eSIM guide
Best travel eSIM for China
China blocks most Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram). A travel eSIM from an overseas provider routes traffic outside the Great Firewall, so you can use your usual apps without a separate VPN.
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan
- Country code
- +86
- Networks
- China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
01 · Compare
Top 32 plans, compared
Airalo
VerifiedChinacom 3GB
3 GB · 30 days
- Coverage
- China Unicom domestic — VPN needed for Google
- Speed
- Direct China route — blocked apps stay blocked
Airalo
VerifiedVerified1 GB · 3 days
1 GB · 3 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified3 GB · 7 days
3 GB · 7 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified3 GB · 3 days
3 GB · 3 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified5 GB · 30 days
5 GB · 30 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified5 GB · 15 days
5 GB · 15 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified5 GB · 7 days
5 GB · 7 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified10 GB · 30 days
10 GB · 30 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified10 GB · 15 days
10 GB · 15 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified10 GB · 7 days
10 GB · 7 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified20 GB · 30 days
20 GB · 30 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified20 GB · 15 days
20 GB · 15 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerified50 GB · 30 days
50 GB · 30 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 30 days
Unlimited · 30 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 15 days
Unlimited · 15 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 10 days
Unlimited · 10 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 7 days
Unlimited · 7 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 5 days
Unlimited · 5 days
Airalo
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 3 days
Unlimited · 3 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified1 GB · 7 days
1 GB · 7 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified2 GB · 15 days
2 GB · 15 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified3 GB · 30 days
3 GB · 30 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified5 GB · 30 days
5 GB · 30 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified10 GB · 30 days
10 GB · 30 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerified20 GB · 30 days
20 GB · 30 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 15 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 15 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 10 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 10 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 3 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 3 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 30 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 30 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 7 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 7 days
aloSIM
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited · 5 days (unlimited)
Unlimited · 5 days
Holafly
VerifiedVerifiedUnlimited data plans
Unlimited · multiple trip lengths
03 · FAQs
China eSIM FAQs
Q.Will a travel eSIM work in China?
Yes — the plans listed here are provisioned on China's partner networks (typically China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom). As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, it will latch on automatically once you land.
Q.Do I get a local +86 phone number for calls or SMS in China?
No. These are data-only travel eSIMs, so there's no local number, no voice minutes, and no SMS. Use WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, or your home number over Wi-Fi calling for calls and texts.
Q.Can I use hotspot / tethering in China?
Most plans on this page allow personal hotspot so you can share the connection with a laptop or tablet. The per-plan card shows a "Hotspot" chip when it's supported — check before you buy if that matters to you.
Q.Which local networks will my eSIM connect to in China?
Providers roam onto China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. If service is weak, switch off automatic network selection and manually pick one of these carriers.
Q.Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM before flying to China?
Yes — install and activate the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi (or your current mobile data). Scanning the QR code and downloading the profile requires an internet connection. Once installed, it activates the moment you arrive.
Nervous about installing it?
For $3, we'll walk you through it tap-by-tap using your exact phone model — iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel — and won't let go until you're online.
Compare plans →China
32 plans from $3.90