Are you planning a trip to China in 2024 and wondering how to stay connected? Getting data service in China can be tricky due to local regulations, but eSIM technology makes it easier than ever.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an eSIM is, how it works in China, and review the best eSIM providers and data plans for your 2024 China trip.
Let’s dive in!
Contents
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of a physical plastic SIM card, an eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to swap SIM cards. As long as you have a compatible phone, you can download and activate an eSIM data plan to get connected.
The main benefit of an eSIM while traveling is that you can access affordable data plans from local carriers without needing to find a store and buy a physical SIM card. You can compare eSIM plans and activate service right from your phone. This is especially helpful in a country like China where there can be language barriers and restrictions on foreign SIMs.
How do eSIMs work in China?
China has some unique regulations when it comes to cellular service and SIM cards for foreign visitors. Technically, only Chinese citizens with a valid Chinese ID can legally register a prepaid SIM card. This made it difficult for travelers to get a local SIM in the past.
However, eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly have made it possible for travelers to access local data service in China via an app. These eSIM services partner with Chinese telecoms to provide data-only eSIM plans that are fully compliant with local laws. You can purchase a plan through the eSIM provider’s app or website before your trip and activate it when you arrive in China.
While local Chinese eSIMs support data only, they are generally the most affordable and convenient way for travelers to stay connected. If you also need voice and text, an international eSIM plan may be a better option. We’ll cover both types of eSIM plans in this guide.
Is your phone eSIM compatible for China?
Before purchasing any eSIM plan, you’ll want to make sure your phone supports eSIM and will work with your desired provider in China. The eSIM technology is relatively new, so it’s mostly newer phones that have eSIM capability.
In general, these popular phones work with eSIM plans in China:
- iPhone XS or newer (XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE 2, 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Z Flip, Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4
- Google Pixel 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 6, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
This is not an exhaustive list, so check your specific phone model to confirm eSIM support. Most eSIM providers also have a compatibility checker tool on their website.
In addition to having an eSIM capable phone, you’ll want to make sure it supports the necessary cellular bands for good coverage in China. China mainly uses bands 3, 8, 1, and 40. Most newer phones from major brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, etc. support these bands, but it’s always a good idea to verify your specific model.
The major Chinese telecoms are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Practically all eSIM plans for travelers use the China Unicom network, which has the best compatibility with international phones. China Unicom uses the following 4G LTE bands:
- Band 1 (2100 MHz)
- Band 3 (1800 MHz)
- Band 8 (900 MHz)
- Band 40 (2300 MHz)
As long as your phone supports most of those bands, you should get good coverage with an eSIM data plan in China. Now, let’s look at the best eSIM providers and plans!
Best China eSIM providers and plans
There are a number of eSIM providers on the market offering data plans for China. We’ve researched and tested the options to find the best eSIMs for China based on price, data allowances, coverage, and ease of use. Here are our top picks:
1. Airalo ChinaConnect eSIM
Airalo is an eSIM store with local data plans for over 190 countries, including China. Their ChinaConnect eSIM uses the China Unicom network and comes with Data-only plans ranging from 1-7GB and 7-30 days at very competitive rates.
For example, a 1GB plan valid for 7 days is just $4.50, 3GB for 30 days is $9 and 5GB for 30 days is $13.50. Compared to the competition, Airalo’s ChinaConnect eSIM offers some of the best value, especially for trips under 30 days.
Airalo’s eSIM plans are also extremely easy to use. Just install the Airalo app, choose the ChinaConnect eSIM, and download it to your phone. Once you arrive in China, you can activate the eSIM through the app with a few taps. No need to configure APN settings or fiddle with your phone, it just works.
The only downside of Airalo is that you can’t recharge the ChinaConnect eSIM – you’ll need to buy a new eSIM once the initial validity expires. But with validity periods up to 30 days and plans starting at just $4.50, Airalo’s ChinaConnect eSIM is still a great choice for most travelers.
2. Nomad China Prepaid Data eSIM
Nomad is another leading eSIM store with local and regional plans for over 100 countries. Their China Prepaid Data eSIM uses the China Unicom network and comes in 12 different configurations, from 1-8GB and 7-60 days.
Nomad offers longer validity periods than Airalo, with plans up to 60 days. Their 1GB/7 day plan is $7, 3GB/30 days is $12, and 5GB/60 days is $16. So it’s a bit pricier than Airalo, but the longer validity periods can make it a better deal for some.
Nomad’s eSIM setup process is very similar to Airalo – just install the Nomad app, buy the China eSIM, and activate it through the app when you arrive. The eSIM worked well in our tests and provided good coverage throughout China.
One neat feature of Nomad is that you can save your eSIM plans in the app even after they expire. So if you travel to China frequently, you can quickly reactivate an old eSIM. With a wide range of plans at reasonable prices, Nomad is another top pick for China.
