Many travelers to China prefer to rent a cell phone for their trip as opposed to using their own cell phones primarily due to security reasons. Rightfully so as China has the most hackers in the world. Renting a phone through Cellular Abroad alleviates any concern that all of your personal data on your phone will be compromised as our phones arrive to you completely void of any personal information plus, you will have plenty of 4/5G highspeed data which is essential for any traveler going to China.
We offer two solutions. Both are priced the same. You will be able to select which option you prefer during check out. Either solution includes the rental phone or phones, travel chargers, plug adapters and a return package, which you will receive 2-3 days before your departure, time permitting. Also, we highly recommend that you download WeChat which is a popular calling, texting and payment app used all over China. If you select option 1, we recommend that you download Talkatone to call and text for free to the United States and Canada and you will also have a US number that people can call you on. Please note that in order to download apps, you must rent the iPhone 8 or the X as the other phones have older operating systems and are not always compatible with some apps.
To rent, please choose between our available cell phones (Android, iPhone) then select the departure date and the return date. Then, in the cart, you will be able to select either option 1 or option 2 as per below.
Quick Comparison of Plans (Select at the time of check out)
| Feature |
Plan 1 |
Plan 2 |
| Total Data |
10 GB Data |
10 GB Data |
| Works in |
China + Macau |
Only works in China |
| Registration |
No registration procedure |
Must be registered to end user with a passport (instructions provided with rental) |
| Applications |
Works with WhatsApp, Talkatone, Instagram,Google, etc. |
WhatsApp, Facebook Google and other sites are blocked |
| Regular calling |
No regular calling |
30 minutes regular calling within China |
| Incoming Text messages |
Not Available |
Free incoming text messages |
| Chinese Phone Number |
Doesn’t have a Chinese phone number |
Chinese Number Included |
Recommended Plan
If you are not sure which of the two options you should choose, please note that 90% of travelers prefer Plan 1, specifically, because it eliminates the need to have a VPN in order to access websites conventionally blocked by the Great Firewall of China such as Google, US news sources and social media.
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, in order to access the internet with your laptop or other device.
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 outside China?
You will need to use an app such as Skype, Talkatone, Whatsapp or WeChat to call the US or Canada
What will this cost me?
The applicable rental period fee for the duration of your rental period plus shipping and insurance, if selected.
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. Exceptions can be made on a limited basis, even if you are leaving early in the morning – we can
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?
What will the rates be for people calling me from the US?
That depends on the international long distance rates charged by their Long Distance Company or international calling card. We recommend using a app. If you download Talkatone, people in the US or Canada can call a US number.
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.
