Recommended match
Jetpac
Travelers who need generous data, hotspot sharing, and app perks for maps and messaging.
Best match
Best hotspot value
Suggested plan
10 GB / 30 days / USD 16
Hotspot
Unlimited hotspot
China eSIM comparison
Compare China eSIM plans before you fly.
Pick a trip length and data style to compare tourist-friendly eSIM options for mainland China. Prices are guide data, so confirm live rates before checkout.
Use case
Maps, translation, payments
Best timing
Install before departure
Backup
Keep your primary SIM active
Find a practical match
Trip length
Data need
Priority
Best hotspot value
Jetpac
from USD 12
Travelers who need generous data, hotspot sharing, and app perks for maps and messaging.
- Network
- Multi-network support
- Speed
- 4G / 5G
- Hotspot
- Unlimited hotspot
- Activation
- Install after purchase; activate after landing to avoid early expiry.
Suggested plan
10 GB / 30 days / USD 16
Unlimited speed is subject to daily high-speed allowance before reduced-speed data.
Buy eSIMBest value mix
Nomad
from USD 4
Travelers who want clear fixed-data prices, add-ons, and short unlimited options.
- Network
- China Unicom / China Telecom
- Speed
- 4G / 5G
- Hotspot
- Supported
- Activation
- Install before departure; plan starts when it connects in China.
Suggested plan
10 GB / 30 days / USD 17
Choose enough data if you plan to upload video, use maps heavily, or hotspot a laptop.
Buy eSIMBest security bundle
Saily
from USD 4.49
Travelers who want a polished app, QR delivery, hotspot, and built-in security features.
- Network
- Local China partner networks
- Speed
- 3G / 4G / LTE / 5G
- Hotspot
- Limitless hotspot sharing
- Activation
- Set up before travel; app access may be limited after arrival in China.
Suggested plan
10 GB / 30 days / USD 26.99
Install and sign in before flying because some app access can be harder inside China.
Buy eSIMBest simple unlimited
Holafly
unlimited data, price varies by duration
Travelers who want a simple unlimited-data purchase instead of tracking gigabytes.
- Network
- CMCC
- Speed
- 4G / LTE / 5G where available
- Hotspot
- Plan details can vary
- Activation
- Install before or during the trip; plan begins after arrival when turned on.
Suggested plan
Unlimited / 7 days / check live price
Unlimited plans may be better for convenience than lowest price. Check tethering rules before buying.
Buy eSIMProvider comparison
| Best match | Starting price | Plan highlights | Network | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad | from USD 4 | 1 GB / 7 days / USD 4; 3 GB / 30 days / USD 9; 10 GB / 30 days / USD 17 | China Unicom / China Telecom | Supported |
| Saily | from USD 4.49 | 1 GB / 7 days / USD 4.49; 3 GB / 30 days / USD 10.99; 5 GB / 30 days / USD 15.99 | Local China partner networks | Limitless hotspot sharing |
| Holafly | unlimited data, price varies by duration | Unlimited / 1 days / from EUR 3.79; Unlimited / 3 days / check live price; Unlimited / 7 days / check live price | CMCC | Plan details can vary |
| Jetpac | from USD 12 | 5 GB / 30 days / USD 12; 10 GB / 30 days / USD 16; 15 GB / 30 days / USD 21 | Multi-network support | Unlimited hotspot |
Setup
eSIM setup checklist for China
1
Confirm device support
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked before purchase.
2
Install before flying
Download the app or scan the QR code while you still have stable internet.
3
Activate after arrival
Turn on the eSIM and data roaming after landing to avoid starting validity too early.
4
Keep backups
Save hotel addresses, QR codes, payment apps, and support emails offline.
China eSIM FAQ
Do I still need a VPN?
Many travel eSIMs route data outside mainland networks, but access can vary by provider and plan. Check the provider's current China details before buying.
Can I use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Yes, data helps login and verification, but set up payment apps before departure and keep your primary SIM available for bank SMS.
Is unlimited always best?
Not always. Fixed 10-20 GB plans can be cheaper for normal travel; unlimited is useful for heavy maps, video, laptop hotspot, or work.