3. Holafly China eSIM
Holafly is a newer eSIM store but they’ve quickly become popular due to their low rates and wide coverage. Holafly’s eSIM for China offers both China Unicom and China Mobile coverage and is even availabe for most phones without eSIM as a physical SIM card.
Holafly’s China eSIM plans include:
- 8GB data for 8 days – $9.64
- 12GB data for 12 days – $17.35
- 16GB data for 16 days – $24.15
The pricing and data allowances are very competitive, especially for the longer 12-16 day plans. And the fact that it supports both China Unicom and China Mobile networks means you’ll get great coverage practically anywhere.
Activation is handled through Holafly’s website rather than an app. But it’s still an easy process – when you buy the eSIM you’ll get a QR code to scan on your phone. Then just toggle on the Holafly eSIM in your settings and you’ll be connected within minutes of arriving in China.
While Holafly doesn’t have quite as many eSIM configuration options as Airalo or Nomad, their plans offer fantastic value for trips up to 16 days with the added bonus of coverage on China’s two biggest mobile networks. Definitely worth considering.
4. Ubigi China Travel eSIM
Ubigi, owned by telecoms giant Orange, is one of the biggest eSIM providers for international travel with wide range of competitive data plans. Their eSIM for China uses the China Mobile network and comes in two sizes:
- 3GB data for 30 days – $8.14
- 5GB data for 30 days – $12.21
These prices are very competitive and the China Mobile coverage means it will work great practically anywhere in the country. The main downside compared to other providers is the lack of smaller, shorter-term plans. 3GB is the minimum.
But if you’re looking for an affordable 30-day eSIM plan for your China trip, Ubigi is certainly one of the best deals out there. Activation works either through Ubigi’s app or website and is a quick, painless process in our experience.
5. Yesim China Unicom eSIM
Yesim is a Hong Kong-based eSIM provider that specializes in eSIM data plans for Asia. As you might expect, they have a robust selection of eSIM options for mainland China using the China Unicom network.
Yesim’s China eSIM plans include:
- 2GB for 7 days – $3.99
- 2GB for 14 days – $5.99
- 3GB for 30 days – $9.99
- 5GB for 30 days – $13.99
- 8GB for 30 days – $18.99
The pricing is reasonable, especially for the shorter 7-14 day 2GB plans which are great for a quick trip. Yesim uses an app for eSIM installation and activation, available for both iOS and Android.
In our tests the Yesim eSIM had good coverage and speeds on the China Unicom network. While not as well known as some of the other providers, Yesim is a reliable choice with a good range of plans for any length trip to China.
How much data do I need in China?
The amount of data you’ll need for your China trip will depend on your phone usage and the length of your trip. Here are some general guidelines:
1-2GB: Good for a short trip up to 2 weeks with light usage like messaging, mapping and browsing.
3-5GB: A good choice for most trips up to 30 days with moderate usage like social media and some video.
5GB+: Recommended for “power users”, longer trips over 30 days or video-heavy usage.
Assuming you’ll use WiFi at hotels, restaurants etc., 1GB can last 1-2 weeks in China for the average user. For a month-long trip, 3-5GB is usually sufficient. For longer trips or if you know you use a lot of data normally, it’s wise to err on the side of more data. You don’t want to run out halfway through your trip!
Other tips for using data in China
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when using cellular data in China:
- Many western apps and websites are blocked in China, like Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. To access these, you’ll need a VPN. Be sure to install a VPN on your phone before you arrive.
- Your eSIM data plan is just for data, not voice and text. For calls and texts, use an app like iMessage, WeChat, Line, etc. over data/WiFi.
- Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.Me before your trip. Street signs are often in Chinese only so a GPS map is extremely helpful for navigating.
- Learn how to say/show your hotel name and address in Chinese, or save it on your phone. Most taxi drivers won’t speak English.
- Consider getting a portable battery charger to keep your phone topped up on the go. Cellular data can be a battery drain and outlets aren’t always available.
With these tips in mind and a good eSIM data plan, you’ll be all set to stay connected in China! Whether it’s a short trip or a long stay, eSIM makes getting cellular data in China easier than ever.
Conclusion
An eSIM is the most convenient and affordable way to get cellular data service in China as a traveler in 2024. With eSIM, you can access data-only plans from major Chinese telecoms without needing to buy a physical SIM card locally.
We recommend Airalo, Nomad and Holafly as the best eSIM providers for China based on their pricing, coverage and ease of use. For shorter trips, Yesim and Ubigi are also great options. Be sure to choose a plan with enough data for your needs and trip length.
No matter which eSIM provider you choose, you’ll be able to stay connected easily in China with data for maps, translation, messaging and all your apps. eSIM makes traveling in China a breeze – add it to your pre-trip checklist and get ready for an amazing visit!
