China Mobile eSIM Guide 2025: Setup, Plans & Best Options for Travelers

Staying connected in China is essential for navigation, payment apps, and translation. eSIM technology makes getting mobile data easier than ever—no need to swap physical SIM cards or visit a store.

This complete guide covers everything about using eSIMs in China: the best providers, setup instructions, pricing, and practical tips for reliable connectivity.

Quick Comparison: Best China eSIM Options

Provider	Data	Validity	Price	VPN Included	Best For
Airalo	1-20GB	7-30 days	$5-40	No	Budget travelers
Holafly	Unlimited	5-90 days	$19-99	No	Heavy data users
Nomad	1-10GB	7-30 days	$8-35	No	Flexible options
eSIM2Fly (AIS)	6GB	8 days	$15	No	Short trips
China Mobile HK	10-20GB	30 days	$20-35	No	Longer stays

Important: Most tourist eSIMs use Hong Kong or international networks, providing unrestricted internet access (no Great Firewall) but may have slightly higher latency.

Understanding Your Options

Option 1: Tourist eSIM (Recommended for Most Travelers)

What it is: An eSIM from international providers that works in China through roaming agreements.

Pros:

• Buy and activate before arriving
• No ID or registration required
• Often bypasses China's internet restrictions
• Works immediately upon landing
• Easy setup

Cons:

• Uses roaming networks (slightly slower)
• No Chinese phone number for SMS
• Can't receive calls on Chinese number
• May not work with some local apps requiring SMS verification

Best for: Tourists on short trips (1-4 weeks)

Option 2: Chinese Carrier eSIM (China Mobile, Unicom, Telecom)

What it is: A direct eSIM from China's major carriers.

Pros:

• Native network speeds (fastest)
• Chinese phone number included
• Can receive SMS verification codes
• Works with all local apps
• Cheaper for long stays

Cons:

• Requires real-name registration with passport
• Subject to Great Firewall (need VPN)
• Must set up in-person at carrier store
• More complex process

Best for: Long-term stays, business travelers, frequent visitors

Option 3: Physical SIM Card

What it is: Traditional SIM card from Chinese carriers.

Pros:

• Same benefits as carrier eSIM
• Available at airports
• Wide compatibility

Cons:

• Need to swap SIM cards
• May not fit all phones
• Risk of losing home SIM

Best for: Phones without eSIM support

Detailed eSIM Provider Reviews

1. Airalo – Best Budget Option

Overview: The world's largest eSIM marketplace with multiple China options.

Plan	Data	Validity	Price
Discover China	1GB	7 days	$5
Discover China	3GB	30 days	$11
Discover China	5GB	30 days	$17
Discover China	10GB	30 days	$26
Discover China	20GB	30 days	$42

Network: Uses China Unicom roaming Speeds: 4G/LTE Hotspot: Allowed Top-up: Available in-app

Pros:

• Very competitive pricing
• Easy app interface
• Multiple package sizes
• Reliable customer support

Cons:

• Data-only (no calls/SMS)
• May have slower speeds in rural areas

Verdict: Best value for budget-conscious travelers.

2. Holafly – Best for Unlimited Data

Overview: Offers truly unlimited data plans for heavy users.

Plan	Data	Validity	Price
China	Unlimited	5 days	$19
China	Unlimited	7 days	$27
China	Unlimited	10 days	$34
China	Unlimited	15 days	$47
China	Unlimited	20 days	$54
China	Unlimited	30 days	$64
China	Unlimited	60 days	$84
China	Unlimited	90 days	$99

Network: China Unicom roaming Speeds: 4G/LTE (may throttle after high usage) Hotspot: Allowed Top-up: Extend validity in-app

Pros:

• No data caps
• Never worry about running out
• Good for streaming and heavy use
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• More expensive than metered plans
• "Unlimited" may have fair use throttling
• Data-only

Verdict: Best for travelers who need constant connectivity without monitoring usage.

3. Nomad eSIM – Best Flexibility

Overview: Good balance of price and features with flexible options.

Plan	Data	Validity	Price
China	1GB	7 days	$8
China	3GB	15 days	$15
China	5GB	30 days	$22
China	10GB	30 days	$35

Network: China Unicom or China Mobile roaming Speeds: 4G/LTE Hotspot: Allowed Referral program: Get discounts for referring friends

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Good network selection
• Responsive support
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Fewer plan options than Airalo
• Data-only

Verdict: Solid middle-ground option with reliable service.

4. eSIM2Fly (AIS Thailand) – Best for Short Trips

Overview: Thai carrier AIS offers popular Asia-wide eSIMs.

