China eSIM plans compared
The main travel eSIM providers for mainland China, side by side. Pick on price, data and hotspot rules — then check your phone and set it up before you fly.
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Our picks
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $17.00
- Entry plan
- $4 · 1 GB / 7 days
- Big trips
- $35 · 50 GB / 45 days
- Hotspot
- Included on all plans*
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $26.50
- Entry plan
- $4 · 1 GB / 3 days
- Strength
- Large app, many countries
- Network
- China Unicom 5G*
- Unlimited
- $27.50 · 7 days
- Sold as
- Days, not gigabytes
- Good for
- Heavy solo users
- Hotspot
- Limited — check terms
- 10 GB / 30 days
- $26.99
- Good for
- One app for many trips
- Reviews
- Strong independent ratings
- Hotspot
- Check terms
* As published by the provider. We have not yet run our own on-the-ground tests; we'll add them here after our next test round.
Price table
| Provider | Entry plan | 10 GB / 30 days | Unlimited | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetpac | — | $16.00 | — | Lowest 10 GB price in our check |
| Nomad | $4.00 · 1 GB / 7 d | $17.00 | From $11 / 3 days | Up to 50 GB / 45 days for $35 |
| Airalo | $4.00 · 1 GB / 3 d | $26.50 | — | Several validity options per size |
| Saily | — | $26.99 | — | $10.99 more than the cheapest for the same data |
| Holafly | — | — | $27.50 / 7 days | Sells by the day; hotspot limited |
Published prices in USD for mainland China plans, checked 26 August 2026. "—" means the provider does not sell that size or we could not confirm it. Scroll the table sideways on a phone.
What to check before you buy
How the plan connects
Most travel eSIMs use international roaming, which is why your usual apps tend to work. A plan that connects you as a local Chinese user behaves like a local SIM instead. If the provider doesn't say, ask before buying.
Hotspot rules
Some unlimited plans cap or block tethering. If you need data on a laptop or for a travel partner, pick a plan that allows it.
When validity starts
Many plans start counting when you first connect in China, not at purchase. Check this if you buy weeks ahead.
Topping up in China
Install the provider's app before you go, so you can add data on the road using the data you still have.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. The quickest check: dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, you are good to go.
How to install
- Before your trip, on Wi-Fi: open the QR code from your provider on another screen.
- Go to Settings › Mobile Service (or Cellular) › Add eSIM › Use QR Code, and scan it.
- Label the new line "China" and keep your main line as the default for calls and SMS.
- After landing: choose the China line for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming for it.
- Before your trip, on Wi-Fi: open the QR code from your provider on another screen.
- Go to Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add eSIM (menu names vary by brand) and scan the code.
- Keep your main SIM on for calls and SMS codes.
- After landing: set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM and turn on Roaming for it.
eSIM vs the other options
| Travel eSIM | Local China SIM | Pocket Wi-Fi | Home carrier roaming | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | A few minutes, before you fly | Store visit after landing | Pick up and return a device | Usually nothing |
| Passport registration | Not needed | Required | Depends on provider | Not needed |
| Your usual apps | Usually work like at home | Many foreign apps won't load | Depends on provider | Work like at home |
| Keep your number | Yes | Only with a dual-SIM phone | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | $16–27 for 10 GB / 30 days | Low, but needs a store visit | Daily rental fee | Often the most expensive — check your carrier |
China eSIM questions
Does a China plan work in Hong Kong and Macau?
Usually not — mainland plans cover the mainland only. If you're crossing over, look for a "China + Hong Kong + Macau" or Asia regional plan so one eSIM covers the whole trip.
Will I get a Chinese phone number?
Most travel eSIMs are data only. Some public Wi-Fi networks and local apps send login codes to Chinese numbers, so plan to use mobile data rather than public Wi-Fi.
Can I top up while I'm in China?
With most providers, yes — through their app, using the data you still have left. Install the app before you go.
Do I need to buy before I arrive?
It's strongly recommended. Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi so you're online the moment you land.
Is the cheapest plan the best one?
Not always. Check hotspot rules, when validity starts and whether you can top up in China. A few dollars more can save a lot of hassle.