Phone setup path

China Phone & Internet Setup

Use this order before arrival so data, maps, translation, messages, verification codes, and backup access work when the trip depends on them.

By Founder and editor Editorial policy
Set up phone and internet Start with phone readiness

Follow this setup order

  1. 1 Check Before buying a plan Confirm phone readiness

    Make sure the phone, battery, app logins, and verification routes can support daily trip tasks.

     5 min read
  2. 2 Access Before you fly Understand internet restrictions

    Know which foreign services may fail and prepare local, offline, or backup routes.

     4 min read
  3. 3 Apps Before first day out Build the essential app stack

    Prepare the few apps that solve payment, transport, communication, maps, and translation.

     5 min read
  4. 4 Move Before leaving the hotel Save maps and translation basics

    Keep Chinese addresses, route screenshots, map pins, and simple translation tools ready.

     4 min read

Use these when the connection gets fragile

Data and access backups

Communication and recovery

Tasks your phone must support