Staying online in mainland China means dealing with the Great Firewall, which blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and many Western apps. The trick for visitors is an eSIM that routes traffic outside China — either via roaming or a built-in VPN — so your usual apps just work.
Networks & coverage
Three state carriers run the networks: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. 4G is everywhere and 5G blankets every major city. Coverage is excellent even in remote regions — the limitation is censorship, not signal.
eSIM or physical SIM?
An eSIM that routes outside China is strongly recommended. A local China Mobile/Unicom SIM gives you fast data but still sits behind the Firewall. Holafly’s China eSIM includes a built-in VPN; Hong Kong–based China Unicom roaming eSIMs are also popular because traffic exits via Hong Kong, dodging the block. Install before you arrive.
Data, calls & messaging
Travel eSIMs are data-only. With an unblocked eSIM you can use WhatsApp, Gmail and Google Maps over data; otherwise locals rely on WeChat. A standalone VPN app is the fallback if your SIM does not route around the Firewall — install it before entering China, as VPN sites are blocked once inside.
How much data do you need?
1–2 GB for a short city break, 5–10 GB for two weeks of maps and translation, and an unlimited daily plan if you stream or tether heavily.
Available plans
13 plans available
Prices here are listed in more than one currency — the range is compared against each group in its own currency, values are not converted.
Data last verified: Jul 3, 2026
SIM and eSIM plans in China — operator, plan, data, validity, network, type and price.
Plans shown are indicative samples for reference. Confirm current pricing, data allowances, and coverage with each provider before purchasing.
Compare with other countries
How we compile this data
Plan data is compiled from the public pricing pages of mobile operators, MVNOs, and eSIM providers serving each destination.
Listings are reviewed by the DROAM telecom desk and kept neutral — we surface a representative sample of options rather than promote any single provider.
Operators change allowances and pricing frequently, so we update entries as plans change and always link out to the provider for the current offer.
Networks & coverage
8 operators appear in the plans listed for China:
Holafly
Airalo
Nomad
Ubigi
China Unicom (HK)
eSIMbag
MyDataSim
Weconnect
Network technology available across these plans: 4G, 5G.
Good to know
The lowest-cost option listed is MyDataSim at $4.56 for 1 GB over 365 days.
eSIM plans activate instantly by scanning a QR code — no SIM swap or local store visit needed.
A physical SIM can be the better choice for older phones that do not support eSIM.
Check that your phone is carrier-unlocked before buying, and match the data allowance to your trip length.
