Internet & Connectivity · common
¿Por qué mi teléfono extranjero no tiene datos en China?
Last updated:
⚠️ SYMPTOM
Tu SIM extranjera muestra barras de señal pero los datos móviles no funcionan, o recibiste un SMS que dice "no data roaming agreement" (sin acuerdo de roaming de datos).
🔍 MOST LIKELY CAUSE
Tu operador de origen no tiene acuerdo de roaming con China, o el roaming de datos está desactivado en tu línea; incluso con señal, tu línea está bloqueada para datos en la red de origen.
✓ HOW TO FIX
Compra una eSIM o SIM prepago turística de China Unicom o China Mobile en el aeropuerto, o activa un pase diario de roaming de pago con tu operador de origen antes de aterrizar.
Read next
SIM & eSIM
Tourist eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad give 7–30 days of China data for $5–$30 without passport registration at a Chinese store.
Portable WiFi
Rent a portable 4G/5G WiFi hotspot at the airport for ¥30–80/day, returnable at any major airport, useful for groups of 2–4 travelers.
VPN for China
Astrill, LetsVPN, and NordVPN are the most reliable VPNs in China in 2026; install before arrival because the App Store blocks downloads inside China.
Other Internet & Connectivity problems
Why is WhatsApp blocked in China?
WhatsApp won't send or receive messages — texts stay on one check, voice/video calls fail.
Why is Google Maps not working in China?
Google Maps shows your blue dot but no map tiles, or fails to load entirely.
Why is my VPN suddenly slow or disconnected in China?
Your VPN worked for the first 3 days and now it disconnects every 10 minutes, or pages load at dial-up speeds.
Why is my VPN not working in China?
You arrived in China, opened your VPN, and it will not connect at all or connects but no traffic loads.
Why can't I access Google, YouTube, or WhatsApp in China?
Every Google service, YouTube, and WhatsApp fail to load or time out on any Chinese Wi-Fi or mobile network.