If you want the short answer: use an eSIM if your phone supports it. It is usually the least annoying option for a short medical trip because you can install it before departure and avoid figuring out mobile data after a long flight.

eSIM

Recommended for most visitors

  • Delivered instantly and installed before travel
  • No physical SIM swap, so your home number can often stay active
  • Usually cheaper than international roaming
  • Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-capable

Roaming

Convenient, but often overpriced

  • Fastest option because it uses your home carrier
  • Useful for a one- or two-day stop or as a backup
  • Commonly charged by day, and costs add up fast
  • Check tethering, data caps, and fair-use limits before you rely on it

Physical SIM

Only if you really need a China number

  • Useful for local-number-only situations such as some banking or long stays
  • Usually bought after arrival with passport registration
  • Takes more time and energy than eSIM
  • Not worth the hassle for most short medical visits

Portable Wi-Fi

Mainly for families or multiple devices

  • One router can serve several phones at once
  • Useful when patient and family all need data together
  • Adds one more device to carry and charge
  • Pickup and return can be inconvenient depending on airport and route

How to choose in 30 seconds

Three commonly used eSIM stores

Airalo

Good for first-time users

Usually the easiest store to understand if this is your first eSIM purchase. Setup flow is straightforward and short-stay China packages are easy to compare.

Best when you want the least confusing buying process rather than the absolute cheapest data price.

Trip.com eSIM

Convenient if you already use Trip.com

If your flights and hotel are already booked in Trip.com, buying eSIM there can keep travel planning in one place. It is more about convenience than bargain hunting.

Useful for travelers who prefer one familiar app for flights, hotel, and connectivity instead of comparing multiple eSIM marketplaces.

MobiMatter

Worth checking for larger data packages

MobiMatter is often where travelers compare higher-data packages when they care more about value per gigabyte than the easiest user experience.

Best when you expect heavier map use, video calls, or longer stays and want to compare data volume more aggressively.

Portable Wi-Fi

Locked Phone / Old Device / Large Group

TravelWifi (or Solis)

Can be delivered to your home before departure, which avoids airport pickup, but it is usually more expensive than eSIM.