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Traveling in China in 2025? Pocket WiFi rentals remain one of the most reliable ways to stay online, giving you steady access to maps, translations, and apps on the go. Providers like iVideo and Miowifi offer unlimited data with strong 4G/5G coverage, while eSIMs such as Holafly (unlimited data), Nomad, and GigSky are great alternatives if you’d rather skip carrying extra gear. In this guide, we’ll compare the best Pocket WiFi options first, then highlight eSIMs as flexible backup choices.
For travelers, having your own connection makes it simple to use maps, translations, and travel apps without interruption.
China has one of the most advanced mobile networks in the world, with 5G devices making up 88.1% of all mobile shipments in December 2024.
This means visitors can expect excellent speed and coverage almost everywhere, but to fully benefit from it, having a dedicated pocket WiFi ensures you can tap into these networks reliably without relying on patchy or restricted public WiFi.
Explore top pocket WiFi providers as well as best eSIM providers for China as alternatives!
Choosing the right pocket WiFi in China can make a big difference in your trip. Factors like daily cost, data allowance, battery life, and delivery options vary widely by provider.
The table below summarizes the key details so you can quickly compare and decide which option best fits your travel needs.
| Provider | Daily Cost | Data Allowance | Network/Speed | Device Connections | Battery Life | Delivery & Return Options |
| iVideo | $11 | Unlimited | 4G/LTE | Up to 3 | Up to 13 hrs | Ship to hotel/home, pickup at locations, mail-back/drop-off return |
| 3G Solutions | $69 (incl. delivery, $50 deposit) | 3 GB (3 days) | 4G/LTE | Up to 10 | 4–5 hrs | Hotel/residence delivery, airport drop-off, prepaid return |
| Yoowifi | $2.50 | 3 GB or 10 GB | 4G/LTE | Up to 10 | Not listed | Delivered 3 days before travel, return after trip |
| RoamingMan | RM 178.50 | 45 GB | 5G/4G | Up to 5 | Up to 13 hrs | Deposit required, refunded after return |
| TravelWiFi | $7.95 | 1 GB/day | 4G/LTE | Up to 5 | Up to 28 hrs | Delivered to home before trip |
| Miowifi | $8 | Unlimited | 4G | Up to 5 | Up to 18 hrs | Ships to home/hotel/office, return within 3 days |
A pocket WiFi is a small portable router that connects to the country’s powerful 4G and 5G mobile networks and creates your own private hotspot.
Instead of relying on expensive roaming or patchy public WiFi, the device gives travelers a secure way to stay online throughout their trip.
Like a SIM card inside a phone, the Pocket WiFi unit links directly to China’s local mobile network. It then shares that connection as WiFi so you can connect multiple devices at once, including your phone, laptop, or tablet with no extra setup required.
Getting started is simple: just switch on the router, find the device name in your phone’s WiFi settings, and enter the password provided.
Once connected, you can browse the web, use maps and translation apps, message friends, or stream content just as you would on home WiFi.
Finding the right pocket WiFi in China is essential for staying connected during your trip. With providers offering different daily rates, data allowances, battery life, and delivery options, the choice depends on your travel style and budget.
Below, we compare six top providers to help you quickly see which plan works best for your needs.
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This pocket WiFi from iVideo is designed for travelers who need seamless connectivity without worrying about data caps. It runs on a 5,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 13 hours of continuous use, though actual life depends on how many devices are connected.
Delivery is flexible, with options to pick up at designated locations or have the unit shipped to your hotel or home before your trip. Returning the device is equally simple through drop-off or mail-back services arranged by iVideo.
The 3 GB Classic Pocket WiFi plan from 3G Solutions connects travelers to China’s 4G LTE network and supports up to 10 devices at once. The device has a battery life of about 4 to 5 hours, so carrying a power bank is recommended for full-day use.
Delivery is available to hotels or residences, with same-day service in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing if ordered early, while other locations typically take one to several business days.
Returns can be arranged easily through hotel concierges, airport drop-offs, or prepaid return envelopes. If more data is needed during the rental, users can top up their plan directly through 3G Solutions for continued access.
