Best eSIM for China Travel: Complete Guide (2026)

Last updated: Jan 26, 2026

Best eSIM for China Travel: Complete Guide (2026)

Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 8 min

Quick Summary: eSIM is the easiest way to get mobile data in China without roaming fees or physical SIM cards. Top providers: Airalo ($4.50/GB), Holafly (unlimited for $47/week), and Saily ($3.99/GB). Setup takes 5 minutes. Works with iPhone XS and newer, most recent Android phones.

Why eSIM for China Travel {#why-esim}

What is eSIM?

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you scan a QR code to activate a mobile data plan.

Advantages Over Traditional Options

OptionCost (7 days)Setup TimeHassle Level
eSIM$10-305 minutesVery low
Physical SIM$15-4030-60 minutesMedium (requires airport purchase or delivery)
International Roaming$50-200+VariesLow (but expensive)
Pocket WiFi$35-70Airport pickupMedium (carry device, charge battery)

Why eSIM is Better

Convenience:

  • Activate before you leave home
  • No airport queues
  • No physical SIM card to lose
  • Keep your home number active (dual SIM)

Cost-effective:

  • Cheaper than roaming
  • Pay only for what you need
  • No hidden fees

Flexibility:

  • Choose data amount based on your needs
  • Top up easily if you run out
  • Switch between multiple eSIM profiles

Best eSIM Providers for China (2026) {#best-providers}

1. Airalo

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, short trips

PlanDataDaysPricePrice per GB
Small1 GB7$4.50$4.50
Medium3 GB30$11.00$3.67
Large5 GB30$16.00$3.20
XL10 GB30$26.00$2.60

Pros:

  • Most affordable per GB
  • Easy app interface
  • Global coverage (180+ countries)
  • Can top up

Cons:

  • No voice calls (data only)
  • Customer support via app only
  • Limited data plans

Network: China Unicom

2. Holafly

Best for: Heavy data users, streaming, video calls

PlanDataDaysPrice
UnlimitedUnlimited7$47.00
UnlimitedUnlimited15$64.00
UnlimitedUnlimited30$84.00

Pros:

  • Truly unlimited data
  • No speed caps (fair use policy applies)
  • 24/7 support
  • Includes voice calls (limited)

Cons:

  • More expensive for light users
  • “Unlimited” may slow after 2-3 GB/day of heavy use
  • Fewer countries than Airalo

Network: China Mobile, China Unicom

3. Saily (by NordVPN)

Best for: Privacy-conscious travelers, NordVPN users

PlanDataDaysPricePrice per GB
Small1 GB7$3.99$3.99
Medium3 GB30$10.99$3.66
Large5 GB30$16.99$3.40
XL10 GB30$28.99$2.90
XXL20 GB30$47.99$2.40

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Strong privacy focus
  • Seamless with NordVPN
  • Reliable coverage

Cons:

  • Newer service (less track record)
  • Requires separate app
  • Limited customer reviews

Network: China Unicom

Other Notable Providers

ProviderStarting PriceBest FeatureDrawback
Nomad$5/GBEasy top-upsHigher per-GB cost
Maya Mobile$4.80/1GBGood supportLimited plans
Ubigi$9/3GBEstablished brandMore expensive
GigSky$9.99/1GBPremium supportVery expensive

eSIM Setup Guide {#setup-guide}

Step 1: Check Phone Compatibility

Your phone must be:

  1. eSIM-capable
  2. Carrier-unlocked
  3. Running recent OS version

Compatible iPhones:

  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) and newer
  • iPhone SE (2020) and newer
  • All iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 models

Compatible Android phones:

  • Google Pixel 3 and newer
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold and newer
  • Huawei P40 and newer
  • Oppo Find X3 and newer
  • Motorola Razr 2019 and newer

Check if your phone supports eSIM:

iPhone:

  1. Settings → General → About
  2. Look for “Digital SIM” or “Available SIM” section
  3. If you see it, your phone supports eSIM

Android:

  1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
  2. Look for “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM”
  3. Or dial *#06# and check for EID number

Step 2: Choose and Purchase eSIM

  1. Visit provider’s website or app (Airalo, Holafly, Saily)
  2. Search for “China”
  3. Select data plan based on your needs
  4. Complete purchase (credit card or PayPal)
  5. Receive QR code via email

How much data do you need?

