China SIM Card vs. eSIM: The Ultimate Guide for Tourists in 2026

You've booked your flight to China, packed your bags, and are ready for an adventure. But one critical question remains: How will you get online? In a country where mobile data is essential for everything from paying for a coffee to hailing a ride with Didi, making the right choice between a local physical SIM card and a modern travel eSIM is crucial.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both options to help you choose the best connectivity solution for your 2026 China trip.

What is an eSIM and Why is it Great for China?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is built into your smartphone (most phones made after 2019 have one). You can download a data plan from a provider online and activate it without needing to insert a physical card.

For China, eSIMs have one massive advantage: they are considered "roaming" data, which means they are not subject to the Great Firewall.

eSIM Pros:

• ✅ Instant Internet Access: Activate your plan the moment you land. No hunting for a SIM card counter at the airport.
• ✅ Bypass the Great Firewall: Access Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc., without needing a VPN. This is a huge convenience.
• ✅ Keep Your Home Number: Your physical SIM slot remains free, so you can still receive calls and texts on your regular phone number.
• ✅ Easy to Purchase: You can buy and set up your eSIM online from providers like Saily before you even leave home.

eSIM Cons:

• ❌ No Local Phone Number: Most eSIM plans are data-only. You won't get a +86 Chinese phone number, which is required for some local apps.
• ❌ Can Be Pricier for Heavy Data: While affordable for short trips, the cost per gigabyte can be higher than a local SIM if you plan to stay for months.

What About a Physical Chinese SIM Card?

A physical SIM card is the traditional option. You can buy one from one of China's three major carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) at the airport or a local store.

Physical SIM Pros:

• ✅ Very Cheap for Bulk Data: If you're staying for a month or more, a local SIM offers the best value for money with large data packages.
• ✅ Get a Local +86 Number: Having a Chinese phone number can be useful for registering for certain local services or apps.

Physical SIM Cons:

• ❌ Requires a VPN: All data on a local Chinese SIM is behind the Great Firewall. You will still need a separate, reliable VPN like WannaFlix or Saily to access Western apps.
• ❌ Hassle to Purchase: You must find the carrier's counter at the airport, present your passport for registration, and wait for them to activate it. This can be time-consuming after a long flight.
• ❌ Swapping SIMs: You have to remove your home SIM card, which can be inconvenient.

Head-to-Head Comparison: eSIM vs. Physical SIM for China

Feature	🏆 Travel eSIM (e.g., Saily)	Physical Chinese SIM
Convenience	Excellent: Buy and install online before your trip.	Poor: Requires passport registration at a physical store.
Firewall Bypass	Automatic: No VPN needed to access blocked sites.	No: A separate VPN is mandatory.
Setup Time	~5 minutes	~30-60 minutes (including airport queue)
Cost (Short Trip)	Excellent: Plans often start at ~$5 for a week.	Poor: Tourist plans can be inflexible and more expensive.
Cost (Long Stay)	Good: Can become expensive for very heavy data users.	Excellent: Best value for 30+ day stays.
Phone Number	Data-only, you keep your home number.	Provides a local +86 Chinese number.
Verdict	Best choice for 95% of tourists and short-term visitors.	Best for long-term expats, students, or business travelers.

How to Get an eSIM for China (Recommended)

Our top recommendation for most travelers is Saily, an eSIM provider created by the security experts behind NordVPN. It's affordable, reliable, and just works.

1. Check Phone Compatibility: Ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung S20 or newer).
2. Purchase Online: Before your trip, visit the Saily website.
3. Choose Your Plan: Select a data plan for China (e.g., 5GB for 15 days).
4. Install the eSIM: You'll receive a QR code via email. Go to your phone's settings, tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan," and scan the QR code.
5. Activate on Arrival: Once you land in China, switch your phone's mobile data line to the Saily eSIM, and you'll be online instantly.

How to Get a Physical SIM Card in China

If you've decided a physical SIM is right for you, here’s how to get one at a major airport like Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Beijing Capital (PEK).

1. Locate the Carrier Counter: After clearing immigration and customs, look for the official counters for China Unicom (中国联通) or China Telecom (中国电信). China Unicom is generally recommended for its balance of speed and compatibility.
2. Prepare Your Passport: You MUST present your physical passport for registration.
3. Choose a Tourist Plan: The staff will show you a few pre-paid tourist plans, typically offering a set amount of data (e.g., 20GB) valid for 30 days. These usually cost around 100-200 RMB (~$15-30 USD).
4. Let Them Install It: The staff will install the SIM card and activate it for you. It's best to let them handle this to ensure it's working before you leave the counter.
5. Test It: Before walking away, try to browse a Chinese website like Baidu.com to confirm the data is working.

Final Verdict: What Should You Choose?

For the vast majority of tourists, business travelers, and anyone visiting China for under a month, an eSIM is the clear winner.

The convenience of setting it up before you go and the incredible benefit of not needing a VPN to access Google Maps, Gmail, or WhatsApp upon landing cannot be overstated. It removes the single biggest technological headache of traveling in China. A provider like Saily offers affordable and reliable plans that are perfect for this.

A physical SIM card only makes sense if you are staying in China for several months and require a local phone number for administrative tasks, or if you are an extremely heavy data user who needs the absolute lowest cost-per-gigabyte. For everyone else, the hassle and the mandatory use of a separate VPN make it the less attractive option.