can i use my phone in china? need some advice

TomH

i'm traveling to china next month and trying to figure out the phone situation.

i have an iphone with t-mobile. they said i can use it in china but data is slow and calls are expensive. not ideal.

should i get a local sim card at the airport? or rent a pocket wifi?

also what apps do i need to download before i go? i already have google translate and alipay. anything else?

and about vpn. i heard i need to install it before i leave. is expressvpn still the best one? i just need basic stuff like instagram and google maps.

sorry for all the questions. first time in china and i want to be prepared.

thanks in advance.