Plan	Data	Validity	Coverage
Asia	6GB	8 days	24 countries including China
Asia	15GB	15 days	24 countries including China

Price: $15 (6GB), $35 (15GB) Network: Roaming on local carriers Speeds: 4G/LTE

Pros:

• Covers multiple Asian countries
• Good for multi-country trips
• Reliable network

Cons:

• Limited China-specific options
• Must purchase through authorized sellers

Verdict: Excellent for Asia multi-destination trips.

5. China Mobile Hong Kong – Best Carrier Option

Overview: China Mobile's Hong Kong subsidiary offers eSIMs that work in mainland China.

Plan	Data	Validity	Price
Greater Bay Area	10GB	30 days	~$20
China Data	20GB	30 days	~$35

Network: China Mobile (native speeds) Chinese Number: Yes (HK +852) Purchase: CMHK app or website

Pros:

• Native China Mobile network (fastest)
• Can receive SMS on HK number
• More reliable than pure roaming
• Good for frequent visitors

Cons:

• HK number, not mainland (+86)
• Subject to some firewall restrictions
• Slightly more complex setup

Verdict: Best for travelers who want fast native speeds and a usable phone number.

Step-by-Step eSIM Setup

Before You Buy: Check Compatibility

Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?

iPhone (eSIM supported):

• iPhone XS, XR and later
• All iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series
• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)

Android (varies by model):

• Google Pixel 3 and later
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
• Huawei P40 and later (limited)
• Many Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo models

Check your phone:

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (if option exists, you're compatible)
• Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM

Is Your Phone Unlocked?

Your phone must be unlocked from your carrier. Check:

• iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (should say "No SIM restrictions")
• Android: Insert a different carrier's SIM and see if it works

Buying and Installing an eSIM (Airalo Example)

Step 1: Purchase

1. Download the Airalo app (iOS or Android)
2. Create an account
3. Search for China
4. Select your data plan
5. Complete purchase (credit card, PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay)

Step 2: Install eSIM

Option A: QR Code (Recommended)

1. Open confirmation email on another device
2. On your phone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
3. Scan the QR code
4. Follow prompts to install

Option B: Direct Installation

1. Open Airalo app
2. Go to My eSIMs
3. Tap the purchased eSIM
4. Tap "Install" and follow prompts

Step 3: Configure Settings

After installation:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular
2. Find your new eSIM line
3. Enable Data Roaming (required for China)
4. Set as Primary for cellular data
5. Keep your home line for calls/SMS if needed

Activating Upon Arrival in China

Most tourist eSIMs activate automatically when you:

1. Land in China
2. Turn off airplane mode
3. Enable mobile data
4. Enable data roaming

Troubleshooting:

• If no signal after 5 minutes, restart phone
• Check data roaming is enabled
• Manually select network if needed (Settings → Carrier → Manual)

Using Your eSIM in China

Dual SIM Setup

Modern phones support dual SIM (physical + eSIM). Recommended setup:

Line	Purpose	Data Roaming
Home SIM	Receive calls/SMS	OFF (avoid charges)
China eSIM	Data	ON

Configure in Settings:

• Cellular Data: China eSIM
• Default Voice: Home SIM (for emergencies)
• SMS: Home SIM

Data Management Tips

How Much Data Do You Need?

Usage Pattern	Daily Need	7-Day Trip	14-Day Trip
Light (maps, messaging)	200-500MB	1.5-3GB	3-7GB
Moderate (social media, photos)	500MB-1GB	3-7GB	7-14GB
Heavy (video calls, streaming)	1-3GB	7-20GB	15-40GB

Save Data

• Download offline maps (Amap, Baidu Maps) before traveling
• Use WiFi when available (hotels, cafes)
• Disable auto-play videos on social apps
• Download content (Netflix, Spotify) before China
• Reduce photo backup quality

What About the Great Firewall?

Tourist eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, etc.):

• Usually bypass the firewall
• Access Google, Facebook, Instagram normally
• VPN generally not needed

Why? These eSIMs route traffic through international networks (Hong Kong, Singapore), not mainland China's internet infrastructure.

Chinese Carrier eSIMs (China Mobile, Unicom):

• Subject to firewall restrictions
• Need VPN for blocked sites
• Download VPN before arriving

Speed Expectations

Location	Expected Speed
Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai)	20-100 Mbps
Second-tier cities	15-50 Mbps
Tourist attractions	5-30 Mbps (crowded)
Rural areas	2-15 Mbps
Underground/Metro	Variable, often slow

Getting a Chinese Phone Number

Tourist eSIMs typically don't include a Chinese phone number. If you need one:

Why You Might Need a Chinese Number

• Receive SMS verification codes (some apps)
• Book certain hotels
• Register for local services
• Make local calls

Options for Getting a Chinese Number

Option 1: Carrier Store (Recommended)

Visit a China Mobile, Unicom, or Telecom store:

Requirements:

• Passport
• In-person visit
• ~30 minutes

Approximate Costs:

• SIM card: ¥20-50
• Minimum balance: ¥50-100
• Monthly: ¥19-59

Major stores: Found in airports, shopping malls, and commercial districts.

