APVI recommends that our clients rent a cell phone through Cellular Abroad for their trip to China. As the leader in their field, since 2003 Cellular Abroad has been helping travelers stay in touch abroad.
While many carriers including T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon offer cellular service in China, usually for a fee, most travelers, the larger carriers’ service doesn’t always allow you to access many of the websites and apps, including Google, Instagram and others, that Cellular Abroad’s service allows you to access. In addition, renting a phone for China through Cellular Abroad alleviates security breach concerns.
Your rental includes 15GB of 5G data (only on the iPhone 12, 14 and 16, otherwise your speeds will be 4G). We recommending renting the iPhone 12 or up in order to ensure that the apps you will likely download on the phone are compatible with the operating system.
✓ Eliminate device hacking and data theft risks
✓ Eliminate government surveillance concerns
✓ Access to apps and websites typically restricted
✓ 15GB of secure high speed data
✓ A fully secure device with factory-reset condition
✓ Use VPN for safe and stress free browsing in China
✓ You can Access to blocked apps (Facebook, Instagram, Google, WhatsApp, U.S. news sites)
✓ Personal information / data stays protected
- To rent a phone for your trip to China, please select a cell phone type and model (i.e., iPhone 12, etc.)
- Select the departure date and the return date. This will also display the cost of the rental.
- Click on Add to Cart and Proceed to Checkout page for payment to complete the order. Be sure to enter your promo code.
- Receive phone and add any apps with Wi Fi before your departure. Phone is ready to use upon arrival in China.
- Upon return from your trip, remove personal information and any passwords/pin or Apple ID.
- Send back with the USPS package included with your rental (USA only).
What’s Included with the Secure Phone Rental for China
When you rent a cell phone for China you get:
- Your rental phone
- SIM card already inserted & activated
- Travel charger and cable
- International Plug adapters
- Instructions for easy setup
- Prepaid return shipping package (U.S. customers only)
- Delivery 2 – 3 days before departure (time permitting)
Need Connectivity in Hong Kong Too?
If you need a rental phone that also works in Hong Kong, in addition to China, Please opt for our Hong Kong Rental Phones solutions as they work in both destinations.
Key Features of China Phone Rental
| Total Data | 15 GB Data |
| Coverage | All of China + Macau |
| Registration | No registration procedure. Ready to go upon arrival |
| Allows Apps | Works with WhatsApp, Talkatone, Instagram, Google, etc. |
| Calling | With an app such as Whatsapp or Talkatone |
| Text messaging | With an app such as Whatsapp or Talkatone |
| US/Canada phone number | With an app such as Talkatone |
We recommend you consider the following apps:
WeChat – This is a popular calling, texting and payment app used all over China.
Alipay – An alternative payment app to WeChat.
Talkatone – Talkatone is a free app that will give you a US or Canadian number and will allow you to call/text to the USA and Canada for free and for users from the US/Canada to contact you.
Bauidu Maps or Apple Maps – Bauidu Maps or Apple Mapsto see where you are and where you are going.
Didi – Didi is China’s version of Uber (can also be found within the AliPay and WeChat apps).
We also have a hotspot rental available for China which is very popular. With a hotspot, you do not have to rely on your hotel WiFi, which is not secure, to access the internet with your laptop or other device.
For other options, explore our China SIM Card and China Hotspot Rental options to stay connected effortlessly during your travels.
