eSIM for China: What you need to know
An eSIM in China provides you with a contemporary solution to remaining connected during your travels. It allows you to move around the country with ease without a physical SIM card, with Internet connectivity on arrival. In both business and leisure travels, an eSIM caters to your Internet requirement and saves you of high-roaming charges.
- CountryChina
- Package Option500MB/Day
- Number of Days1 Day
- Price£0.33
- CountryChina
- Package Option2GB/Day
- Number of Days1 Day
- Price£0.73
- CountryChina/HK/Macau
- Package Option10GB
- Number of Days15 Days
- Price£7.67
Why you need an eSIM for China
An eSIM provides the easiest and most hassle-free way of acquiring internet access in China where access to much of the global internet and services is denied. Allowing you to go online instantly on arrival, it lets you access such local essentials as Alipay to pay, DiDi to call up transportation, and AMap to navigate, all of which complete the convenient traveler's experience. Pre-ordering a China-compatible eSIM guarantees that you remain connected the moment you arrive.
Reliable Connectivity in China with an eSIM & VPN
• Access All Apps: Access WhatsApp, Instagram, and all apps with no restrictions.
• Seamless Navigation: Travel easily to multiple destinations with reliable regional maps.
• Seamless Communication: Stay in touch with others through all the most dominant messaging and social networks.
Simple solution: purchasing, turning on, and opening the internet immediately on arrival.
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The best eSIM China providers: which to choose?
Feature | Trip.com | Airalo | Nomad | Holafly |
Data Range | 1-100 GB | 1-50 GB | 1-90 GB | Unlimited |
Price From | £0.33 | £3.50 | £3 | £3.79 |
Validity | 1 Day | 3 Days | 7 Days | Custom |
Network | CMCC | China Unicom | China Unicom / China Telecom | CMCC |
Key Insight | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best value & all-in-one platform (flights, hotels, eSIM). | Wide app selection, but significantly more expensive for China-specific plans. | Good global flexibility, but high cost per GB. | Ideal for heavy data users needing unlimited browsing. |
*Prices and data allowances may vary by provider.
Best eSIM for China and Japan for UK travellers
One eSIM to cover China and Japan allows any-time connectivity in these countries, with prices that begin at an incredibly reasonable £0.21. This eradicates high-roaming charges and the inconvenience of juggling several SIMs.
This solution presents convenience and cost savings: instead of buying individual data plans in each country, you have access to a joint data pool. Enjoy seamless connection while exploring the high-speed rail in China or the vibrant districts of Tokyo. Simply make a buy, switch on the service, and you are good to go.
Can I get a China eSIM with a phone number?
Standard travel eSIMs available to tourists to be used in China usually do not provide a local number. Theirfunction primarily is to allow you to have immediate internet connectivity upon arrival at the destination.
This needn't be a cause of concern, as it's unnecessary to have a local number in a bid to access basic services like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or DiDi. What's important at this point is a functioning internet connection, and that's exactly what your China eSIM provides. Your ability to immediately access transaction, route-taking, and communication becomes possible.
Trip.com eSIM: China travel made simple
If you arrive in China and need to enjoy immediate connectivity, then the Trip.com China eSIM presents a convenient solution.
Why Trip.com eSIM in China:
- Travel-Friendly Plans: Select among versatile plans available to use in 1-30 days and suitable for multiple travels.
- Connect Instantly: Activate your eSIM immediately by scanning a QR code—no physical SIM required.
- Full Trip Support: Organize your internet connectivity, flight reservations, and accommodation all in a reliable single platform.
- Proven Reliability: Join millions of travelers who rely on our service for a smooth connected experience in China.
Get connected, go exploring with confidence.
How to set up your eSIM China
How to activate China eSIM?
- Locate the QR code in your activation email
- Go to Settings > Cellular (iOS) or Connections > SIM Manager (Android)
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" (iOS) or "Add Mobile Plan" (Android)
- Scan the QR code to download your eSIM
How to use the internet?
- After download, turn off your primary SIM (if you have one)
- Enable your China eSIM - LTE/5G will show in status bar
- Turn on Data Roaming to begin browsing
- If no connection: Enable Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then disable, or restart device
How to disable eSIM:
- Go to Settings > Cellular (iOS) or SIM Manager (Android)
- Toggle off your China eSIM plan
👉 Stay connected in China with an eSIM and discover top sights and tours.
Is your phone compatible with a China eSIM?
Mobile phones vary from country to country. Please first check your phone to see if the phone supports China eSIM.
Compatible iPhone models
- iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
- iPhone 12 Series: iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
- iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS Series: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE Series: iPhone SE (3rd gen 2022), SE (2nd gen 2020)
Compatible Samsung models
Galaxy S Series:
- S23 Series: S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
- S22 Series: S22 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
- S21 Series: S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
- S20 Series: S20, S20 5G, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables):
- Z Fold Series: Z Fold, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5
- Z Flip Series: Z Flip, Z Flip 3 5G, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5
Galaxy Note Series:
- Note 20 Series: Note 20, Note 20 5G, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy A Series:
- A54 5G
Other compatible phone models
eSIM China FAQs
How do I switch to my eSIM?
Go to your device’s Settings, select “Mobile Data”, and choose the relevant eSIM number under the Mobile Data section. If you experience any issues, please contact customer support.Can I use WhatsApp in China with an eSIM?
Yes, travellers can use WhatsApp in China with an international eSIM or by using a VPN. It is recommended to set these up before you arrive to help access restricted services.Does Alipay work with an eSIM?
Yes. You can use Alipay by registering with your own mobile number. For internet access, a data-only China eSIM can provide affordable connectivity for using Alipay’s transport features and other services.
Popular eSIM options in other countries/regions
Find the most popular eSIM options for your next trip and stay connected wherever you go!