Getting Around China: Ride-Hailing, Maps & Data

eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Unicom (5G).

Transport & maps in China

Transport apps that work

• DiDi, Meituan taxi — you need live data to book, track and pay. Usage: ~10–15 MB per trip.
• If you momentarily lose data, many drivers will pick you up if you send your location via WhatsApp.

Maps

• Baidu Maps, Apple Maps (offline downloads work), MAPS.ME (offline): uses ~5–10 MB/hr for navigation. The initial map load consumes more.
• Offline: download the area on hotel Wi-Fi. Google Maps: tap your photo → Offline Maps → Select an area. Requires 100–300 MB storage.
• Maps.me / OsmAnd: lightweight alternatives that work 100% offline after downloading.

How to use less data on the go

• Plan routes on Wi-Fi and save them as favourites or offline.
• Lower satellite map quality (use street view only).
• Close background apps that drain data (Instagram, app updates).

Quick checklist: stay online without surprises

The make-or-break moment is often the first 30 minutes after landing: maps, transport, messages. Install your eSIM on Wi‑Fi before you travel and switch mobile data to the eSIM when you arrive. That way you're not dependent on airport Wi‑Fi and you avoid accidental roaming charges.

For typical use (maps + messaging + light social media), 1–3 GB per week is often enough. If you tether for a laptop, take video calls, or stream daily, aim for 10 GB+ or a plan with fair-use throttling instead of a hard cut-off.

• Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Unicom (5G)
• Offline maps: download the area in Baidu Maps, Apple Maps (offline downloads work), MAPS.ME (offline) while you're on hotel Wi‑Fi.
• On the move: DiDi, Meituan taxi + WeChat, Line (may need VPN) work well on low data — video and app updates are usually the real data drains.
• Common weak spots: Tibet Plateau and high-altitude Sichuan roads · Remote karst mountains in Guangxi (Guilin countryside)
• City context: Beijing: Excellent coverage; Great Wall tourist sections have 4G. · Shanghai: World-class 5G coverage; Metro line LTE on most lines.

Phone setup tip: keep your primary SIM active for calls/SMS (so 2FA codes can arrive), but turn off mobile data on that line. Set the eSIM as your data line — it prevents accidental roaming on the wrong SIM and keeps WhatsApp/banking flows more predictable.

Current eSIM plans (examples)

Examples from our database — availability and pricing can change.