Do you think a local sim would be a better idea? I’m not necessarily looking for built in VPN functionality (I already have that sorted out with a simple homemade one). Are local sims offered as esim? My phone only has one sim slot, but allows dual sim via esim
Local sims may require things like an address or Chinese bank account or some other verification. I know in the west this is the case in Europe under the guise of stopping terrorism via remote detonated disposable phones. In fact looking very briefly into this it looks like you can get a local sim at the airport you just need a passport valid for 6 months, your visa, and a hotel address you can give them with proof of your booking of that hotel. You should be able to do this at the airport.
Just the same you might still want to get a travel e-sim to fall back on. Looks like at least one provider (airalo) offers 30 days, 10GB for $28 or 5GB for $16 in China. Beware this does not include Hong Kong or Macau from the looks of it, they do offer an Asia plan instead for basically the same prices and even up to 120 days of coverage though which cover all those.
Do you think a local sim would be a better idea? I’m not necessarily looking for built in VPN functionality (I already have that sorted out with a simple homemade one). Are local sims offered as esim? My phone only has one sim slot, but allows dual sim via esim
Local sims may require things like an address or Chinese bank account or some other verification. I know in the west this is the case in Europe under the guise of stopping terrorism via remote detonated disposable phones. In fact looking very briefly into this it looks like you can get a local sim at the airport you just need a passport valid for 6 months, your visa, and a hotel address you can give them with proof of your booking of that hotel. You should be able to do this at the airport.
Just the same you might still want to get a travel e-sim to fall back on. Looks like at least one provider (airalo) offers 30 days, 10GB for $28 or 5GB for $16 in China. Beware this does not include Hong Kong or Macau from the looks of it, they do offer an Asia plan instead for basically the same prices and even up to 120 days of coverage though which cover all those.