My phone has no physical SIM slot. What should I prepare?

At a glance

• On iPhone, Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock shows No SIM Restrictions when the phone is unlocked for another carrier. [1]
• Apple distinguishes a travel eSIM from roaming on your existing line; changing the carrier requires a supported, unlocked device. [1]
• Select the mobile-data line in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and check the line is turned on. [1]
• A data-only plan supplies internet, while calls, SMS and a local number depend on what the purchased plan includes. Apple directs travellers to compare the actual carrier plan. [1]

What to do next

1. Before buying any plan, identify the exact phone model and the country where it was sold. Check its eSIM capability and carrier lock. Use the model shown in device settings rather than relying only on a familiar product name.
2. Ask your existing carrier for its mainland-China roaming offer. Compare that option with a travel eSIM’s data allowance, validity, hotspot permission and supported countries. Choose the route that supports the services you need at a cost you understand.
3. If choosing another carrier’s eSIM, confirm device compatibility before payment and install it according to the provider’s instructions. Keep a working internet connection for setup and save the activation and support information outside the provider app.
4. Decide whether you need a mainland phone number for an actual task. Ask the hotel, driver or booking provider whether your overseas number or its in-app contact route is sufficient before purchasing another device or service.
5. If a mainland number is essential and the chosen phone cannot obtain a suitable line, arrange a supported second device or a staffed booking/contact alternative. Keep that solution connected to the specific task, such as receiving a driver’s call, rather than buying hardware without a use case.
6. On arrival, select the intended data line and follow its roaming settings. Test maps, payment-app access and any essential work service before leaving your arrival fallback behind.

If your situation is different

The phone is locked to your home carrier: contact that carrier about unlocking, or use its own China roaming plan. Buying several third-party eSIMs does not remove the device lock.

Your travel plan supplies data but no number: retain your home line for bank messages and use supported app communication. For an app that requires a mainland number, choose its foreign-visitor, email or staffed route where available.

You plan to use a spare phone: test it before travel with the relevant card, hotspot and charging cable. Carry the device you know works, and make sure the main phone can connect to its hotspot when needed.

You bought the handset in a different region from the seller’s compatibility example: verify the exact model with the eSIM provider before activating. Regional variants can have different supported configurations; use the device’s own settings as the starting point.

Common mistakes

• Planning to buy a physical SIM without checking for a tray: choose an eSIM, roaming or a compatible spare device before flying.
• Assuming a purchased data plan includes a Chinese number: inspect the voice, SMS and number inclusions separately.
• Deleting the home eSIM immediately: keep access to the number used by your bank and existing accounts.
• Paying for another eSIM while the phone remains locked: resolve the carrier lock or use the home carrier’s roaming route.

Quick questions