Arriving in China: Getting Online at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen

Getting online at a Chinese airport is harder than in most countries: public Wi-Fi often requires a Chinese phone number or a passport scan, and blocked services do not work on it anyway. With a China eSIM installed before your flight, you skip all of that.

Before you land

• Install the eSIM at home and set it as your mobile-data line.
• Set up Alipay and WeChat with your card, and download DiDi, a translation app and offline maps.
• Save your hotel address in Chinese characters — taxi drivers rarely read English addresses.

When you land

1. Turn off airplane mode and check that data roaming is on for the eSIM.
2. Give the phone a moment to connect to the network shown on your plan page.
3. Message home on WhatsApp and book your ride — both work on the eSIM.

Into the city

• Beijing Capital (PEK): the Capital Airport Express train runs to Dongzhimen in central Beijing; official taxis queue outside arrivals.
• Beijing Daxing (PKX): the Daxing Airport Express metro line connects the airport with the city’s metro network.
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG): the Maglev train runs to Longyang Road, where you change to Metro Line 2; Metro Line 2 also serves the airport directly.
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Metro Line 3 runs from the airport into the city.
• Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX): Metro Line 11 links the airport with the city center.

DiDi works at all these airports and shows the pickup point in the app; use the official taxi queue rather than drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

If your eSIM does not connect

Switch airplane mode off and on, check roaming and the data line, and choose the network manually if needed. Our complete China eSIM guide lists all quick fixes, and you can contact us anytime.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the free Wi-Fi at Chinese airports?

Often only after verifying with a Chinese phone number or a passport scan at a kiosk, and blocked services such as Google or WhatsApp still do not work on it. An eSIM avoids both problems.

Does DiDi work at the airport?

Yes. DiDi works on your eSIM data at major Chinese airports and shows the designated pickup point in the app.

Should I install the eSIM before I fly?

Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; the plan only starts when it first connects in China.