VPN needed) ❌ Registration process ❌ Phone must be unlocked

Option 3: eSIM

Digital SIM—no physical card needed.

What Is eSIM?

A downloadable SIM profile. No physical card swap needed. Many recent phones support dual SIM (keep US SIM active + add eSIM).

eSIM Providers for China

Airalo:

• China data packages
• 1GB-20GB options
• $5-30
• Easy app purchase

Holafly:

• Unlimited data options
• Higher price point
• Simple setup

eSIM.me, Nomad, others:

• Various packages
• Compare prices/data amounts

Pros of eSIM

✅ No SIM swap needed ✅ Keep US number active ✅ Buy before arrival ✅ Instant activation

Cons of eSIM

❌ Phone must support eSIM ❌ Still subject to firewall (usually) ❌ Can be pricier than local SIM ❌ Data-only (no local calls)

Option 4: Portable WiFi Hotspot

Rent a pocket WiFi device.

How It Works

• Rent device before/at arrival
• Carries its own SIM
• Connect your phone via WiFi
• Share with multiple devices

Where to Get

• Airport pickup/return
• Delivered to hotel
• Book online: Klook, Trip.com, etc.

Typical Cost

• $5-10/day
• Unlimited data usually
• Deposit required

Pros

✅ Multiple devices on one plan ✅ Good for groups/families ✅ No phone setup needed

Cons

❌ Another device to carry ❌ Must keep charged ❌ Can forget/lose it ❌ Still behind firewall (usually)

What About the Firewall?

The Problem

China blocks: Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, many news sites, etc.

Which Options Bypass It?

Option	Bypasses Firewall?
T-Mobile roaming	Often yes
Google Fi roaming	Usually yes
AT&T roaming	Usually no
Verizon roaming	Usually no
Chinese SIM	No
Most eSIM	No
Pocket WiFi	Usually no

The Real Solution: VPN

Regardless of which option you choose, set up a VPN before arrival.

• Download VPN apps in the US
• Subscribe to a service that works in China
• Test it before leaving
• Use it to access blocked services

See our VPN guide.

Recommended Approach

For Most Travelers

1. Check your US plan's international roaming (especially T-Mobile/Google Fi)
2. Download VPN before departure
3. Consider eSIM as data backup
4. Get local SIM at airport if you want cheap data

For Business Travelers

1. Keep US roaming active (stay reachable)
2. Get local SIM or eSIM for data
3. VPN essential for work tools
4. Test everything before important meetings

For Budget Travelers

1. Local Chinese SIM (cheapest data)
2. WiFi at hotels for heavy usage
3. VPN for blocked services
4. Accept limited connectivity

Before You Go Checklist

• Check if phone is unlocked (if want local SIM)
• Review your carrier's international options
• Download VPN apps
• Download offline maps
• Download translation app
• Save important info offline
• Enable international roaming (if using)
• Notify bank of travel (avoid card blocks)

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Need more help staying connected in China? The China Survival Kit includes connectivity guides, VPN setup, and offline tools for when internet fails.