Keeps your home number and is often the lowest-friction first-hour data lane.
Check price, data cap and SMS behaviorUseful data without swapping a physical SIM. It usually does not provide a China phone number.
Check device and purchase-region supportAdds local data and a China number, but identity setup and app access behave differently.
Best when local SMS or calls matterA fallback, not the primary plan. Hotel and venue networks can require SMS or portal sign-in.
Save an offline route before landingPre-flight phone tests
If you land with no internet
Stop debugging. Move.
Your first-hour fallback is not a better app. It is an offline route card.
- Hotel name and address in Chinese characters.
- One transport plan: official taxi rank, airport counter, or metro line.
- Cash for the first ride and one physical card.
- Passport, booking screenshot, and emergency contacts saved offline.
If both data lanes fail → Show the Chinese address, use the official taxi rank or airport service counter, and fix phone setup after you reach the hotel.
5 things people get wrong
Phone setup changes. Keep an offline backup.
Get the offline arrival pack now, plus a short email when a verified change affects trip preparation.
Every update includes an unsubscribe link.
✓ Ready. Download the offline arrival pack or open the phone image.
