Using an Australian Apple Watch SE Cellular in China: How to Make It Work?

beefmaster on 30/07/2024 - 22:57

I’m planning to get Apple Watch SE Cellular models for my two young kids to maintain communication without giving them smartphones. The Apple IDs set up will be based in Australia.

My question is, how can I ensure that the Apple Watch SE Cellular will work in China during our one-month visit?

I’ve read Telstra's FAQ, which indicates that data roaming for Apple Watch is not supported, and I prefer not to give them smartphones when we travel to China.

I also came across an Apple article that seems relevant to my situation. It suggests that mobile plans in China may be restricted to Chinese citizens. Can you confirm if this is the case? Here’s the article I read: Apple Discussions, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253797275?sortBy=rank

Is obtaining a data eSIM in China the only viable option?

Travel Apple Smartwatch

Comments

  • jv on 30/07/2024 - 23:07
    +7

    I prefer not to give them smartphones when we travel to China.
    for my two young kids to maintain communication

    Get them dumb phones then…

  • idonotknowwhy on 31/07/2024 - 09:27
    +1

    I'd do JV's suggestion ^

    You can't get cellular to work in China. Get some cheap phones for them. Use one of the oz bargain travel sim / e-sim deals. Don't sign up for a plan within China as they're a pain to cancel and have censored internet.

    • m2000 on 09/08/2024 - 09:26

      There are now some local sim cards designed for Tourist. they work like prepaid (I assume) so no need to cancel (but yes censored internet) , and you can a local no. which can be handy if you speak the language,(apparently local no. is needed or very useful for taxi, didi, food delivery,…)
      The link is for Shanghai, but most likely available in all major cities.
      https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2403112072/

  • Duckie2hh on 31/07/2024 - 09:35

    how can I ensure that the Apple Watch SE Cellular will work in China during our one-month visit?

    Does it have an in-built VPN to scale the great firewall?

    • beefmaster on 31/07/2024 - 11:05

      The issue is getting Apple watch cellular working in China.

      I don't have any function that will warrant a VPN.

      • bargaino on 31/07/2024 - 12:22

        You don't use Google Maps, or anything else from google?

        • beefmaster on 31/07/2024 - 12:57

          Last I remember google map do not work that well in China so I am better off downloading a China map app.

          I do have Pixel 8 and heavily uses Google ecosystem but I am okay to not use Google while I m in China.

          I just want to get apple watch family link feature working so I can maintain communication with my kids while in China. They don't speak Mandarin and will be difficult to find them should they get lost.

          • bargaino on 31/07/2024 - 14:01

            @beefmaster: Unless they are of Chinese appearance, they will stand out a mile. Teach them to say "Where are my parents?" :)

            • beefmaster on 01/08/2024 - 09:28

              @bargaino: They are Chinese, but only speak English and little bit of Cantonese.

          • Randxyz123 on 31/07/2024 - 17:55

            @beefmaster: How old are your kids? Are they likely to get separated? Sounds like a smart phone might be necessary. Even something very basic. I don’t think even if the Apple Watch will work (which I don’t think it will with one of those travel sims) would suit your needs in China.

            If you go to a shopping centre for example, first thing when you walk in, find where centre management is, and tell them if they get lost and can’t find you then we will meet here at x am/pm

            Usually hotels have a card at reception with the address and instructions for taxis. Give your children one of these and also write your phone number on there. Unless they are very young more than likely they’ll be able to get the message to someone.

            • beefmaster on 01/08/2024 - 09:33

              @Randxyz123: The kids are 6 and 8, at this age they should be able to handle situation where they are lost, but it will be challenging in China and language barrier.

              I may have to get them a phone

              • Randxyz123 on 01/08/2024 - 22:17

                @beefmaster: That young surely they’ll be unlikely to get lost. Unless they just wonder off ?

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