Option 2: Airport SIM

Available at arrival halls in major airports:

• Beijing Capital (PEK)
• Beijing Daxing (PKX)
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)

Note: Airport prices may be higher than regular stores.

Option 3: Hotel Assistance

Some hotels can help arrange SIM cards for guests.

Chinese Carrier Plans Comparison

Carrier	Network Quality	English Support	Foreigner-Friendly
China Mobile	Excellent	Limited	Yes
China Unicom	Very Good	Better	Yes (often recommended)
China Telecom	Good	Limited	Yes

Recommendation: China Unicom is often most foreigner-friendly, with better English support and GSM compatibility with international phones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"No Service" After Landing

Check:

1. Airplane mode off
2. Data roaming enabled
3. Correct eSIM line selected for data
4. eSIM is active (not just installed)

Fix:

1. Restart phone
2. Manually select carrier:
   • Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → Manual
   • Choose China Mobile, Unicom, or Telecom
3. Wait 2-3 minutes

Very Slow Speeds

Causes:

• Network congestion (rush hour, tourist sites)
• Far from cell tower
• Underground/indoors

Solutions:

• Move to open area
• Try different times
• Switch to WiFi if available
• In Cellular settings, ensure 4G/LTE is enabled

eSIM Not Installing

Fixes:

1. Ensure phone is unlocked
2. Check eSIM compatibility
3. Use strong WiFi during installation
4. Try QR code method instead of direct install
5. Contact provider support

Can't Access Google/Facebook (Tourist eSIM)

This is unusual for tourist eSIMs. Try:

1. Restart phone
2. Toggle airplane mode
3. Confirm eSIM is routing data (not home SIM)
4. Contact eSIM provider

High Data Usage

Check:

• Background app refresh settings
• Auto-download settings (photos, podcasts)
• Photo backup (iCloud, Google Photos)
• Streaming quality settings

Monitor:

• Settings → Cellular → see data usage by app
• Set data warnings in phone settings

FAQ

Can I use my eSIM for hotspot/tethering?

Most tourist eSIMs allow hotspotting. Check your specific plan terms.

Will my eSIM work in Hong Kong and Macau?

Some plans cover Greater China (mainland + HK + Macau). Others are mainland-only. Check coverage before purchasing.

Can I top up my eSIM if I run out of data?

Yes, most providers (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) allow in-app top-ups or new plan purchases.

Should I buy eSIM before or after arriving?

Before. Install while you have reliable WiFi at home. Activate immediately upon landing.

Can I use eSIM on my iPad/tablet?

If your iPad has cellular capability and eSIM support, yes. Same setup process.

What happens when my eSIM expires?

It simply stops working. You can usually extend or buy a new plan through the provider's app.

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

For most travelers, yes:

• No SIM swapping
• Keep home number active
• Buy remotely before travel
• Multiple eSIMs for different trips

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM together?

Yes, most modern phones support dual SIM. Use home SIM for calls/SMS, eSIM for data.

Recommended eSIM Strategy by Trip Type

Weekend/Short Trip (1-4 days)

• Airalo 1-3GB or eSIM2Fly 6GB
• Minimal investment
• Plenty for maps and messaging

Standard Vacation (5-14 days)

• Airalo 5-10GB or Holafly Unlimited 10 days
• Cover photos, social media, navigation
• Buffer for unexpected needs

Extended Travel (15-30 days)

• Holafly Unlimited 30 days or Airalo 20GB
• Peace of mind
• No data monitoring needed

Business Trip

• China Mobile HK eSIM + tourist eSIM backup
• Chinese number for business contacts
• Reliable connectivity for meetings

Frequent Visitor

• Chinese carrier SIM for long-term number
• Tourist eSIM for each trip
• Best of both worlds

Summary

For most travelers, a tourist eSIM from Airalo or Holafly is the simplest and most effective solution:

1. Buy before departure (takes 5 minutes)
2. Install at home on WiFi
3. Activate upon landing automatically
4. Enjoy unrestricted internet (usually)

This approach avoids:

• Carrier store visits
• Language barriers
• SIM swapping
• Firewall restrictions

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Want the complete China connectivity guide? The China Survival Kit includes eSIM recommendations, VPN setup, app installation guides, and offline resources for staying connected throughout your trip.