Originally Posted by
narvik
- China isn't fun with only Credit Cards and cash. A LOT has changed since 2019!
- Sim Cards can be bought outside China. Here's one (not an endorsement, just a sample): https://www.amazon.co.uk/China-15Day.../dp/B0D9VFQCYT
- Plenty of VPNs that are good and work well in China: the one you posted a reddit link to is NOT good in China (anymore)
- You can setup WeChat and/or Alipay with an overseas Credit Card nowadays. If you need help, there's plenty on here that will be glad to.
As I said, she’s in Spain, I’m in the U.K., none of that is going to happen (my mother is someone who walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago last year and still can’t use Google maps).
Basically it’s weighing up “no fun” without a phone vs “absolutely no fun whatsoever and a guaranteed dollop of misery” in setting one up.
I’m guessing it must still be possible to get to Dongzhimen with the AREX using cash/overseas credit card.
Will post back in a few months with her report, it will undoubtably be interesting.