Mobile internet

Best pocket WiFi for China: Costs, features, and alternatives

Looking for the best pocket WiFi for China? Learn about the pricing and features of the top options, as well as some alternatives to consider.

Pocket WiFi is one of the most popular ways for tourists to get an internet connection in China. It offers secure internet access and a reliable connection across multiple devices. But with plenty of companies offering pocket WiFi rentals, which one should you choose?

Let’s take a look at the top pocket WiFi providers for China, their pricing, and features. We’ll also discuss some of the main alternatives to consider, such as the Holafly Plans eSIM subscription with unlimited data sharing.

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How to get a pocket WiFi for China?

The process of getting a pocket WiFi in China depends on the provider you choose. With local providers, you can pick up the WiFi at airports or select physical locations in China, or have it delivered to your hotel, then return it the same way after the rental period ends.

If you go with an international provider, you can either get the device delivered to your home before your trip or to an address in China. After the rental period, pack the device in an envelope and follow the return instructions to send it back to the provider.

Best pocket WiFi for China

Not yet sure which pocket WiFi provider to go with? Let’s take a look at some of the top providers offering internet in China, as well as delivery or local pickup options in the country.

BeFreeTour

BeFreeTour offers low-cost connectivity, with a price of US$31.15, which provides coverage at 4G speeds in most of mainland China.

Notably, there’s no delivery service with BeFreeTour. You must pick up their device when arriving in China at the airport. You can use credit or debit cards, as well as PayPal, to pay for a rental device from BeFreeTour.

Lastly, it’s important to note that BeFreeTours has a damage/loss policy. While the fee is not mentioned on the website, if you lose or damage the device during the rental period, you’ll be asked to compensate for the device.

Roaming Man

Roaming Man pocket WiFi China offers worldwide coverage and delivery, making it easy to rent the device wherever you’re going. There are also some airport pickup options in China, depending on the airport you’ll be arriving at.

The prices for mainland China range from US$3.10 for 1 GB of data at 4G speeds daily to US$13.75 for unlimited daily data at 5G speeds. There are also separate plans that offer coverage in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Roaming Man penalizes for late returns and lost equipment. You’ll have to pay US$86 for losing a portable device, while the penalty for late returns is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Travel WiFi

ravel WiFi is an international portable WiFi provider offering reliable internet service worldwide. There are four different options for China, from 1 GB of data for US$9.75/day to unlimited data for US$15.60/day.

Since the company doesn’t offer local pickup options in China, you’ll have to opt for delivery. You can either have the device delivered to your home before your trip or to an address in China. Delivery typically adds another US$10 to US$50 to your bill, depending on where you need the device delivered and where you’ll be returning it from.

Lastly, there’s a loss or damage fee, which varies from $149 to $199, depending on whether you lose only the mobile hotspot or other items included in the rental, such as the charger or its bag.

Holafly Plans: Unlimited data sharing without additional devices

Holafly Plans is an eSIM subscription that allows you to use your phone in China as a mobile hotspot. Get the unlimited plan for $64.90/month for unlimited mobile data and data sharing, or go with a more modest option, with $49.90/month for 25 GB of data, all of which can be shared via hotspot to unlimited connected devices.

Every plan offers coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, so you’ll be able to stay online anywhere you go, from China’s major cities to surrounding countries, or even other continents. All with a single eSIM.

On top of that, Holafly’s eSIM for China comes with a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which means you can bypass internet restrictions and access blocked websites and apps, such as Facebook, YouTube, or WhatsApp in China.

Since Holafly Plans is completely digital, you can enjoy instant delivery and quick setup. Simply buy your plan, activate your eSIM, and you’ll be online in no time. No need to fiddle around with additional devices or SIM cards for China. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.

Get your plan, enjoy solid coverage on local cellular networks worldwide, and simply cancel when you no longer need it. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees to worry about.

When traveling in China, it’s helpful to check what pocket WiFi options exist in nearby countries.

FAQs about pocket WiFi for China

Is pocket WiFi in China still worth it?

While renting pocket WiFi devices is more expensive than eSIMs or tourist SIM cards, it can still be a valid option for internet access in China. It allows you to maintain multiple simultaneous connections at all times, which is great for groups of travelers who can share the internet and split the costs.

How much does pocket WiFi in China cost?

When renting a pocket WiFi for China, prices will range depending on the data plan and additional items you’ll add. Prices start at $31.15 USD for a week but can go up to $100/week or more if you need unlimited data. On top of that, you may need to pay for shipping, insurance, and additional rental devices, which add to the total cost.

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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