When you move to a foreign country, one of the first things you will need to secure is a reliable internet connection. Plus, in China, you will need to stay online practically throughout the day: for work, shopping, mobile payments, chats with friends and colleagues, etc. Everything and everyone is connected in China, especially in the big cities.
How to stay connected in China?
You can access broadband internet in almost all hotels, as well as in hostels and holiday homes, with internet access included in the room's price.
Moreover, you can buy a portable modem the size of a USB key if you have a laptop. You can thus connect to the web anywhere in the country.
Getting internet for your home in China is easy as well. First, you will need to choose from one of the three major broadband providers: China Unicom, China Telecom or China Mobile. All you need to do is to go to one of the office branches with your passport and ask to get your home connected. You can also request a Chinese-speaking colleague or friend to call the provider's office and schedule a visit to your home. Have a copy of your passport and a copy of a Chinese bank card ready for when the technician arrives. Prices for broadband internet depend on its speed, the duration of your contract, province, and so on, but, generally, the prices are quite low.
You can find Wi-Fi hotspots in various places in China, from railway stations to big shopping malls. Most restaurants, coffee shops and cafes also offer free Wi-Fi connection.
Mobile internet in China
Mobile internet takes a special place in China. The country counts over 731 million internet users, with 95% of mobile internet users. As of 2022, China has the widest 5G network in the world — with over one million 5G stations. Mobile internet speeds in big cities are very fast, and you won't have issues if you are working online. Mobile internet is an absolute necessity in China as it's used for hailing taxis, paying for goods and services, booking air tickets and hotel rooms, transferring money, and so on. The two most popular mobile apps in China are WeChat and Alipay.
WeChat is currently the number one mobile app in China, used by 80% of mobile internet users. The app is used for everything from chatting and voice calls to shopping online and using mobile payments. WeChat is available in both English and Chinese, and it is recommended that you obtain a WeChat account once you are in China.
Internet cafes in China
If you neither have a smartphone nor a laptop, you can still go to a cyber cafe. Rates generally start at five yens per hour. Note that these days Internet cafes are used mainly by videogame players.
Internet censorship in China
Chinese authorities are particularly vigilant regarding internet access. Access to some of the most popular websites in the world is restricted in China. These include Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and several others. This can prove to be very limiting for those working online, managing social media accounts, and anyone used to these resources. A roundabout way to get access to banned websites is through a VPN. Note, however, that selling VPN services is illegal in China.
While you may not be able to go through your Instagram feed regularly, China offers a variety of local social media options that are very popular with both locals and visitors. In addition to WeChat, you can try using QQ, Sina Weibo, Youku, Baidu, and others.
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