Usage Pattern7-day Trip14-day Trip30-day Trip
Light (messaging, maps)1-2 GB3-5 GB5-10 GB
Medium (+ social media, browsing)3-5 GB7-10 GB15-20 GB
Heavy (+ video calls, streaming)10+ GB20+ GBUnlimited

Step 3: Install eSIM (Before or After Arrival)

iPhone:

  1. Open Camera app
  2. Scan QR code from email
  3. Tap notification → Add Cellular Plan
  4. Label it “China Travel” or similar
  5. Choose when to use it:
    • Turn on upon arrival
    • Set as default for Cellular Data

Android:

  1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
  2. Tap “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM”
  3. Scan QR code
  4. Follow prompts to activate
  5. Enable eSIM when in China

Manual installation (if QR scan doesn’t work):

  • Use activation code provided by eSIM provider
  • Settings → Add Cellular Plan → Enter Details Manually

Step 4: Activate in China

  1. Turn on phone
  2. Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
  3. Select your China eSIM
  4. Turn on Data Roaming (yes, even though it’s eSIM)
  5. Wait 1-2 minutes for connection

Troubleshooting if it doesn’t connect:

  • Restart phone
  • Toggle Airplane mode on/off
  • Re-select network operator manually
  • Check APN settings (usually automatic)

Using eSIM in China {#using-esim}

Dual SIM Setup

Most eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM:

Configuration:

  • SIM 1: Your home country number (for calls/texts, keep roaming off)
  • SIM 2: China eSIM (for data)

Settings:

  • Calls: Use home SIM
  • Messages: Use home SIM
  • Cellular Data: Use China eSIM

Benefit: Receive verification codes on home number while using local data

What You Can and Cannot Do

With Data-Only eSIM (Airalo, Saily):

✅ Internet browsing ✅ WhatsApp, WeChat, messaging apps ✅ Google Maps, navigation ✅ Social media ✅ Email ✅ Video calls (WhatsApp, Zoom via data)

❌ Traditional phone calls (to regular numbers) ❌ SMS to regular phone numbers

With Plans Including Voice (Holafly):

✅ All of the above ✅ Make/receive calls to local numbers ✅ SMS (limited)

Data-Saving Tips

  1. Download maps offline (Google Maps, Apple Maps)
  2. Download media before trip (Netflix, Spotify)
  3. Use WiFi when available (hotels, cafes)
  4. Disable auto-updates (app updates, cloud backups)
  5. Compress photos in WhatsApp/messaging apps
  6. Use VPN efficiently (connect only when needed)

Coverage and Network Performance {#coverage}

Network Operators in China

OperatorCoverageSpeedNotes
China MobileExcellent (best rural)4G/5GLargest network
China UnicomVery good (strong cities)4G/5GGood for travelers
China TelecomGood (improving)4G/5GFewer eSIM providers

Most eSIM providers use China Unicom or China Mobile.

Speed Expectations

With good 4G/5G signal:

  • Download: 10-50 Mbps
  • Upload: 5-20 Mbps
  • Latency: 30-80 ms

Enough for:

  • HD video calls
  • Social media scrolling
  • Music streaming
  • Navigation
  • General browsing

Not ideal for:

  • 4K video streaming
  • Large file downloads
  • Gaming (high ping)

Coverage by City

City TierCoverage Quality
Tier 1 (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou)Excellent (5G widely available)
Tier 2 (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Wuhan)Very good (4G+ everywhere)
Tier 3 (Smaller cities)Good (4G reliable)
Rural areasFair to good (3G/4G, some gaps)

eSIM vs Physical SIM vs Roaming {#comparison}

Detailed Comparison

FeatureeSIMPhysical SIMInternational Roaming
Cost (7 days)$10-30$15-40$50-200+
Setup time5 min30-60 minInstant (but expensive)
Airport queueNoYesNo
Physical itemNoYes (easy to lose)No
Keep home numberYes (dual SIM)Only if dual SIM phoneYes
Data speedFull speedFull speedMay be throttled
Top-up difficultyEasy (in-app)Requires WeChat/AlipayEasy (carrier app)
SupportApp/emailLimited EnglishHome carrier

When to Choose What

Choose eSIM if:

  • Your phone supports it
  • You want convenience and value
  • You’re staying 1-4 weeks
  • You need flexibility

Choose Physical SIM if:

  • Your phone doesn’t support eSIM
  • You need a local phone number
  • You’re staying long-term (1+ months)
  • You need unlimited calls

Choose Roaming if:

  • You’re on a short business trip (1-3 days)
  • Cost is not a concern
  • Your employer covers roaming
  • You need your regular number constantly

Common Issues and Solutions {#troubleshooting}

“eSIM Not Activating”

