Three main options for internet in China: eSIM (recommended, purchase and install before arrival), international roaming (expensive but convenient), local SIM card (requires real-name registration). Best combination: eSIM + VPN for international sites, or local SIM + VPN for both local and international apps.
China has internet regulations; some international websites and services cannot be directly accessed:
- Cannot access: Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Gmail, etc.
- Solution: VPN (must download before arriving in China)
- Local alternatives: Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps, Meituan, WeChat, etc.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|
| eSIM | Convenient, flexible, access international sites | Requires eSIM-compatible device | Short-term tourists |
| International Roaming | No SIM swap needed | Expensive | Business travelers |
| Local SIM Card | Cheap, good signal | Requires real-name ID, no international sites | Long-term visitors |
| eSIM + VPN | Best of both worlds | Need two services | Most travelers |
eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your device, activated via QR code without physical card.
1. Airalo (Best Overall)
- Price: From ~$4.5 for 1GB/7 days
- Network: China Mobile
- Features: Easy setup, 24/7 support
- Best for: Most travelers
2. Holafly (Unlimited Data)
- Price: From $19 for 5 days unlimited
- Features: Unlimited data
- Best for: Heavy users, video callers
3. Saily (from NordVPN)
- Price: From ~$3.99 for 1GB/7 days
- Features: Great value
- Best for: Budget travelers
4. esimNB (Best Value China)
- Price: From ~$1.5 for 1GB/7 days
- Features: Lowest price
- Best for: Light users
Before Departure:
- Confirm phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+)
- Choose eSIM provider and purchase plan
- Download app or save activation code
- Don't activate yet - activate after arriving in China
After Arrival:
- Connect to airport WiFi
- Open eSIM app
- Tap "Install" and follow prompts
- Enable data roaming
- Test network connection
- Before departure: Contact your home carrier to enable roaming
- Cost: Varies by carrier, typically $5-15 per day
- Confirm roaming supports international site access (home-routed type)
- Expensive - use only as backup
- Some carriers may not support
| Carrier | Features | Coverage | Best For |
|---|
| China Mobile | Widest signal | Best nationwide | Rural area travelers |
| China Unicom | Good city signal | City priority | City visitors |
| China Telecom | Better southern coverage | Strong in south | Southern travelers |
- Airport counters: Convenient but slightly expensive (~¥100 for 7-day plan)
- City Service Hall: Better prices, requires passport for real-name registration
- Bring original passport
- Choose carrier and plan
- Fill in real-name registration
- Pay and activate
VPN required to access Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, etc.
- Download before travel: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark
- China availability: These VPNs usually work in China but must subscribe in advance
- Download and test abroad before arrival
- Activate and connect after arriving in China
- Turn off VPN when using Chinese local services
- Keep apps updated
| Usage Type | Daily Data Estimate |
|---|
| Light users | 0.2-0.5GB |
| Average users | 1-2GB |
| Heavy users (video) | 3GB+ |
Data Saving Tips:
- Turn off auto-updates
- Use offline maps
- Download content on WiFi
- Prepare in advance: Both eSIM and VPN need preparation before departure
- Combined approach: eSIM + VPN is the best combination
- Backup plan: Keep international roaming as backup
- Network priority: Without internet, many services in China are unusable
- Dual SIM setup: If phone supports dual SIM, use local SIM + eSIM simultaneously
- Save screenshots: Screenshot eSIM activation information
- Save contacts: Keep eSIM customer service contact
- Test immediately: Test all apps after activation
- Maintain balance: Top up in advance to avoid losing connection
- eSIM provider websites: Airalo, Holafly, Saily official sites
- China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom official sites
- VPN provider websites