Phone setup
Research draftChina eSIM & Internet Planning
A pre-departure decision framework for connectivity, with offline backups if mobile data is unavailable.
The short answer
This guide is deliberately conservative until device-level tests are complete. Verify phone compatibility and current provider terms before buying anything.
Step by step
What to do
- 01
Check whether your phone is unlocked
Confirm with your carrier and device settings. An eSIM plan cannot fix a carrier-locked phone.
- 02
Check eSIM support for the exact device model
Model numbers and regional variants matter. Use the device maker's support page and the provider's current compatibility list.
- 03
Prepare for a no-data arrival
Save your hotel address, transfer route, bookings and key contacts offline before boarding.
When Plan A fails
Fallbacks and safety checks
- Do not buy a plan based only on an influencer screenshot or an old review.
- Keep the installation QR code and provider support details available offline.
- This page does not yet recommend a specific provider.
Evidence
Primary sources
No primary source has yet passed our review. This page remains a research draft and must not be treated as current instruction.