Beijing Airport: Free Wifi Access For All?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi through the network named AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW. The service is available in all terminals and most public areas, including arrival and departure halls and restaurants and cafes. To connect, users can authenticate their login via phone verification (SMS), automated kiosks (self-service machines), or a WeChat account. The authentication process takes approximately 5 seconds.

How to connect to Beijing Airport WiFi

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi through the network named "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI". This network can be accessed in all terminals and most public areas, including arrival and departure halls and restaurants and cafes.

• Open the WiFi setup on your mobile device or laptop.
• Choose the "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" network.
• Open any webpage via a web browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
• On the webpage, you will find three options to authenticate your login:

• Use phone verification (SMS)
• Use automated kiosks (self-service machines)
• Use a WeChat account

If you choose phone verification, enter your mobile phone number and click "Get Verification Code". You will receive a verification code via SMS, which you then need to enter on the webpage. Click "Log in" to connect to the internet.

If you choose to use automated kiosks, find a kiosk in Terminal 1, 2, or 3, and place your passport or ID card into the scanning port. You will receive a verification code from the kiosk, which you need to type into the webpage on your device. Click "Log in" to connect.

If you have a WeChat account, you can use this to verify and connect to the internet.

Please note that while Beijing Airport provides complimentary WiFi without a time limit, there may be website restrictions due to China's national internet filter known as the "Great Firewall". This may restrict access to certain websites, applications, and online services.

WiFi speed at Beijing Airport

The WiFi speed at Beijing Capital International Airport is decent enough for basic internet needs like web browsing, checking emails, or sending messages. However, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours when the airport is crowded, especially in areas with a high user concentration like departure gates or food courts.

There are a number of factors that influence the WiFi speed at Beijing Airport:

• Your location within the airport.
• The capabilities of your device.

If you need faster speeds, you can consider alternative options such as getting a local SIM card, a China eSIM, international roaming, or a portable WiFi hotspot.

Limitations of Beijing Airport WiFi

Beijing Capital Airport offers free and unlimited WiFi to its passengers. However, there are several limitations to the service.

Firstly, the WiFi speed may be slower during peak hours when the airport is crowded, especially in areas with a high concentration of users such as departure gates or food courts. This can impact the overall user experience, making it difficult to perform even basic internet tasks.

Secondly, accessing the WiFi requires users to provide a phone number, scan their passport, or use a WeChat account for verification. This may pose a challenge for those who are not comfortable sharing personal information or who do not have a compatible form of identification.

Additionally, users should be aware of website restrictions due to China's internet censorship policies. Many popular websites and online platforms, such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, are blocked. As a result, users who wish to access these restricted sites will need to utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or alternative connectivity options.

Lastly, the WiFi service is limited to the airport premises. For travellers who require continuous internet access throughout their trip to Beijing, alternative solutions such as purchasing a local SIM card, renting a portable WiFi hotspot, or enabling international roaming on their devices may be more suitable.

Alternative options to Beijing Airport WiFi

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) does offer free and unlimited WiFi, but it is always good to be aware of potential limitations like speed, accessibility, and censorship.

Prepaid China SIM Cards

A local China SIM card offers a faster and more reliable internet experience in Beijing. You can buy these at PEK airport kiosks or in carrier stores in Beijing city from major Chinese mobile carriers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. You will need your passport for registration and a carrier-unlocked mobile phone.

ESIM

An eSIM is an embedded chip in a mobile device that offers the convenience of not needing a physical SIM card. You can activate an eSIM online even before your departure by scanning a QR code provided by your eSIM provider. It is also easy to switch between data plans or top up as needed. However, to use an eSIM in China, your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. You can buy eSIMs from providers like Gigago.

Pocket WiFi Rental

A pocket WiFi device is a great alternative if you need to connect multiple devices simultaneously and want to enjoy a secure connection. You can rent these from kiosks at Beijing Airport, or from online providers like TravelWiFi or Skyroam. However, this option has downsides such as battery charging, daily rental fees, and the risk of loss or damage to the rented device.

International Roaming

While convenient, international roaming in China with your home phone number is the most expensive option. Data charges can add up quickly, and roaming plans usually come with limited data allowances. Before choosing this option, check with your home carrier for rates and roaming packages available.

How to get cheap food at Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital Airport offers free and unlimited WiFi, but you will need to authenticate your login. To do this, you can use phone verification (SMS), automated kiosks (self-service machines), or a WeChat account.

Now, for cheap food options at Beijing Airport, there are vending machines full of instant noodle bowls for just 6 yuan ($0.85). You will need cash to use these vending machines, and the instructions are in Mandarin. You can find hot water stations near the vending machines to fill up your noodle bowl.

If you're looking for something more substantial, there are a variety of restaurants in Terminals 2 and 3, including Western food, Chinese food, Japanese food, Thai food, Muslim cuisines, Italian cuisines, cafes, and fast-food chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut.

• Master Kong Chef's Table (available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3)
• Qing Feng Steamed Stuffed Bun Shop (Terminal 1)
• Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant (Terminal 1)
• Gourmet Noodle House (Terminals 1 and 3)
• Crystal Jade Kitchen (Terminals 1 and 3)

Frequently asked questions