China cell phone rental

China Cell Phone Rentals

Choose a phone option then enter the departure and return dates in order to calculate your rental cost.

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Many travelers to China prefer to rent a cell phone for their trip and not bring their own. The main reason is due to the possibility of your phone being hacked, rightfully so, as China has the most aggressive hackers in the world. Renting a cell phone through Cellular Abroad alleviates any concern that any of the data on your phone will be compromised. In addition, with our built in VPN, not only is your data secure but you can download apps and browse websites that are traditionally blocked in China such as Facebook, US news sources, social media and Google.

Our rentals arrive to you completely void of any of your personal information and are essentially as per when leaving the factory. You will have 15GB of high speed data which is more than enough even for continuous use (5G with iPhone 12 rentals, 4G with all other rentals). You can download essential apps such as WeChat, Alipay and others before your trip using WiFi. Please note that you need to rent the iPhone 8, X or 12 in order to download apps. Previous models are strictly for browsing the internet and are not recommended unless that is your sole purpose.

Rental Steps

  • To rent a phone for your trip to China, please select a cell phone type and model (i.e., iPhone X, 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.
  • 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).

All rental phones include travel chargers, plug adapters, instructions and a return package (USA customers only). You will receive your rental phone 2-3 days before your departure, time permitting.

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.

Main Features

Total Data 12 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I order?
You can order as far in advance as you like – even months prior to your departure. We will ship your rental at the appropriate date in order for you to receive it prior to your departure. Rentals are shipped ground or express service and will arrive 2 or more business days prior to your set departure date.
How do I call the US, Canada or China?
You will need to use an app such as Skype, Talkatone, Whatsapp or WeChat to call the US or Canada. To call within China we strongly recommend using WeChat, the most popular calling app by far in China.
What will this cost me?
The applicable rental period fee for the duration of your rental period plus shipping and insurance. Insurance is optional and covers all damage and loss.

Taxes are applicable only if you are in California.

Round-trip shipping.

Can I download apps?
If you log on with your Apple ID, all of your apps will automatically load. However, most people visiting China do not want all of their information on their rental phone and hence will create a temporary Apple ID just for the trip. You can do this from before arriving in China using WiFi. Please make sure that the apps you want to download are compatible with the version of the phone you rent. Please make sure to delete your account before returning the phone – otherwise we will have all your contact information, photos, emails and other sensitive information.
How much is shipping?
Please refer to the cart to calculate shipping.
What is the latest I can order a rental phone?
You can order up to one business day prior to your departure as long as you call in before to 1:30pm Pacific Time.
Does the cell phone come charged?
Yes it does, but it’s always best to test the battery and charge phone before your departure.
Can I charge this phone on my trip?

Yes, you will receive an international charger and relevant plug adapters, so you can charge the phone in the U.S. and in China.

How do I return the phone?

Round trip shipping is included in your shipping fee. You will be provided with a USPS return package (Canadian rental customers will have to ship back the package at their own expense.) You have two business days after your return date to drop off the phone at USPS. We are not strict about this but if you intend to drop it off later, please email us to let us know.

Are there any surcharges or hidden fees?

Absolutely not.

What will the rates be for people calling me from the US?

When calling to your phone on an app such as Talkatone or WhatsApp, the cost is free for both parties. Talkatone will provide you with a US or Canadian number at your discretion.

Does Cellular Abroad offer insurance against loss or damage?

Yes, rental insurance is available as an add-on for $24 and covers all loss and damage.

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