Language 
No results found
Vodafone AU roaming China: Coverage, costs, and how to activate
Learn to use Vodafone roaming in China, including plans and packs for postpaid and prepaid customers. Find the best alternative to Vodafone in China.
If you are a Vodafone Australia customer traveling to China, you won’t need to purchase a local SIM Card because you can use Vodafone roaming in China. Vodafone has a $5 roaming plan for eligible postpaid customers and various travel packs for prepaid ones.
In this guide, we will discuss these plans and explain the charges you will incur if you are not eligible for them. Additionally, we help you activate your roaming in China.
If you don’t find Vodafone plans suitable for your roaming needs, consider Holafly eSIM as a top alternative. It offers unlimited data and reliable coverage in 200+ destinations.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Can you use Vodafone roaming in China?
Yes, Vodafone AU international roaming works in China for eligible postpaid and prepaid customers. China is included in the Vodafone roaming eligible destination list, which means when you land in China, you can turn on your phone and use it without needing to purchase a China SIM Card.
Vodafone has roaming agreements with Chinese carriers, such as China Mobile or China Unicom. So, when you arrive in China, your device will automatically register on one of them depending on signal strength and compatibility.
Vodafone AU roaming countries list
Vodafone $5 roaming is available in 100+ eligible destinations, which means when you travel to these countries, you can use your Australian SIM with an extra $5 cost per day. Since China is included in this list, you can easily use your Vodafone roaming there.
However, the 5$ roaming is only available for postpaid customers. If you are a Vodafone prepaid customer, you should purchase a roaming add-on.
Vodafone $5 roaming for China
The Vodafone $5 roaming is only available on an eligible Vodafone Infinite, Plus Plan, or Vodafone Infinite Data Plan. The customers on these plans can pay an extra $5 per day, and use their standard domestic calls, SMS, and data allowance for up to 90 days per year.
- Eligibility: Vodafone Infinite, Plus Plan, or Vodafone Infinite Data Plan.
- Price: $5 per day.
- Includes: Use of your standard domestic data allowance, Standard calls, and SMS according to your plan.
- Duration: Access for up to 90 days per calendar year.
- Important note: If the data included in your plan is exceeded, additional 1 GB blocks will be automatically added for $5 each, depending on the plan.
Note: If you are not eligible for this plan, purchasing a local SIM Card or a travel eSIM can be a better option to avoid roaming charges in China.
Vodafone prepaid international roaming add-on for China
The $5 roaming is not applied to prepaid plans. If you are a prepaid customer, you need to purchase an international roaming add-on. Otherwise, you will be charged at PAYG rates, which can drain your credit very quickly.
Three international roaming plans are available:
| Price | Duration | Data | Standard Talk | Standard SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 | 1-Day plan | 1 GB | 100 Min (incoming and outgoing) | 100 international texts |
| $15 | 3-Day plan | 3 GB | 150 Min (incoming and outgoing) | 150 international texts |
| $35 | 7-Day plan | 7 GB | 350 Min (incoming and outgoing) | 250 international texts |
If you use up your data or other inclusions before your roaming plan expires, you can easily recharge using SMS or the My Vodafone app.
To avoid needing a recharge, use our data usage calculator to estimate your daily data consumption and choose the best plan.
Vodafone pay-as-you-go roaming rates for China
If you don’t have a $5 roaming active or haven’t purchased an international add-on, standard PAYG international roaming rates apply, which are higher than Vodafone roaming in China.
- Data rate: $1 per MB.
- SMS: $0.75 per standard international text.
- Call: $1 per minute.
- Warning: If you are a frequent data user, just 10–15 minutes of Instagram plus daily navigation on Google Maps can use over 100 MB of data, which may cost more than $10 per day on roaming rates.
How to activate Vodafone international roaming for China
Whether you are a postpaid or prepaid customer, you can easily activate Vodafone roaming in China using the My Vodafone app. So, make sure to have the latest version of the app on your phone.
Postpaid users
International roaming is usually enabled by default on most Vodafone postpaid plans. It activates automatically whenever you use your phone overseas. To make sure it’s active:
- Log in to the My Vodafone app or website.
- Go to International Roaming settings.
- Make sure roaming is enabled on your service.
- When you arrive at your destination, turn on data roaming in your phone settings.
Prepaid users
Prepaid customers must enable roaming and purchase a roaming add-on before using services overseas.
- Log in to the My Vodafone app or website.
- Turn International Roaming ON for your prepaid service.
- Purchase a Prepaid Roaming Add-on (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day options).
- Turn on data roaming in your phone settings once you arrive abroad.
- You can also purchase an add-on or recharge them by sending a text to 1511 with the relevant add-on code.
Stay connected in China with Holafly
If you’re not eligible for Vodafone $5 roaming or are looking for a more affordable roaming option, Holafly eSIM is an excellent alternative to Vodafone roaming in China. It offers unlimited data, flexible durations, and reliable coverage, and has 24/7 customer support to help you stay connected without any interruption.
You can pay almost the same price for Holafly China eSIM and stay connected without limitations. Daily prices start at just AU$5.90, with prices going as low as AU$2.43 per day if you choose a 90-day plan.
For those on longer trips, like digital nomads, remote workers, or frequent travelers, Holafly Plans offers a monthly subscription that helps you stay connected in 170+ countries. Whether you spend a week in China or decide to travel to Thailand on your next trip, you won’t need to purchase a new SIM card at each destination. Enjoy your trip with Holafly eSIM.
A safe way to stay connected
Holafly's eSIM for China includes a VPN, ensuring maximum protection for your connection.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of March 19, 2026, and is subject to change.
Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
