$120 for Roaming in China? Compare US-to-China Data Plans and Avoid Overpriced Bills!

Many travelers face the same headache when visiting China for vacations, family visits, or business trips: Why are US phone plans so expensive abroad?! How to use American phones in China without breaking the bank is a top concern for overseas Chinese.

Those "unlimited" US plans can quickly become money pits overseas, costing $10+ per day or hundreds monthly. Understanding true roaming costs is crucial, especially for those needing overseas email access or work connectivity.

Is there a way to stay connected affordably? Absolutely! Beyond traditional carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, iTalkBB China Pass offers transparent pricing and convenient connectivity designed specifically for overseas Chinese. This guide reveals smart solutions for China travel connectivity.

Part 1: How Expensive Is Roaming in China? Breakdown of Major US Carriers

We've detailed AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile roaming costs and limitations in China. If planning to use US SIMs in China, read this carefully.

1. AT&T Roaming Costs

AT&T offers postpaid (monthly billing) and prepaid options with different roaming features.

1.1 International Day PassInternational Day Pass charges daily rates ideal for short trips needing frequent social media access.For: AT&T postpaid usersCosts:  ● Primary line: $12/day  ● Additional lines: $6/day each  ● Cap: Max 10 chargeable days per billing cycle ($120 max). Stays spanning billing cycles reset the count.Includes:  ● Unlimited calls  ● Unlimited texts  ● Unlimited high-speed data: Speeds may not match US performanceActivation: Add before departure for automatic China network connection

1.2 Travel Add-OnTravel Add-on provides prepaid packages without contracts.For: AT&T prepaid usersCost: $35 one-timeDuration: 7 daysIncludes:  ● Unlimited calls  ● Unlimited texts  ● 5GB high-speed data

1.3 Pay-per-use (Warning: Very Expensive!)Without activating any international plan, AT&T defaults to pay-per-use rates that can generate shocking bills.Rates:  ● Calls: $3/minute  ● SMS: $0.50/text  ● MMS: $1.30/message  ● Data: $2.05/MB (rounded up per KB)

2. Verizon Roaming Costs

Verizon offers three international options: monthly plans, daily passes, and pay-as-you-go (mainly for postpaid users). Compare carefully for China trips.

2.1 International Monthly PlanInternational Monthly Plan suits extended stays needing substantial data.For: Verizon postpaidCost: $100/month per lineIncludes:  ● 20GB high-speed data (then 3G speeds)  ● 250 international call minutes  ● Unlimited texts

2.2 TravelPassSimilar to AT&T's Day Pass, TravelPass offers daily rates for short trips.For: Verizon postpaidCost: $12/day per line ($120 for 10 days)Includes:  ● Unlimited data: 5GB high-speed then 3G  ● Unlimited calls  ● Unlimited texts

2.3 Pay-As-You-GoFor prepaid users or those without TravelPass, pay-as-you-go rates can drain wallets quickly.Rates:  ● Calls: $1.79/minute  ● SMS: $0.50/sent, $0.05/received  ● MMS: $0.25/message  ● Data: $2.05/MB

3. T-Mobile Roaming Costs

Unlike competitors, T-Mobile plans include basic international roaming by default - but with significant speed limitations.

3.1 Standard Plan Inclusions  ● Unlimited international texts  ● Unlimited basic data (typically 2G speeds)  ● Calls: $0.25/minute

3.2 Experience Plan Options  ● Experience More Plan   ○ 5GB high-speed data then 2G   ○ $140/month for 3 lines  ● Experience Beyond Plan   ○ 15GB high-speed data then 2G   ○ $170/month for 3 linesNote: Calls charged per minute; high-speed data has hard caps. The default 2G speeds are inadequate for most China travel needs.

Part 2: Affordable Alternative - iTalkBB China Pass eSIM

Beyond expensive carrier roaming, iTalkBB China Pass offers a smarter solution for overseas Chinese needing affordable China connectivity.

iTalkBB China Pass provides specialized eSIM service for overseas Chinese.

● Reliable high-speed data: 10GB/30 days package with usage alerts and top-up options

● Transparent affordable pricing: No bill shocks compared to carrier roaming

● Seamless connectivity: Works with international apps in China - ideal for short trips or business travel

● Easy activation:

 1. Purchase at iTalkBB China Pass page

 2. Scan QR code to activate eSIM

 3. Connect immediately upon China arrival

● Flexible options:

 ○ Data-only: Various packages covering mainland China and Hong Kong

 ○ Data top-ups: Extend service easily when needed

 ○ Dual-number service: Optional US number for verification codes and calls

iTalkBB China Pass eliminates expensive roaming hassles - transforming China connectivity into an affordable, worry-free experience.

Summer special: 10GB/30 days China data package just $9.99 - Get iTalkBB China Pass now!

24/7 Chinese Customer Support: 877-482-5506

WeChat Customer Support