Pick for the trip you actually have
Short visitors often value arriving with data already active. Longer students and business visitors may also need a local phone number for deliveries, campus systems, bookings or account recovery.
Save essential addresses, tickets and translation phrases offline. Connectivity failure should be inconvenient, not trip-stopping.
Sources checked for this guide
State Council English Portal / National Immigration AdministrationA Welcome Guide to ChinaScope of this article
This guide helps you prepare; it does not replace an embassy, consulate, border authority, school or other competent authority.