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eSIM China

Prepaid travel data for China with instant activation and no roaming fees

China travel destination - Buy eSIM China for mobile internet
Beautiful view of China - stay connected with eSIM China

Quick Setup

No Roaming

4G/5G Speed

Refund Policy

Data only — no phone number, no calls, no SMS Your own number stays active on your existing SIM (dual SIM), and you can call and message through WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar apps.

Choose Your Plan

Starting from$3.43

Select a data plan above to proceed to checkout

China eSIM Technical Specifications

Network Speed
4G LTE / 5G
Activation
QR code by email
Calls & SMS
Not included

You do not get a new phone number with this eSIM.

Frequently Asked Questions about China eSIM

Do I get a phone number with the eSIM?
No. Our eSIMs are data-only, so they do not come with a phone number. You use them for internet access — maps, WhatsApp, email, social media, streaming and any other app. Your existing SIM keeps your own phone number active.
Can I make or receive calls and text messages (SMS)?
Not standard calls or SMS — the eSIM provides mobile data only. You can call and message as much as you like through internet apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal or Messenger, which run on the eSIM's data. Standard calls and SMS keep working on your usual number through your home operator, as long as you keep that SIM active.
How much data do I need for China?
It depends on the plan you choose. Across nearly 3,000 of our customers' finished eSIMs, the typical one used half to two-thirds of its plan, and on the smaller plans (1-5 GB) about one in three used all of it. Maps and messaging use little; video, video calls and sharing your connection use the most. If in doubt, take the next size up. If you do run out, you can buy another eSIM at any time - you will need WiFi to install it.
What network speeds will I get in China?
Your China eSIM uses a local mobile network: 4G, and 5G where the network offers it. Speed depends on coverage and your location.
Can I use my eSIM for hotspot/tethering?
Yes, but only for Data Plans with a fixed data allowance. Unlimited plans do not support hotspot or tethering.
When should I install my China eSIM?
Install your eSIM while you still have WiFi at home - it is safe to do so days in advance for either plan type. Per-GB plans only start when the eSIM first connects to a network in China. Unlimited plans run on the travel dates you select at checkout, with the days counting from your chosen start date whether the eSIM is installed or not - so make sure it is on your phone by that date.

Setting up your eSIM? The installation and activation guide walks through it step by step, and the full FAQ covers device compatibility, hotspot, dual SIM and topping up.

Airport WiFi & Internet in China

PEKBeijing Capital International AirportBeijingPVGShanghai Pudong International AirportShanghaiCANGuangzhou Baiyun International AirportGuangzhouSZXShenzhen Bao'an International AirportShenzhenCTUChengdu Tianfu International AirportChengdu

Popular eSIM cities in China

BeijingShanghaiChangshaChengduChongqingDalianFuzhouGuangzhouGuilinGuiyangHaikouHangzhou

Your eSIM for China - and the apps that usually get blocked

The reason most travellers reach for an international eSIM in China is simple: on a local Chinese network, services like Google Maps, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are restricted. A roaming travel eSIM usually routes your data through a gateway outside mainland China, so those apps generally keep working without any extra setup or VPN.

Routing can vary by plan, so if uninterrupted access to one specific app is essential, check the plan details first. Install the eSIM before you fly, switch off airplane mode when you land, and you are online straight away.

Getting online at Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou

The eSIM connects automatically when you turn off airplane mode at Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA) or Guangzhou (CAN). That means maps, ride-hailing and translation are ready the moment you land - a real help in a country where signage and payment apps assume you are already connected.

Coverage across the cities and high-speed rail

China has some of the densest mobile infrastructure in the world, with extensive 5G across the cities and strong coverage on the high-speed rail network between Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guangzhou. You stay online for navigation and translation through almost the entire trip, with only brief dips in the longest rail tunnels.

Good to know before you go

Will Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work on the eSIM in China?+

Usually yes. Unlike a local Chinese SIM, a roaming travel eSIM typically routes data through a gateway outside mainland China, so normally-restricted apps keep working without a VPN. Routing can vary by plan, so check the plan details if one specific app is essential for your trip.

Do I need a VPN as well?+

Often not - the international routing usually handles it. A VPN can still be a useful backup, but install and test it before you arrive, since VPN sites themselves can be hard to reach once you are in China.

Does it work on the high-speed trains?+

Yes. Coverage on the high-speed rail network between the major cities is strong, with only short drops in long tunnels.

Travelling beyond one country?

Get our Asia eSIM for one plan that works across the region, or pick a neighbouring destination below.

Real Reviews from Real Travelers

Trustpilot

“I had uninterrupted and consistent quick data service throughout our vacation in Colombia.”

Tamara J WaldronFeb 2026

“I travelled to Japan in October. The connection was great, even in countryside near Mt. Fuji.”

João Miguel TorradoFeb 2026

“I've finally found a great roaming for a fair price. The internet was stable and good enough.”

AudreyFeb 2026

“QR code arrived and I was able to scan and install it in less than 2 minutes. Consistent 4G/5G speeds.”

Nuno CristóvãoFeb 2026

“Landed in Morocco and had internet before the mint tea got poured. Smooth as argan oil.”

Jan WinterFeb 2026

“Easy to use. Convenient. Works perfectly here in Singapore.”

NunoFeb 2026

“I used it when I was travelling, the connection was great.”

Martin GeorgeFeb 2026

“It worked as expected.”

Nuno CordeiroFeb 2026
See all reviews on Trustpilot