Best eSIM Recommendations for China: 2025 Ultimate Comparison Guide

Top 3 eSIMs Recommended by Experts for Traveling in China

Elwin, Chief editor

If it's your first time using eSIM, saily.com is the best choice.

saily.com is the top brand recommended by eSIMingo as an eSIM that makes travel comfortable. Despite launching in March 2024, it boasts nearly 9,000 reviews and a high ★4.6 rating on Trustpilot, the world's largest review site (as of September 2025), proving its reliability.
Provided by the company known for the security service NordVPN, it offers robust free options like blocking malicious URLs and data saver via ad blocking. Compatible with Apple Pay & Google Pay, eliminating the need to enter card numbers.
Using coupon code "ESIMIN0948" grants a $5 discount, making it arguably the best value for money at the discounted price.

Sign up for saily.com

Jasmine, Expert

If you want to keep costs down, go to esim4travel.com

 

If sharing photos with friends, checking reviews, and navigating with Google Maps is all you need, the 1GB plan from esim4travel.com is perfect. If you run out of data, you can easily add a new plan. Nearly all plans are among the most affordable travel eSIM plans available. Use the exclusive eSIMingo coupon for even more savings!

Sign up for esim4travel.com

Lee, Tech director

Unlimited data? Nomad

 

When staying at budget hotels or suburban accommodations abroad, the WiFi signal is often weak, drops out occasionally, or isn't even provided at all. That's where Nomad comes in for working on my laptop while traveling overseas. No need to worry about data limits during trips for online meetings or OS updates. Use coupon code "ESIMTENNSZ" for a $5 discount, and you can even try 1GB of free connectivity before your trip as practice.

Sign up for Nomad

Benefits and Basics of Using eSIMs for Travel in China

China is a fascinating destination where ancient history meets modern cities. Beijing boasts the Great Wall and Forbidden City, Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai captivates with its modern skyline and Yu Garden. Guilin’s karst landscape and Hong Kong’s vibrant shopping and food culture are major draws. Chinese cuisine, including dumplings, mapo tofu, and Peking duck, is a highlight. Reliable internet is essential for an enjoyable trip, but China’s “Great Firewall” restricts access to sites like Google and Facebook. eSIMs offer a convenient solution, eliminating physical SIM swaps and providing instant high-speed data. However, eSIMs for China must account for VPN functionality or firewall bypass. This article provides detailed guidance on choosing the best eSIM for China.

Key Factors and Comparison Criteria for Choosing an eSIM in China

When selecting an eSIM for China, consider data capacity, price, network coverage, connection speed, ease of activation, customer support quality, and firewall bypass capabilities. Major telecom operators—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—offer extensive coverage and fast 4G/5G. China Mobile excels in urban speed, while China Unicom offers strong international compatibility. Short-term tourists benefit from 1–5GB plans, while digital nomads or long-term visitors prefer 10GB+ or unlimited plans. Choosing a VPN-compatible eSIM ensures access to restricted sites. Below, we outline specific criteria for choosing an eSIM in China.

Choosing Data Capacity and Plans for eSIMs in China

China’s eSIM plans range from 1GB to unlimited data. Short-term travelers can opt for 1GB (7 days, ~$5.00) or 5GB (30 days, ~$15.00) plans. Heavy data users, such as those streaming or using social media, benefit from 10GB+ or unlimited plans. Airalo offers plans from 1GB to 20GB starting at $5.00, Holafly provides unlimited data plans for unrestricted use, and Saily offers 1GB to 20GB plans from $5.99 with VPN-compatible options. Selecting a plan based on stay duration and data needs is key.

Network Speed and Coverage of eSIMs in China

China’s eSIMs support 3G, 4G, and 5G, offering fast, stable connections in urban areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. China Mobile’s 5G network delivers up to 1Gbps, while China Unicom ensures reliable 4G/LTE. Rural areas or remote regions like Tibet or Inner Mongolia may have unstable connections. Airalo and ByteSIM leverage China Mobile and China Unicom networks for broad coverage. Travelers should select providers based on their destinations.

Comparison of Popular eSIM Providers in China

China offers a range of eSIM providers with unique features. Below, we compare Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, ByteSIM, MobiMatter, eTravelSIM, aloSIM, Maya Mobile, and GigSky to highlight the best options for travelers.

Airalo: Instant eSIM Connectivity in China

Airalo, available in over 200 countries, offers plans in China from 1GB ($5.00) to 20GB ($35.00). Using China Unicom’s network, it features easy app-based purchases and activation. Urban stability is highly rated in user reviews.

