Every eSIM on this page roams onto China's national mobile networks. Coverage is strongest in cities and along major routes; check the provider's coverage map for remote areas.

China Mobile 5G

National China mobile network — travel eSIMs roam onto it automatically.

China Unicom 5G

National China mobile network — travel eSIMs roam onto it automatically.

China Telecom 5G

National China mobile network — travel eSIMs roam onto it automatically.

Why use an eSIM in China?

↯ Online in minutes Scan a QR code and connect the moment you land — no shops, no queues, no paperwork.

£ Cheaper than roaming Travel eSIMs routinely undercut carrier roaming charges many times over.

# Keep your number Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

✓ No commitment Pay once for exactly the days and data you need — nothing auto-renews.

How to set up a China eSIM in 3 steps

Install before you fly over Wi-Fi — your data allowance only starts when you arrive and connect to a local network.

1Pick & buy a plan

Choose a plan above and check out. Your eSIM QR code arrives by email within minutes.

2Scan & install

On Wi-Fi at home, open Settings → Add eSIM and scan the QR code to install the profile.

3Land in China & connect

Arrive, switch the eSIM line on for data, and you are online instantly.

How much data do you need for a China trip?

Planning data for China? For a typical week of maps, messaging, social media and the occasional video, 5–10 GB is plenty. Light users checking email and directions can get by on 1–3 GB, while remote workers, heavy streamers or anyone tethering a laptop should look at 20 GB or an unlimited plan. Because plans are cheap, it is usually worth sizing up a tier rather than risk running out mid-trip. Our guide to sizing a travel data plan breaks the numbers down by trip type.

Single-country vs regional eSIMs

If China is your only stop, a single-country plan gives the best price per GB. Visiting neighbouring countries on the same trip? A regional plan covers many countries on one eSIM — slightly pricier per GB, but you skip buying a second SIM at the border. We compare the two head-to-head in local vs regional eSIM plans.

eSIM vs roaming vs a physical SIM

In China, carrier roaming is the most expensive option and often metered by the day. A physical tourist SIM means queueing at the airport and swapping out your home number. An eSIM keeps your regular number active for calls and texts while a second data line handles the internet — installed in minutes, before you even leave home. See the full cost breakdown in eSIM vs physical SIM vs roaming.

Best China eSIM for…

Tap a pick to filter the plans above.

Popular eSIM destinations

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Before you buy a China eSIM

Quick reads that help you pick the right plan and set it up without surprises.

📊How much data do you need?Size your plan for a China trip 📲How to install an eSIMStep-by-step for iPhone & Android ✅Is your phone eSIM-ready?Check compatibility before buying ⚖️eSIM vs SIM vs roamingWhich is cheapest for your trip 💸Avoid roaming chargesThe settings and tactics that save money 📖eSIM glossaryEvery term explained in plain English

China eSIM — quick answers

What is the best eSIM for China?

The current value pick is Stellar eSIM China · 3 GB · 1 day, shown at $0.57 ($0.19/GB).

What is the cheapest eSIM for China?

The cheapest currently available China plan is AlpineSIM China · 100 MB · 7 days · 5G at $0.26.

Are coupon discounts included in the prices?

Yes, where a provider has an unconditional coupon: its best code is already taken off its China plan prices before the click-through (one code per provider, never stacked). Some of our links add the code at checkout; for others, the provider's page shows the code to enter, so check it went in before you pay. Codes shown with a condition (a minimum spend, cashback, buying two plans) are never included in these prices. The Apply promo codes toggle above the table switches between coupon-applied and original prices.

Can I use hotspot with China eSIM plans?

Hotspot support is shown on every China plan row when the provider data includes it — filter the table by hotspot to see only tethering-friendly plans, and confirm the final policy at provider checkout.

Which mobile networks operate in China?

Major local networks include China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. The exact roaming partner depends on the eSIM provider, so confirm the final network list at checkout.

Should I install my eSIM before arriving in China?

Usually yes. Download your China eSIM profile on reliable Wi-Fi before you fly, then follow the provider's activation steps on arrival — most plans only start their validity when you first connect to a China network.

How much does 1GB of eSIM data cost in China?

Right now, 1GB of travel eSIM data for China starts at $0.42. We compare 6,714 live plans from 83 providers, each re-checked weekly against the provider's own catalogue (latest sync Nov 1, 2026).

What's the lowest-priced data plan for a trip to China?

The cheapest eSIM plan for China currently starts at $0.26 (price last synced Oct 27, 2026). Smaller plans suit short stays — use the trip filter above to match your days and data needs.

Do China travel eSIMs allow tethering?

Yes — 69 of the 83 providers selling China plans allow hotspot/tethering on at least some plans (as of the Nov 1, 2026 price sync). Use the Hotspot filter above to see only those plans.

Are there unlimited data eSIMs for China?

Yes — 341 unlimited plans are currently available for China, starting at $1.47. Note that "unlimited" plans often apply fair-use speed caps; check each plan's terms.