Short duration, low cost eSIM
Check if your cell phone is capable of using eSIM before
purchasing eSIM:Dial *#06#
eSIM capable phone will show a 32-digit long EID number.
Your phone must be carrier unlocked.
With data-only eSIM, you can use WhatsApp, WeChat, Rakuten Viber, fongo, Facebook Messenger, YouTube, iMessage, Facetime, Uber, Google email, Google Chat, Google Maps, etc.
You can make "phone calls" with data-only:
e.g. use "Rakuten Viber Out" to call landlines/mobile phones. It costs a few cents/minute.
e.g. For Canadians, use "fongo" to make free calls to Canadian landlines/mobile.
Super important setup
Settings...Cellular....
Cellular Data Options Roaming Off
if you have more than 1 SIM profile:
Settings...Cellular...
SIMs section Primary....Data Roaming... Off (slider switch is grey out)
https://roamesim.net/
At home, download and install Roam eSIM app.
Roamesim is suitable for short term, low cost applications.
For example, 1 Day 1GB Canada/USA eSIM costs $2.
Roamesim is ideal for Good2Go/Petrocan subscribers who need occasional mobile data.
Good2Go mobile data costs $150/GB, 75 times more expensive than eSIM.
(1) Purchase a eSIM using the Roam eSIM app (you need Internet
connection)
Your eSIM will show up in the "My eSIM" tab after successful
payment.
(2) Two conditions should be met before install/activation:
(A) Internet connection,
(B) destination cell signal.
If the above two conditions are met, click "My eSIM" tab, click
Install and Activate.
Caution: RoameSIM uses timezone GMT +8 (Hong Kong time)
as the start/end of day. This could be an issue with short
duration eSIM when activated in other timezone.
The graphics below shows an iPhone with 2 eSIM profiles;
Tap the Secondary line...
Set the Data Roaming switch on (green)
Note:
Airports in China have public WiFi but each airport authority uses a different method to allow access.
The general method is to (1) connect to airport WiFi first; (2) open a web browser to start an authentication dialog.
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX), Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA), Shenzhen Baoan Airport(SZX) can authenticate using SMS code sent to countries other than just China, or you can get a WiFi username/password from a dispensing machine by scanning your passport at the machine.
For other airports in China, consult the website Airports in China.
If you have no success in accessing WiFi at the airport, delay install/activation until you find a local friendly WiFi café or use hotel WiFi.