10 Essential Life Hacks for Traveling in Mainland China with eSIM Mainland China

10 Essential Life Hacks for Traveling in Mainland China with eSIM Mainland China

If you've just booked a flight to mainland China, there's one question on your mind:


How do I stay connected and use apps like WeChat, Didi, or Google Maps?

Last month, I traveled solo from Beijing to Xi’an using the eSIM Mainland China from Chillaxsim.
Not only did I have stable internet access throughout my trip — I could also use Facebook, Instagram, Didi, and Meituan without any issues.


Here are 10 essential life hacks that made my trip stress-free — and helped me feel right at home while exploring China.



Tip 1: Stay Connected & Never Get Lost Again

As someone who gets lost easily, I rely heavily on navigation apps — and the good news is that the eSIM Mainland China kept me connected most of the time.


I used Google Maps and WeChat location sharing regularly to find my way around big cities and even smaller villages near the Great Wall. While signal strength did drop in remote areas, it was still enough to load maps and check directions.



Tip 2: Pay With WeChat – No Cash Needed

Forget carrying cash or worrying about exchange rates — in China, WeChat Pay works almost everywhere, from street food stalls to museums and shopping malls.


All you need is a stable internet connection, which the eSIM Mainland China provided without fail. I barely touched my wallet the entire trip!



Tip 3: Book Rides with Didi (Yes, It Works!)

Don’t stand on the sidewalk waving at taxis — download Didi before you go.


Thanks to the stable connection from the eSIM Mainland China product page , I had no trouble booking cars, checking estimated fares, or tracking my ride’s arrival.


It truly felt like having Uber in China — and all I needed was a working eSIM plan.



Tip 4: Order Food with Meituan Like a Local

In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, locals don’t call restaurants anymore — they use Meituan , a popular delivery app similar to foodpanda or Uber Eats.


With my eSIM active, I ordered meals straight to my hotel room every night — usually within 30 minutes and under $10 USD per meal.



Tip 5: Plan Your Itinerary with Global Platforms

Want to explore hidden gems or read reviews before visiting a museum or attraction?


The eSIM Mainland China lets you use platforms like Google Maps , TripAdvisor , and even YouTube videos to plan your day — no extra tools or "special" apps required.


I personally watched local YouTubers’ guides before heading out each morning, and never ran into any blocks or errors.



Tip 6: Keep Your Original Phone Number Active

Worried about losing contact with people back home?


No problem! The eSIM Mainland China supports dual SIM mode, letting you keep your original number active. On iPhone, just head to Settings > Cellular to switch between lines as needed.



Tip 7: Use Instagram & Facebook Without Any Extra Apps

One of the biggest surprises during my trip was how smoothly Facebook and Instagram worked with the eSIM Mainland China .


I posted daily updates, shared live stories, and even called friends via Messenger — no need for a third-party tool or manual configuration.


This makes it perfect for content creators, digital nomads, and travelers who want to share their adventures in real-time.



Tip 8: Ride Trains & Subways Without Losing Signal

Whether you're taking the high-speed train between cities or riding the subway in Shanghai, the eSIM Mainland China stayed online even underground or inside tunnels.


I even posted an Instagram Story mid-train ride — not bad for being inside a moving metal box!



Tip 9: Troubleshoot Network Issues in Minutes

Even with great coverage, occasional hiccups happen — but fixing them is easy:


  1. Restart your phone
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off
  3. Check eSIM status under Settings > Cellular
  4. Contact support via the official contact page

These simple steps saved me more than once — especially when trying to book hotels last-minute.



Tip 10: Visiting Hong Kong or Macau After China? Try This

If your travel plans include multiple stops, consider the China, Hong Kong & Macau eSIM plan — a single plan that covers everything in one package.


A friend of mine tested it during a multi-city trip from Guangzhou to Macau — and said he didn’t lose connection once, even across borders.



Frequently Asked Questions About Using eSIM Mainland China in Daily Life

Q1: What apps work well with eSIM Mainland China?

You can use WeChat, Didi, Meituan, Facebook, Google, YouTube, Instagram, TripAdvisor, Apple Music, and more — all without installing extra tools or switching networks.


Q2: Do I need to unlock my phone to use eSIM Mainland China?

Not really — as long as your carrier allows eSIM activation and your phone isn't locked, you should be fine.


Q3: Can I use eSIM Mainland China in Hong Kong or Macau?

Only if you upgrade to the China, Hong Kong & Macau eSIM plan . Otherwise, it only works in mainland China.


Q4: Can I keep my regular phone number?

Absolutely! Just enable Dual SIM mode on your iPhone or Android device and switch between lines whenever needed.


Q5: Can I stream music or watch videos during my trip?

Yes! I streamed music on Spotify and watched YouTube walking tour guides — all with minimal lag and no buffering.



Ready to Explore China the Smart Way?

With the eSIM Mainland China from Chillaxsim, I was able to navigate, eat, and connect like a local — all while staying in touch with friends back home.


So if you're planning a solo trip to China anytime soon, make sure you start with a reliable eSIM plan. Trust me — it’ll save you hours of frustration later.


👉 Click here to purchase your eSIM Mainland China now and get ready for a seamless travel experience.

Back to blog

Is your phone not compatible with eSIM?

Upgrade to eSIM with Switch Card.

Get It Now

eSIM Router/ eSIM Mobile WIFI

Get It Now