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How to Buy a Local SIM Card in China: Where to Go, Real-Name Registration, and What It Does Not Solve

A Chinese local SIM requires your original passport and a live facial check, and it still leaves you inside the local network restrictions. Many "China SIM" products sold abroad are roaming SIMs from Hong Kong operators, which is a different thing entirely.

8/8/2026

How to Buy a Local SIM Card in Vietnam: Where to Go, Which Carrier, and the 2026 Rules

Vietnam now verifies SIM subscribers with facial biometrics under rules effective April 2026, and passport holders are expected to register in person. Here is where to buy, how to choose between Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone, and what to check before you pay.

8/8/2026

Does ahamo Work in China? LINE, Google and the 15-Day Limit Explained

ahamo works in mainland China with no application and no extra charge, and LINE and Google usually open because traffic routes through the home network. The real constraint is the 15-day rule, which drops you to 128kbps until you return to Japan.

8/8/2026

Does LINE Work Abroad? Data Use, Call Quality and the Two Things That Break It

LINE works overseas with no setting changes, because it runs over the internet rather than the phone network. The exceptions are SMS verification for new sign-ups and mainland China, where it is blocked. Here are the data figures and what to prepare.

8/8/2026

Buying a Local SIM Card in South Korea: Where to Get One and When an eSIM Is Better

You can buy a Korean SIM at the airport counter, in city shops, or order one before you fly. All three require a passport, and airport counters keep hours. Here is how each route works and when an eSIM wins.

8/8/2026

How to Use Google Maps Offline: What Works, What Does Not, and How to Save Data Abroad

Download a map before you fly and Google Maps works without a connection. But transit directions, opening hours and reviews do not. Here is the exact line between what works offline and what still needs data.

8/8/2026

Australia eSIM Guide: The Device Requirements That Decide Whether You Get Signal

In Australia your device matters more than your plan. After the 2024 3G shutdown, phones without VoLTE are blocked and phones without Band 28 lose signal outside the cities. Here is what to check before you fly.

8/6/2026

Public Wi-Fi in South Korea: Coverage, Speed and What Actually Trips Up Visitors

South Korea has some of the widest public Wi-Fi coverage anywhere, yet verification walls and congestion mean you can be connected without being able to use it. Here is the reality on the subway and in cafes, and how to decide what connection to bring.

8/5/2026

What Is a Cellular Model? How It Differs From Wi-Fi Only and When eSIM Works Abroad

A cellular model tablet connects to a mobile network on its own, without Wi-Fi. Here is how it differs from the Wi-Fi only version, when the price difference pays off, and what to check before putting a travel eSIM in one.

8/5/2026

Is Public Wi-Fi Safe Abroad? What Actually Puts You at Risk and How to Use It Safely

Public Wi-Fi abroad is usually described as a place where your passwords get stolen. Since HTTPS became standard, the real risks are fake access points, captive portal pages and automatic reconnection. Here is what to change before you fly.

8/5/2026

Do You Need an eSIM for a Layover? An Honest Guide by Transit Time

Do you need an eSIM for a layover? An honest guide by transit time: when airport wifi is enough, when a short eSIM plan pays off, and hub-by-hub advice for Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Changi, Incheon and Chinese airports.

8/3/2026

Philippines eSIM Guide: Manila, Cebu, Boracay and Island-Hopping Coverage

How to stay connected in the Philippines with a travel eSIM: what Smart, Globe and DITO are known for, the arrival routine at NAIA and Cebu airports, and what signal really looks like on island-hopping tours in Boracay, El Nido and Siargao.

8/3/2026