A word of warning. Make sure the SIM or eSIM you purchase allow you to use Whatsapp etc. A 100% local China SIM will block those.

As for price, many are cheaper than Digi Maxis roaming rates


This post has been edited by touristking: Mar 31 2025, 04:35 PM

just got back from guangzhou yesterday and the digi roaming seems slow for me. it could be due to the private dns that i configured but it loads fast for few seconds then just lag there especially on IG video/reels

anyway, alipay works flawlessly for me although i have the option to use TNG but i prefer alipay due to the Didi travel in-app. the e-hailing app in TNG is abit cacat. the cars just stuck on the map for very long time like frozen then the driver can't recognize the apps/last 4 digit of mobile number for verification,etc...


i cant read chinese word so the translate button in alipay does help. i used both wechat and alipay to scan for menu and ordering without issue and most of payment were done at the counter after finished eating

i quite surprise that many stores guangzhou still willing to accept cash payment compare to other cities

can i know how u use alipay? link wit malaysia cc? i have link with cc pbb and scb also cant use when in guangzhou. wechat also cant use after switch region. gosh . end up i ask friend transfer money into mywechat and use tng and cash. Even i try ask china ppl send to me money and i pay him cash also cannot. terrible experience in guangzhou.

i linked with my wise card to alipay. other members also able to do the same with different cc without issue. some transactions charged me 3% international card fee for RMB200 and above

i only use wechat on some food ordering without wechat pay

Sorry if this was asked many times

eSIM or roaming? I'm currently on Hotlink postpaid. Roaming pass is RM50 for 5GB 7 days

Which eSIM recommended? Can access Google, fb or ig?

I'll be travelling to guangzhou and shenzhen

I was in an identical situation as you: on Hotlink, roaming package was shit compared to wife's Digi/Celcom.

So I took the plunge with [Link:Trip.com's eSim] after reading about it on the message boards with an Alien logo.

The prices seems too good to be true. The similar package as you described above is only less than RM15 !

But it worked perfectly for me. I bought the 10 days - Total 20gb package and still cost less than Hotlink's roaming.

I used it in Hangzhou, Wuzhen and Shanghai. Can access all our usual apps, and also Alipay, Dianping, Gaode maps, etc etc.

Highly recommended.

Google Map are unreliable in China. The Chinese make sure of that.

Better use Chinese apps like Amap or Beidu etc

True that. As I said, Gaode 搞得 Map, a.k.a. Amap.

Chinese co-ordinates calculation are different. Google refuse to team up with Chinese mapping company so their calculations are wrong.

Bro/gurl, I am agree-ing with you. Google Map is not useable in China.

Am recommended others to look for 高德 or Amap on the phone.
It was Gaode in English before they renamed it to Amap.

can actually ask the merchant if they dont mind u breaking down the payment amount by doing separate payment to avoid the fee.

back from recent family holiday (raya) to chengdu and jiuzhaigou.Overall it was an OK trip, for the kids mainly.
It's my first time to China actually, so i could not quite get used to the sheer volume of ppl (especially chengdu and jiuzhaigou).
I get some mental stress, probably due to age.
Scenery wise, i would say, once you have been to Norway, jiuzhaiguo is nothing. Some parts could be seen being man made, sort of spoil the nature

I use simcard from Shopee, where google maps and others could be used. It's nice to see advancement in China, but sadly some tale tails of civilization still haven't caught up.








This post has been edited by kucingfight: Apr 16 2025, 03:37 PM

jiuzhaigou not hard to go for kids? i heard need to walk alot. my aunt just go and say walk 3hours plus...

there are basically many stations around with bus stops ferrying ppl by bus. off course u can walk but it's too far. there are restaurants n souvenior shops inside, sort of like genting. sort of spoiling the image i had b4 this..

Hi all, do i need to activate oversea use for credit card that are tied to Alipay?
After i do the Alipay verification with my passport, am i good to go?

This post has been edited by SLRcom: Apr 16 2025, 06:51 PM

Doesn't hurt to call up the bank and tell them you are travelling.
It actually depends on the bank I believe. My parent's CIMB couldn't work but UOB can. My Maybank's does work as well.

But better safe than sorry. Just let them know / activate in the app.

Should be fine after verification in Alipay. Just make sure the Credit Card is usable.

For foreign travel, it is always a good idea to bring 2 cards from 2 different bank and from 2 different provider (Visa and MC)

I generally prefer separate Debit Card like Wise. I may put in 3000 and in worst case scenario, I lost 3000.

What do you mean by worst case, you lose 3K? Are you referring to illegal charge/hack to your debit card?

Thank for reply. Will bring some cash in case since i have friends in China to reload.

Cash is still acceptable especially restaurants etc. Hawkers, may be they will find it troublesome.