China mainland · Hong Kong · Macau

Land in China with your apps ready.

Most travel eSIMs for China run on international roaming, so WhatsApp, Google and Instagram behave much like they do at home. No SIM counter, no passport registration. We compare the plans so you can pick one in minutes.

Compare China eSIMs Check my phone
  • Install before you fly
  • Keep your own number
  • Prices checked and dated
eSIM pass · exampleReady
HOMEYour country
PVGShanghai
Data
10 GB
Valid
30 days
Typical price
$16–27
Setup
~2 minutes
Apps travelers check first
WhatsAppGoogle MapsInstagramGmail
  • Side-by-side plansThe main providers' China plans in one table.
  • Dated pricesEvery price shows when we last checked it.
  • Honest about limitsHotspot caps, phone support, coverage gaps.
  • Free to useWe may earn a commission — your price stays the same.

Connected in three steps

No SIM counter at the airport, no swapping cards.

01

Check your phone

iPhone XS and newer, and most recent Android flagships, support eSIM — if they are carrier-unlocked. Check your model.

02

Install before you fly

Buy a plan, then scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi. It takes about two minutes.

03

Switch on when you land

Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming. Keep your main SIM on for calls and bank SMS codes.

10 GB · 30 days · China mainland

Prices at a glance

Same data, same validity — and an $11 spread between the cheapest and the priciest.

Jetpac$16.00Lowest price in our check Nomad$17.00Our pick for most travelers Airalo$26.50Best-known brand Saily$26.99Strong independent reviews

Published prices in USD, checked 26 August 2026. Providers change prices often — see the full comparison.

Before you go

Short guides for the things first-time visitors get stuck on.

Connectivity

Best eSIM for China in 2026

Which plan to pick, what to check, and how to set it up.

Read guide →
Payments

Alipay for foreign visitors

Linking your own card to pay like a local.

Coming soon
Entry

Visa-free entry: who qualifies

Current rules, checked against official sources.

Coming soon
Apps

Apps to install before you land

Maps, rides, food and translation.

Coming soon

Questions travelers ask

Will WhatsApp and Google work with a China eSIM?

With most travel eSIMs, yes. They use international roaming, so your connection is handled much like it is on your home network. It varies by provider and plan, so check the notes in our comparison before you buy.

Do I need to register with my passport?

Not for a travel eSIM from an international provider. Local Chinese SIM cards do require passport registration in a store.

Do I keep my own phone number?

Yes. Keep your main SIM switched on for calls and SMS codes; the eSIM handles data.

When should I install it?

Before you fly, while you are on Wi-Fi. Many plans only start counting days once you connect in China — check your provider's terms.

Does iesim sell eSIMs?

Not at the moment. We compare plans from established providers and link to them. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.