Traveling to China can be daunting with the Great Firewall, but eSIMs offer a seamless way to stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards or the need for VPNs. Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing and using eSIMs in China.

Why Choose an eSIM for China?

  • Ease of Connectivity: Activate your eSIM before you arrive and be online the moment you land.

  • Avoid High Roaming Charges: eSIMs are more cost-effective compared to traditional roaming plans.

  • No VPN Needed: With the right eSIM, bypass China’s internet restrictions and access all your apps freely.

2024 Top eSIM Providers for China

In this summary, we present the top 3 recommended eSIM providers for traveling in China, highlighting their strengths and value. Following this overview, we will delve into detailed descriptions of each major eSIM option available, helping you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.

1. Airalo
Airalo is an excellent choice for travelers needing reliable connectivity in China. Its eSIM options provide good data coverage and are user-friendly, plus it’s one of the few providers offering plans with both call and text services. Managing everything via their app adds to the convenience.

2. Jetpac
Jetpac specializes in Asia/Pacific eSIMs, with the 30 days, 20GB for $25 plan being particularly attractive. This plan offers extensive coverage, including China, and additional benefits like free VPN access, making it a great choice for regional travelers.

3. Nomad
Nomad provides budget-friendly and flexible data plans, with the standout 30 days, 10GB for $15 plan. This plan, operating on the China Unicom network, offers an excellent balance of affordability and data allowance, perfect for travelers seeking cost-effective connectivity.

Airalo

  • Enabling unrestricted internet access without the need for a VPN.
  • Provides data-only or data with call/text packages.
  • Operates on the 4G/5G network of China Mobile.
  • Offers a range of plans, including global, Reginal and China-specific options.
  • Known for reliability and compatibility in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
  • The ability to manage everything via their app makes it very convenient.
  • Sample Plans:
    • China: 30 days, 10GB for $28(data only)
    • Asia: 30 days, 10GB for $37(data only)
    • Global: 30 days, 3GB for $24 (data only) or $36 (data/call/text)

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Jetpac

  • Specializes in Asia/Pacific eSIMs, offering extensive coverage including China.
  • Provides data-only eSIMs with additional benefits like free VPN and lounge access.
  • Operates on the 4G/LTE network of China Unicom.
  • Sample Plans:
    • China eSIM: 30 days, 20GB for $25 (data only), valid in 15+ countries in Asia/Pacific. (data only)

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SimOptions

  • Offers competitive pricing with a variety of short and long-term plans.
  • Focuses on data-only eSIMs that work exclusively in China.
  • Primarily offers 4G/LTE support.
  • Sample Plans:
    • China eSIM: 15 days, 10GB for $21.90 (data only).
    • China eSIM: 30 days, 20GB for $34.90 (data only).

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Nomad

  • Offers budget-friendly data plans and flexible data packages.

  • Offers both regular and daily eSIM plans tailored to the needs of travelers in China.

  • Provides 5G ready eSIMs operating on the China Unicom network.

  • Provides options for global, regional and specific China plans.

  • Sample Plans:

    • Regular China: 30 days, 10GB for $15 (data only)

    • Regular Asia: 30 days, 10GB for $23 (data only)

    • Daily China: (data only)

      1 GB per day: Price = $3 + (days - 1) * $1.5

      2 GB per day: Price = $6 + (days - 1) * $3

      3 GB per day: Price = $7 + (days - 1) * $5

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  • Based on the prices of the above plans, we can conclude that the 1 GB daily plan costs $1.55 per GB, the 10 GB for 30 days plan costs $1.50 per GB, and the 20 GB for 30 days plan costs $1.25 per GB. Therefore, the daily plans are slightly more expensive than the regular plans, but they offer more flexibility.

Holafly

  • Offers unlimited data plans specifically for China or Asia.

  • Does not have a global plan option.

  • Operates on the 4G/5G network of China Mobile.

  • Have potential speed reduction after high usage.

  • Sample Plans:

    • Asia or China: 10 days, unlimited data for $37(data only)

  • Asia or China: 30 days, unlimited data for $75(data only)

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  • While Holafly offers unlimited data plans, the price is relatively high, with 10 days of unlimited data for $37 and 30 days for $75. Additionally, potential speed reductions after high usage can be a drawback, making this plan less appealing compared to others that offer high data limits at lower costs.

3HK

  • Plans can be purchased via MobiMatter for an additional charge.
  • Offers extensive data plans for both global and China-specific needs.
  • Sample Plans:
    • Global: 365 days, 8GB+5GB for $268 (data only)
    • China: 365 days, 40GB+5GB for $268 (data only)
    • China: 30 days, 15GB for $138 (data only)

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  • While 3HK provides a significant amount of data over an extended period (especially with the 365-day plans), the cost per GB is relatively high. For example, the 30 days, 15GB plan costs approximately $9.20 per GB, which is considerably more expensive than other offerings from providers like Nomad or Jetpac.
  • In summary, 3HK might be a viable option for users who require long-term coverage with a substantial amount of data. However, for those seeking more affordable or shorter-term plans, there are more cost-effective alternatives available.

Additional Considerations

  • VPN Access: Some eSIM providers may include VPN access, which is useful for accessing restricted sites and apps in China.
  • Network Selection: When using eSIMs in China, you may need to manually select the correct network (e.g., China Unicom) for optimal service.
  • Referral Codes: Some users share referral codes for discounts on eSIM purchases.

User Experiences

  • Many users have reported positive experiences with Airalo, especially for its reliability and option for call/text services.
  • Holafly’s unlimited data plan is popular among travelers who need continuous internet access.
  • Nomad is often recommended for its affordability and ease of use.

Before purchasing an eSIM, consider your specific needs, such as the length of stay, data requirements, and whether you need call/text functionality.

Purchasing and Activation

  • Online Purchase: eSIMs must be purchased online as they are not available at airports or stores in China.
  • Activation: Install and activate your eSIM before departure to avoid the need for a VPN to set it up in China.

Tips Before You Buy

  • Check Phone Compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology and is unlocked.
  • Understand the Data Plans: Choose a plan that suits your data needs and budget. Be wary of ‘unlimited’ plans that may throttle speeds after certain usage.
  • Customer Support: Opt for providers with reliable customer support in case you face any issues during your trip.

Comparing eSIMs with Local Prepaid SIMs

  • Local Prepaid SIMs: Often cheaper for longer stays with more data but come with the hassle of the Great Firewall.
  • eSIMs: Higher initial cost but convenience and freedom from censorship make it worthwhile for shorter visits or for those needing immediate connectivity upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

eSIMs represent the most convenient and efficient way to stay connected in China, especially for short-term travelers or those needing to bypass internet restrictions. Choose a provider based on reliability, customer service, and value for money to ensure a hassle-free experience while exploring China.