China Cell Phone Rental

There are several reasons that you would want to rent a phone for your trip to China instead of roaming with your Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile (or other carrier's) service. First, our service is not a roaming solution which means you get the best coverage and the fastest service. Second, to product yourself against security breaches which are increasingly common in China. Together with China Unicom China's fastest and most extensive LTE provider, we at Cellular Abroad have created a cellular service solution created specifically for English speaking travelers to China who want low rates, blazing fast data speeds and last but certainly not least, one that essentially eliminates the possibility of a security breach.

China Unicom is a Chinese telecom operator with coverage throughout China. Since you are not roaming, you are guaranteed the most extensive coverage, the fastest data connectivity and the lowest call and data rates available. In sum, the best possible and most secure cellular service at the lowest rates. Since 2002, we have provided cellular service to the traveler to tens of thousands of travelers to China thanks to our unbeatable value and unbeaten expertise in the field.

We offer several cell phone rental options for China. We recommend using the operating system that you are familiar with. If you use an Android phone back home, you should renting an Android phone. If your phone of choice is an Apple product, you should rent one of the Apple iPhones. Please click on the image below of the phone you would like to use, then enter the departure/return dates to view the prices for your phone rental for China. All rentals must include at least one recharge voucher. The recharge voucher comes automatically loaded onto your rental and is what gives you the talk time and data for your rental.

All rentals include a Chinese cell phone number (with the option of adding on a US phone number) plus we add one recharge voucher which will give you 250 minutes of calling within China or 125 to the US or a combination of the two and 1GB of LTE/4G data. Incoming calls from anywhere are always free. You can order more outbound minutes or data together with your rental or during your trip.

US Number Add-On

Your rental comes with a Chinese cell phone number. You have the option of adding a US phone number to your rental as well. Having a US number makes it affordable for callers from the US to call you. You can also forward your current phone number to the new US number so you do not miss a call. Travelers traveling for leisure tend not to forward their current number while business travelers tend to do so. The choice is up to you. Most cell phones simply have a call forward setting that you can switch on and off.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN will allow you to safely and securely access websites that ordinarily you cannot access in China. Many foreign websites are effected by the Great Chinese Firewall. Most American news sites as well as all Google apps including Gmail and Google Maps are effected. You can add a VPN to your rental for an additional $29. The VPN will come already set up on your rental.

Other Important Information

Apps

Using translation apps, location apps, researching restaurants, and sharing your through apps such as Instagram and Facebook a great way to use your phone not just as a phone but as a travel tool. Apps such as WeChat (the Chinese version of WhatsApp and iMessage allow you to talk for hours virtually for free). Many popular apps, including Instagram, Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Gmail and Viber as well as many foreign websites are blocked in China and will require you to use a VPN. You can read more about this subject by reading this article on the Great Chinese Firewall.

Please note that you need to check to make sure the app(s) you want to use are compatible with the smartphone you are renting. For example, WeChat is not compatible with the iPhone 5 and hence, you would need to rent the iPhone 6 or the iPhone X if you want to use that particular app.

Apple ID

You can log on with your Apple ID and essentially, create a copy of your personal phone on your rental phone. If you are concerned about security, we recommend you create a new temporary Apple ID for any apps you may want to download. You can download apps on Wi Fi before your trip.

Wi Fi in China

Many places in China offer free Wi Fi however, you are often required to enter a verification code that is sent to your Chinese cell phone number. Therefore, if you are trying to access Wi Fi and are asked for your cell phone number, please enter your Chinese cell phone number and not the US one - assuming you have opted for the US number add-on. Please be advised that accessing Wi Fi is not secure. Cellular Abroad also rents Wi Fi hotspots - which are encrypted, secure and offer 80GB of LTE data for all your devices. For more information, please visit our China Hotspot Rentals.

Hong Kong

Please note that the China cellphone rental will not work in Hong Kong as Hong Kong is technically, not a part of China but a "Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China."

Data Plan

Add 2GB of 4G speed data only $49.00 2GB of 4G speed data - lasts for 30 days from the date you specify!