Solutions:

  1. Check if phone is unlocked (contact carrier)
  2. Ensure eSIM hasn’t been activated already (one-time use)
  3. Check validity dates (some activate immediately upon purchase)
  4. Contact eSIM provider support
  5. Try manual installation with activation code

”No Data Connection”

Solutions:

  1. Enable Data Roaming for eSIM profile
  2. Restart phone
  3. Manually select network (China Unicom/China Mobile)
  4. Check APN settings:
    • Airalo: Usually auto-configured
    • Holafly: APN = holafly
    • Saily: Usually auto-configured
  5. Toggle Airplane mode on/off

”Running Out of Data Faster Than Expected”

Check data usage:

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Data usage

Common culprits:

  • Cloud photo backups (turn off)
  • App updates (disable automatic)
  • Video streaming (lower quality)
  • Email sync (reduce frequency)
  • Social media auto-play videos (disable)

Top up if needed:

  • Most providers allow in-app purchase
  • Usually instant activation
  • Cheaper than buying new eSIM

”eSIM Works But VPN Doesn’t”

This is normal—eSIM providers use Chinese networks that may restrict certain VPN protocols.

Solutions:

  • Use premium VPN (ExpressVPN, Astrill) set up before arrival
  • Try different VPN servers
  • Enable obfuscation/stealth mode
  • Use Shadowsocks as alternative

FAQ {#faq}

Can I use eSIM and my regular SIM at the same time?

Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can:

  • Keep your home SIM active for calls/texts (disable roaming)
  • Use eSIM for data in China

Most modern iPhones (XS and newer) support physical SIM + eSIM simultaneously.

What happens if I run out of data?

Options:

  1. Top up through provider’s app (instant)
  2. Buy new eSIM (if top-up not available)
  3. Use WiFi at hotels, cafes, malls
  4. Wait until next day (if you have daily allowance plan)

Do I need to remove eSIM after my trip?

Not required, but recommended:

  • Settings → Cellular → Select eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan

Why remove:

  • Declutter your SIM list
  • Prevent accidental data charges
  • Free up eSIM slot for future trips

Can I use eSIM for WhatsApp/WeChat verification?

WhatsApp: Yes, if your home SIM can receive SMS WeChat: Yes, but registration may require Chinese phone number (use a friend’s or hotel’s phone)

Better: Register for WeChat before traveling using your home number.

Is eSIM data safe and private?

Generally yes, but:

  • All internet traffic in China is monitored
  • Use VPN for sensitive communications
  • Avoid accessing banned content
  • eSIM providers don’t sell data (reputable ones)

Which provider has best customer support?

Ranking:

  1. Holafly — 24/7 live chat, responsive
  2. Airalo — In-app support, 1-4 hour response
  3. Saily — Email support, 12-24 hour response

Cost Calculator {#cost-calculator}

7-Day Trip

Data NeedRecommended PlanProviderCost
Light (1-2 GB)1 GBAiralo$4.50
Medium (3-5 GB)3 GBSaily$10.99
Heavy (10+ GB)UnlimitedHolafly$47.00

14-Day Trip

Data NeedRecommended PlanProviderCost
Light (3-5 GB)3 GB + top-upAiralo$11-16
Medium (7-10 GB)10 GBSaily$28.99
Heavy (20+ GB)UnlimitedHolafly$64.00

30-Day Trip

Data NeedRecommended PlanProviderCost
Light (5-10 GB)10 GBAiralo$26.00
Medium (15-20 GB)20 GBSaily$47.99
Heavy (40+ GB)UnlimitedHolafly$84.00

Quick Setup Checklist

Before you leave home:

  • Check if your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
  • Choose eSIM provider based on data needs
  • Purchase eSIM plan
  • Receive QR code via email
  • Install eSIM profile (can activate later)

Upon arrival in China:

  • Turn on China eSIM in settings
  • Enable Data Roaming for eSIM
  • Wait 1-2 minutes for connection
  • Test with browser or WeChat
  • Set eSIM as default for Cellular Data

During your trip:

  • Monitor data usage regularly
  • Use WiFi when available
  • Top up if running low
  • Keep VPN ready for foreign websites
  • Airalo: airalo.com
  • Holafly: holafly.com
  • Saily: saily.com

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any eSIM provider. Prices and plans are accurate as of January 2026 but subject to change. Always check provider’s website for latest information.

Need help with eSIM setup? Contact us — We can assist with troubleshooting.

Last Updated: January 26, 2026