Tested Guides · Connectivity
SIM and mobile data: land connected
Verification status. Steps and rules below are verified against the toolkit and forum Q&A (2026-10-24). Field-test details pending: test date, city, shop location, package price, time taken. Nothing on this page invents those — they get filled in after a real walkthrough.
What this covers
Two routes to mobile data as a foreign visitor: an eSIM bought before departure, or a local SIM at the airport counter.
Steps
- Check your phone first. Confirm it is unlocked and supports the local bands before you buy anything.
- eSIM before departure means you land connected. Airport SIM counters are easy, but queues can be long at peak arrivals.
- Bring your passport. A local SIM needs passport real-name registration.
- Download offline packs before you fly. Offline map packs and an offline translation pack, while you still have your home network.
- Set up payment apps before departure too. You will want mobile data for maps, payments and ride-hailing the moment you leave the airport.
Costs and time
Pending field test — package prices and counter time vary by airport and carrier and are not stated here until measured.
Pitfalls
- A locked phone, or one without the local bands, cannot use a local SIM at any price.
- Peak-arrival queues at airport counters; an eSIM avoids them.
- Some home apps are slow or unavailable — plan around apps that work locally. This site does not recommend any VPN product.
Where this does not apply
Mainland China guidance. Hong Kong and Macau run separate telecom systems.
Sources
Forum Connectivity Q&A; toolkit first-24-hours order. Verified 2026-10-24.
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