Using moile phone in China, payment apps and so on

[5foot5]

In a couple of months DH and I are going to China for a holiday. We know that the Chinese restrict internet access and therefore a VPN is recommended. As we both have mobile phones which support eSims we thought we would get those for data since some do seem to come with a built in VPN.

However, we understand that certain apps are recommended for payments and other things and we should download Alipay, WeChat and WeChat Pay. I have seen conflicting advice as to whether these can be used with an international number or not. Some people suggest getting a local SIM card at the airport so you can use a Chinese number with these apps.

Does anyone have any recent experience of this and what would you recommend

I was in China in Sept (and going back in a few months). Definitely get an eSIM as you need your phone for everything. I used HolaFly and it worked perfectly.

AliPay works fine with international number. WeChat can be funny with foreign number unless you know someone with an account to verify you. I used AliPay all the time tbh, hardly used WeChat but best to have it for the 1-2 occasions you may need it! Set both up before you leave UK.

Another must have is Amap. It’s their version of Google Maps and can be translated into English. Also DiDi if you want to take cabs (it’s their Uber).

Hope you have a great time!

Last year I used an eSIM, Alipay and WeChat, they worked we my normal phone number.
Make sure you and your DH both get Alipay as mine and my two of my DC’s did stop working after using it lots of time in a short period of time.

Oh that sounds promising. We will get the apps installed and see how it goes

Could I also ask, did the eSIMS come with a VPN or should we get a VPN separately.

I used only an eSIM.

You don’t need a VPN with an e-SIM as they relay via networks outside of China.

If you want to use your mobile (or a device other than your phone) on a Chinese WiFi network then you’ll need a VPN to be able to access Western sites over the WiFi.