Roaming in China: prevent charges before landing
Updated on
In short
EU roaming rules do not require carriers to include China. Check your tariff before enabling data. If the country is missing or the price is unclear, block data on your usual SIM and use an eSIM: 3 GB costs €5.90 and 10 GB costs €13.99.
The phone connects in Shanghai and starts an update before the tariff message opens. With home data blocked and the eSIM selected, the first byte uses the intended product.
China roaming may route differently, but access cannot be promised
China is outside Roam Like at Home. A European carrier may sell a pass and its way of connecting may differ from a local line, yet that is not a guarantee for Google, WhatsApp, social platforms or VPNs.
Check price, allowance, activation and service statements directly with the carrier. If using an eSIM, block home-line data before landing. Keep the physical SIM only when its number is needed and voice and SMS charges are understood.
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| Option | Provider | Advantage | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home roaming | Your carrier | Keeps its services | Data, voice, price and activation |
| Zas eSIM | China Unicom / China Telecom / China Mobile | Known volume and price before departure | Compatibility and size |
| Local SIM | China Unicom, China Telecom or China Mobile | May include a local number | Registration and current offer |
Keep carrier roaming if it clearly includes China at a price you accept. Otherwise, an eSIM shows the price and allowance before the journey. In China, prepare the apps, tickets and Chinese addresses you will need before flying.
Before flying: prepare these details
- Find the destination in the current roaming list for the exact tariff.
- Check data, voice, texts, activation and the pass renewal rule.
- Disable automatic data switching and roaming data on the usual SIM.
- Save every important address in Chinese characters and as a screenshot.
Save tickets, addresses in Chinese and offline translation. Having mobile data does not ensure that every app you normally use will be available in China. Do this before allowing either line to use data, so you do not pay for an unwanted connection.
Does European roaming guarantee Google or WhatsApp in China?
No. Availability can change with rules, service and the connection. Confirm current terms and carry alternatives.
Can I keep my Spanish number for codes?
Yes on a dual-line phone, but block its data and check SMS and voice charges. The travel eSIM supplies data.
Is roaming free in China?
Not under EU rules. Your carrier may include the country voluntarily; check its country list and limits.
Can I leave my usual SIM switched on?
Yes, but choose the eSIM for data and turn off data roaming on the other line. Check calls and SMS separately.
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?
The account can keep its registered number while the eSIM supplies data. App availability depends on the destination.
Compare the eSIM with roaming in China
Prices can change. Before paying, you will always see the final amount and the plan terms.
Sources checked
Something off, or a price changed? Write to ayuda@zasesim.com and we'll fix it. Data when you land.