Holafly: The Appeal of Unlimited Data eSIMs in China

Holafly’s unlimited data plans are ideal for travelers seeking unrestricted usage. Supporting 3G/4G/5G in China, it offers instant QR code activation. Some plans include VPN support for accessing restricted sites.

Saily: The Ultimate eSIM Choice for China

Saily, backed by NordVPN, is ideal for China, offering plans from 1GB ($5.99) to 20GB ($34.99). Its user-friendly app and VPN support are notable, with high-speed connections in Beijing and Shanghai earning praise.

Nomad: Flexible eSIM Plans for China

Nomad offers plans from 1GB to 10GB, ensuring fast connections in China. Its app simplifies data management, making it suitable for tourists. Plans start at $6.00.

Instabridge: Cost-Effective eSIMs in China

Instabridge provides affordable plans starting at $2.5/GB on China’s 4G/5G networks. It features instant activation and 24/7 support.

ByteSIM: 5G-Compatible eSIMs in China

ByteSIM uses China Unicom and China Mobile’s 5G networks for fast, stable connections. Unlimited data plans are available, ideal for 1080p streaming, with robust 24/7 support.

MobiMatter: Affordable eSIMs in China

MobiMatter offers plans starting at $2.49/GB on China’s 4G/5G networks. Instant activation and multilingual support make it ideal for budget travelers.

eTravelSIM: Diverse Data Plans for China

eTravelSIM offers plans from 1GB to 50GB with instant activation. Highly rated, it’s suitable for China.

aloSIM: Easy-to-Use eSIMs in China

aloSIM provides affordable, high-speed connections via China Unicom’s network. Plans range from 1GB ($5.00) to 10GB ($22.00), with an intuitive app for data management.

Maya Mobile: Unlimited Data eSIM Options in China

Maya Mobile offers unlimited data plans with up to 90 days of flexibility, ideal for long-term stays. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality is available.

GigSky: eSIMs with Free Trial in China

GigSky offers a 100MB free trial for connection testing. Its 1GB/7-day plan is affordable, with easy data management via its app.

eSIM Activation Steps and Precautions in China

Activating an eSIM is simple but requires precautions in China. After purchase, scan the QR code to add the data plan and enable data roaming upon arrival. Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and not carrier-locked. VPN-compatible eSIMs ensure smooth access to restricted sites. The following steps ensure reliable connectivity.

Preparing an eSIM Before Arriving in China

Purchasing and setting up an eSIM via an app or QR code before arriving in China ensures instant connectivity upon landing. Airalo and Saily apps complete the process in minutes. Installing a VPN app in advance is recommended.

Troubleshooting eSIM Issues in China

For connectivity issues, try toggling airplane mode, rescanning the QR code, or contacting support. ByteSIM and MobiMatter offer 24/7 support. If VPN connections are unstable, try a different server.

Comparing eSIMs and Physical SIMs in China

Physical SIMs are available in China but require passport registration and cost ~$10 for 5GB. eSIMs offer instant online activation without swapping. China Mobile and China Unicom’s physical SIMs include voice calls, but eSIMs are typically data-only.

Using eSIMs During Your China Trip

eSIMs enhance travel in China, from posting Great Wall photos, navigating Guilin with map apps, to using online guides in Shanghai’s Yu Garden. Below are specific use cases.

Using eSIMs at China’s Tourist Attractions

At the Terracotta Warriors or Forbidden City, eSIMs enable access to online guides and translation apps. VPN-compatible eSIMs allow use of restricted SNS and search engines, enhancing your experience.

Benefits of eSIMs for Business Use in China

Business travelers can use eSIMs for video conferencing and cloud services. Saily and ByteSIM’s 5G and VPN support ensure stable communication and efficiency.

Cost-Saving Tips for Using eSIMs in China

eSIMs avoid costly roaming fees, significantly reducing expenses. Airalo’s WELCOME10 code or Saily’s promotions offer further discounts. Regional plans can cover Hong Kong or Macau.

FAQ for Using eSIMs in China

Below are common questions and answers about using eSIMs in China.

Which Devices Support eSIMs in China?

eSIMs are compatible with devices like iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 4 and later. Verify compatibility beforehand.

Can I Share Data with eSIMs in China?

Holafly and Maya Mobile support data sharing (hotspot) functionality, though some plans may have restrictions, so confirm before purchasing.

eSIM China Summary

For a seamless internet experience in China, choose eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Saily based on your needs and budget. VPN-compatible eSIMs ensure access to restricted sites, enhancing tourism in Beijing or Shanghai and business efficiency. Compare data capacity, coverage, and cost-effectiveness to select the ideal eSIM, ensuring you enjoy China’s history, nature, and cuisine. Plan ahead for a smooth connectivity experience and an unforgettable trip!