A globe beside an eSIM label, illustrating mobile internet for a China trip.

Can Alipay work without internet?

For everyday travel, prepare a working mobile data connection. You will want it for account prompts, scanning receiving codes, bank approvals and checking the final transaction status in your wallet.

There is an exception: Alipay documents offline support for some checkouts where the merchant scans the customer’s payment code. That is a different flow from scanning a recipient’s QR code yourself. Do not assume offline support applies to every account, card or the donation codes on this site.

Do you need an eSIM for China?

An eSIM is a digital SIM installed on a compatible phone. It is optional: compare a travel eSIM with your home carrier’s roaming plan, a physical SIM or access to Wi-Fi. Mobile data is useful when you are away from your hotel.

Trip.com lists different China eSIM products. Choose a plan for your itinerary rather than assuming every listing includes the same destinations or features.

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy through our Trip.com link. Check the selected plan’s coverage, conditions and current price before buying.

Explore China eSIM plans on Trip.com →

Check these before buying

  • Confirm eSIM support for your exact phone model and purchase region, and check that it is unlocked for another carrier. Use your manufacturer’s compatibility guidance.
  • Check mainland China coverage; Hong Kong and Macau may need a different or regional plan.
  • Read the data allowance, validity period, activation trigger, hotspot rules and any speed limits after a fair-use allowance.
  • Check whether the plan is data-only or includes a number, calls and SMS. Also read the refund and reinstallation conditions.
  • Check access to the services you need in the selected product’s terms. Do not assume every China eSIM includes a VPN or unrestricted access to every app.

Install before you need it

Read the supplier’s instructions before installing: installation and activation may happen at different times, and some plans start their validity immediately. Use reliable Wi-Fi when instructed, and save the order confirmation, setup instructions and support contact somewhere you can access offline.

Select the travel eSIM as your mobile data line. Enable roaming on that line only if the supplier requires it; keep data roaming off on your home line unless you intend to use it. After arrival, open a webpage to check your connection before relying on it at a checkout.

Keep your bank verification number reachable

A data-only travel eSIM does not replace your usual phone number for bank or wallet verification texts. Keep your bank-registered SIM available if you need SMS approvals, and check your home carrier’s roaming availability and charges before departure. Bank app approvals may also need internet.

Prepare this alongside your wallet setup, rather than discovering a missing verification method when you are trying to pay.

Prepare your Alipay account →

Internet works, but the payment does not?

If nothing loads, check that the eSIM is enabled, selected for data and within its allowance. Follow the supplier’s network instructions or try a trusted Wi-Fi connection. Contact support before deleting an eSIM profile: the installation code may not be reusable.

If your connection works but Alipay declines a payment, check the error, card and recipient instead. An eSIM cannot fix a card issuer’s decline or an unsupported payment type. Check for pending charges before trying again.

Troubleshoot a declined payment →

Use the China payment checklist →

Sources and editorial notes

This independent guide uses the official sources below. App screens, eligibility, fees, and limits can change; your provider’s current in-app information takes priority.

We have not independently tested every card, account, or receiving code. This guide does not certify your account or promise acceptance.