Internet and Communication
📱 Mobile Networks & SIM Cards
China operates with three major telecommunications providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All three offer extensive 4G and 5G network coverage tailored to keep you connected.
How to Purchase: You can buy a SIM card at any official service center of these providers. Important: Please ensure you bring your passport, as China enforces a real-name registration policy for all SIM card purchases.
Tourist Plans: Most providers offer short-term data plans specifically designed for travelers (typically valid for 7 to 30 days). These plans usually include generous 4G/5G data allowances to meet your travel needs.
Recommended Locations: For your convenience, here are the addresses for the main service centers located in downtown Sanya (Jiefang Road, Tianya District):
China Mobile (Sanya Branch) 📍 Address: No. 307, Jiefang Road, Tianya District, Sanya
China Unicom (Sanya Branch) 📍 Address: No. 299-1, Jiefang Road, Tianya District, Sanya
China Telecom 📍 Address: Jiefang Road, Tianya District, Sanya
📶 Wi-Fi Connectivity
Staying online is easy in Sanya, thanks to widespread free public Wi-Fi coverage.
Public Spaces: Free Wi-Fi is readily available at airports, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes. Note that to access these networks, you will typically need to authenticate via an SMS verification code sent to your phone or through a WeChat login.
Hotels & Accommodation: The vast majority of hotels and hostels provide wireless internet. The login process varies; you may need to enter your room number or register with your mobile phone number. Please check with the front desk for specific instructions.
🔋 Power & Charging
Voltage & Plugs: The standard voltage in China is 220V. Standard outlets primarily support Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type I (three flat pins in a triangular pattern). If your devices use a different plug type, we strongly recommend carrying a universal travel adapter.
Shared Power Banks: This is a highly convenient service unique to daily life in China. You can find rental stations for portable power banks in almost all shopping malls, restaurants, convenience stores, and hotel lobbies.
How to Rent: Simply open WeChat or Alipay to scan the QR code on the rental station. After paying a small deposit (or waiving it via credit score, if applicable), the power bank will pop out for you to use.
How to Return: Once you are finished, you can return the power bank to any station of the same brand, anywhere in the city—you do not need to return it to the original location.