Order

Ordering a Rental Phone is easy. Select the phone and time period, starting from the day you depart until the day you return. Add at least one call credit voucher. If you want a US phone number, add the optional US Number Add on. You can order online or speak to one of our expert advisors at 1-800-287-5072 and they can place the order for you. Time permitting, we deliver the Phone Rental 2 business days prior to you departure using UPS or FedEx. We can deliver the following day (except Sunday) for those with immediate departures

Receive

You will receive a fully charged Rental Phone, complete with the call credit that you ordered, a local Shanghai and US phone number (if ordered) a convenient travel pouch and international chargers and plug adapters and simple instructions. If you have any questions, please call us or email us.

Activate

Your Phone Rental is ready to go. When you arrive at your overseas destination, simply turn it on and wait for your phone to display the China Mobile network. Once you have a network you are ready to make and receive calls.

Returning your Rental Phone

We will send you a prepaid return label with your package. Please retain it and, upon return from your trip, drop off the package (as per instructions) within 2 business days from the last day of your rental period. Cellular Abroad will charge late fees if the return shipping date is later than 2 business days from the last day of your rental period. For more information, see Cellular Abroad's full Terms & Conditions. For more information, see Cellular Abroad's full Terms & Conditions.

Key Features

A China pre-paid SIM card with Chinese phone number plus optional US number add-on

Includes 250 minutes within China or 125 to the US or a combination

Free incoming calls/texts

Free incoming texts worldwide

1GB of highspeed data (4G/LTE) if you rent a smartphone

Add a US number option

Add additional call or data credit

Extensive coverage

Return shipping label

China SIM Card 4.6

Important FAQs for Rentals

• When do I order?
  You can order as far in advance as you like - even months prior to your departure. We will ship your rental at the appropriate date in order for you to receive it prior to your departure. Rentals are shipped ground or express service and will arrive 2 business days prior to your set departure date.
• How many minutes do I have?
  Along with your rental you are purchasing an initial $29 credit voucher which will start you off with 125 minutes of calls to the US or 250 minutes of calls locally within China. If you are renting a smartphone, this voucher will also give you 1GB if data. Additional call and/or data credit can be purchased from Cellular Abroad during check out or during the trip.
• What will this cost me?
  
  • The applicable rental period fee for the duration of your rental period.
  • $29 for initial talk-time voucher (1 per phone).
  • Round-trip shipping and handling fee (see below).
• How much is shipping?
  If you order at least 2 weeks in advance, round-trip Ground shipping is only $12.88. If you are leaving soon, we offer round-trip 2-day Express for $29.96, or Overnight Express for $39.96. Rentals will arrive 2 business days prior to your set departure date.
• What is the latest I can order a rental phone?
  You can order up to one business day prior to your departure as long as you call in before to 1:30pm Pacific Time. Exceptions can be made on a limited basis, even if you are leaving early in the morning - we can usually get your phone to you. Please call our 800 number (rather than order via the web) in order to confirm that we can get you a phone rental on time.
• When do I get the phone?
  You will receive your cell phone rental two days prior to your departure, unless you require next day delivery.
• Does the cell phone come charged?
  Yes it does, but it's always best to test the battery and charge phone before your departure.
• Can I charge this phone on my trip?
  Yes, you will receive an international charger and relevant plug adapters, so you can charge the phone in the U.S. and at your destination.
• Can I retrieve my voice messages in China?
  There is no VM.
• How do I return the phone?
  Round trip shipping is included in your shipping fee. You will be provided with a return sticker label, which you can put on the box the phone arrived in, or your own box. If using your own box please do not use an extremely oversized box. (Canadian rental customers click here)
• What happens if I cancel?
  If your rental has not shipped, you will only be charged a 5% reserve fee. If your rental has been sent out, you are responsible for the one week rental fee plus the shipping fee.
• Are there any surcharges or hidden fees?
  Unless you are roaming outside of the country or countries for which your service is offered, the rates are fixed according to our posted rate chart and coverage areas. All rental customers are subject to our Terms & Conditions.
• What will the rates be for people calling me from the US?
  if they call the Chinese number, then that depends on the international long distance rates charged by their carrier. If you have opted for the US number, they will be paying the rates to call to a US number, which is typically nothing.
• Does Cellular Abroad offer insurance against loss or damage?
  Yes, rental insurance is available for $19.50 as an add-on once you add your item to the cart. See what is covered here.