Yoowifi’s Pocket WiFi for China provides unlimited 4G connectivity, giving travelers a reliable way to stay online throughout their trip. To secure a unit, Yoowifi recommends booking at least five working days before departure. Orders are scheduled so the device arrives within three days prior to travel, ensuring it’s ready to use.
At the end of the rental period, the pocket WiFi must be returned promptly, and replacement fees apply if the device or accessories are lost or damaged. These policies help travelers plan ahead and enjoy uninterrupted internet access while in China.
Roamingman’s pocket WiFi for China comes with a battery life of up to 13 hours, keeping travelers connected through most of the day without recharging. Rentals require a minimum booking of 2 days, allowing flexibility for short or extended trips.
A deposit of RM 100 per device is collected at the start of the rental, which is refunded within 7 to 21 working days after the device is returned, excluding weekends and public holidays.
TravelWifi’s portable hotspot for China is noted for its long-lasting battery life, lasting up to 28 hours on a single charge. The device is delivered straight to your home before your trip, making it easy to have everything ready in advance.
It also offers flexible data plan options, so travelers can tailor their usage to the length and needs of their journey.
MIOWiFi’s portable WiFi for China offers a strong battery life of up to 18 hours thanks to its 5000 mAh USB-chargeable battery, making it reliable for full-day use. Devices are shipped to your home, office, hotel, or delivery points within five working days before your trip, ensuring you receive it in time.
After travel, the unit must be returned within three working days, and there are no charges for delivery or return days since you only pay for the days of actual use. For security, Miowifi requires a credit card on file as a guarantee against loss, theft, or damage.
Using pocket WiFi in China is convenient, but travelers should also be aware of its limits.
Pros:
Cons:
While pocket WiFi in China is a popular choice for travelers, it is not always the most convenient option. Devices can run out of battery, require pickup or return, and add extra gear to your trip.
For many visitors, an eSIM is a simpler alternative with no hardware to carry, instant activation, and flexible data plans that work as soon as you land.
Holafly is a strong alternative because it offers unlimited data plans in China, making it ideal for heavy users who stream, navigate, or work online. Setup is instant with a QR code, eliminating the need for physical SIMs or WiFi devices. Coverage extends across major Chinese cities and regions.
Nomad provides affordable eSIM options with tiered data packages, letting travelers pay only for what they need. Its flexible plans make it a budget-friendly choice compared to daily WiFi rentals. Coverage includes major cities and popular tourist destinations in China.
GigSky is another reliable eSIM provider offering flexible regional and country-specific plans. It’s a good option for light to moderate data users with competitive pricing. The service delivers strong 4G LTE coverage in China and supports convenient top-ups through its mobile app.
| Provider | Starting Price | Data Allowance | Validity | Key Features | |
| Holafly |  | $3.90/day | Unlimited | Daily | Unlimited data, instant QR code setup, wide coverage across China |
| Nomad |  | $4 | 1 GB | 7 days | Flexible tiered plans, pay for what you need, coverage in major cities and tourist areas |
| GigSky |  | $5.99 | 1 GB | 7 days | Regional and country-specific plans, easy top-ups via app, strong 4G LTE coverage |
Among these options, Holafly stands out as the best choice for most travelers. Its unlimited data makes it ideal for heavy users who need reliable access for work, navigation, and streaming, without worrying about running out of data.
With instant setup and coverage across China, it offers the most seamless experience compared to capped plans from Nomad and GigSky.
Yes, you can rent pocket WiFi in China to stay connected throughout your trip. Providers offer delivery or hotel drop-off, with battery life lasting most of the day.
Pocket WiFi in China typically costs between $2.50 and $11 per day, depending on the provider and plan. Some companies also require deposits or delivery fees.
Tourists can get online through pocket WiFi, local SIM cards, or eSIMs. Hotels, airports, and cafes may also provide WiFi, though it is less reliable.
Yes, you can use your phone as a hotspot if your mobile plan allows it. However, roaming fees are usually high without a local SIM or eSIM.
A VPN is not required to connect to WiFi but is needed to access restricted sites like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Many travelers install a VPN before arriving in China.
Foreigners can stay connected by renting pocket WiFi, buying a SIM, or installing an eSIM. Make sure to set up a VPN in advance for full access to apps and sites.
Holafly is a top choice for unlimited data with easy setup. Nomad and GigSky also provide flexible and affordable China eSIM plans.
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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