Internet for Business Travellers in China
eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Telecom (4G), China Unicom (5G).
Business travel internet in China
⚠ China: business tools blocked by the Great Firewall
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube) is blocked.
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are blocked.
- Download & configure a VPN before arrival — once in China you cannot access VPN websites.
- Recommended alternatives: Baidu Maps, WeChat, Weibo, Didi (ride-hailing).
- Hong Kong SAR has unrestricted internet access.
- Some international hotel Wi-Fi may have VPN pre-configured.
What needs to work
- Video calls (Zoom / Teams / Meet): use ~800 MB–1.5 GB/hr. You need at least 5 Mbps stable. Urban 4G in China usually delivers that.
- Corporate VPN: works well on eSIM. Most data networks don't block standard VPN protocols. If your VPN uses a fixed IP (e.g. WireGuard), configure it before you travel.
- Email + cloud platforms: low consumption (~50–100 MB/hr of active use). No issues on 4G.
- Hotspot / tethering: if you need to connect a laptop, check your eSIM plan allows tethering (most do, but some restrict it).
Backup plan for critical meetings
Don't rely solely on mobile data for an important presentation. Find a coworking space or café with fast Wi-Fi as a backup. For long calls, use Wi-Fi with the eSIM as fallback.
How much data for a working week?
With 2–3 video calls per day + email + browsing: ~3–5 GB/day. For a full working week: minimum 15–20 GB. With tethering: 25+ GB or unlimited.