Best eSIM for China: Plans, Prices and Provider Comparison (2026)

China's three state-owned mobile operators — China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom — cover over 99% of the country's populated areas, but the Great Firewall blocks access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and dozens of other apps that travelers rely on daily. Finding the best eSIM for China means balancing price, data allowance, and — critically — confirming that your plan includes VPN access to bypass these restrictions. This guide compares real prices from major eSIM providers and breaks down what you need to know before landing in Beijing, Shanghai, or anywhere else on the mainland.

Mobile Networks in China

China has three major mobile operators, all state-owned. Each has different strengths depending on where you travel within the country. Most travel eSIM providers connect to one or more of these networks, so your real-world experience depends heavily on which carrier your eSIM uses.

• China Mobile — The largest operator with the best nationwide coverage, including rural and remote areas. This is generally the strongest choice for travelers visiting destinations outside major cities.
• China Telecom — Strong coverage with particular strength in southern China. A solid alternative to China Mobile in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.
• China Unicom — Good presence in northern China and major urban centers. However, it tends to have the weakest signal strength of the three carriers, which is relevant since some eSIM providers (including Airalo) connect exclusively to China Unicom.

When choosing an eSIM provider, check which Chinese carrier it connects to. Providers that support multiple operators or China Mobile specifically tend to deliver more reliable coverage across the country. Providers like Jetpac offer multi-network switching, letting you manually change carriers if one has poor local signal.

Best eSIM for China: Plans and Prices Compared

eSIM plans for China come in two categories: unlimited data plans (sold by duration) and capped plans (sold by total data allowance). Both types are widely available, and prices vary significantly between providers. All prices below were verified as of 2026-06-15.

Unlimited Data Plans

Unlimited plans are ideal if you want to use maps, stream video, or make video calls without worrying about running out of data. Here is how the major providers compare, grouped by duration.

Capped Data Plans

If you mainly need data for messaging, navigation, and light browsing, a capped plan can save you money. These plans give you a fixed data allowance over a set period.

Unlimited vs. Capped: Which Plan Type for China?

Choosing between an unlimited and a capped plan depends on your trip length and how you use data. For short visits (3-7 days) focused on messaging, maps, and light social media, a capped plan of 3-5 GB will likely cover your needs at a lower cost. For longer stays, heavy data users, or travelers who plan to use video calls and streaming, an unlimited plan removes the risk of running out mid-trip.

Keep in mind that VPN usage — which you will likely need in China to access blocked apps — consumes additional data due to encryption overhead. If you plan to run a VPN continuously throughout your trip, an unlimited plan or a generous capped plan (10 GB or more) is a safer bet. Simsima's 20 GB/30-day plan and 50 GB/30-day plan are strong options for extended stays with heavy VPN usage.

Why Choose Simsima

Simsima offers instant digital delivery — purchase your China eSIM and receive the activation QR code within seconds, with no shipping or store visit required. Unlike most eSIM providers, Simsima accepts cryptocurrency payments (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and Litecoin), which can be useful if you prefer privacy or are already traveling and need a quick top-up. No ID or registration is required to buy, and 24/7 live chat support is available if you run into any issues during setup.

The Great Firewall: VPN Access and Your eSIM

China's Great Firewall blocks access to many services that international travelers use daily: Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, ChatGPT, and most Western news sites. This is the single biggest connectivity challenge for visitors to China, and your eSIM plan choice determines your ability to access these services.

Most travel eSIM plans for China do not include VPN access. This means that even with a working data connection, you will not be able to open Google Maps, send a WhatsApp message, or check your Gmail. A few providers — notably Holafly and Saily (built by the NordVPN team) — advertise built-in VPN or unrestricted access on certain plans. If accessing blocked services is important to you, confirm VPN inclusion with your provider before purchasing. Alternatively, download and configure a VPN app on your phone before arriving in China, as VPN apps themselves can be difficult to download once you are inside the country.

What Is Blocked and What Still Works

The following services are blocked in mainland China without a VPN: Google (all services including Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Drive), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Snapchat, Telegram, ChatGPT, Reddit, and most Western news outlets. Apple services including iMessage, FaceTime, and the App Store generally work without a VPN, though performance can be slow.

Chinese alternatives exist for most blocked apps and work extremely well within the country. WeChat replaces WhatsApp and doubles as a payment platform. Baidu Maps is a reliable alternative to Google Maps with more accurate local data. Alipay handles mobile payments at virtually every store, restaurant, and street vendor. Downloading these apps before your trip — even alongside a VPN — gives you a backup and helps you experience China the way locals do.

How to Set Up Your eSIM for China

1. Check compatibility — Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Most phones purchased directly from Apple, Samsung, or Google are already unlocked. You can verify eSIM support in your phone settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
2. Purchase your plan before departure — Buy your China eSIM while you still have unrestricted internet access. Some provider apps (like Saily) may have limited functionality inside China due to local restrictions.
3. Install the eSIM profile — Scan the QR code or use the provider's app to install the eSIM. Do this while connected to Wi-Fi before your flight. Installation takes about 2 minutes.
4. Activate when you arrive — Most plans start their validity period when you first connect to a Chinese network. Turn on your eSIM data after landing and your phone should connect automatically.
5. Set up a VPN in advance — If you need access to Google, WhatsApp, or other blocked services, install and configure a VPN app before entering China. Testing it ahead of time ensures it works when you need it.

Tips for Staying Connected in China

Getting online in China requires more preparation than most travel destinations because of the Great Firewall and the country's unique app ecosystem. These practical tips will help you make the most of your eSIM connection.

• Download offline maps before you go — Google Maps is blocked in China. Download offline maps from Apple Maps or consider installing Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode), which work fully within China.
• Set up Chinese apps in advance — WeChat is essential for daily life in China, from messaging to payments to restaurant orders. Download it, create an account, and link a payment method before your trip.
• Free Wi-Fi is widely available — Hotels, airports, cafes, and shopping malls in major cities typically offer free Wi-Fi. However, many public Wi-Fi networks require a Chinese phone number for verification, so your eSIM data connection remains your most reliable option.
• Use data-saving features — Enable data saver mode on your phone and turn off automatic app updates and cloud photo uploads to stretch your data allowance further, especially on capped plans.
• Hong Kong and Macau need separate plans — Standard China mainland eSIMs do not cover Hong Kong or Macau. If your trip includes these regions, purchase a separate eSIM for each or consider a multi-country trip pack that covers multiple territories.

Traveling beyond China?

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China mainland eSIM plans — Browse all available eSIM plans for China with instant delivery

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