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eSIM China

5G
4.6/5Excellent
300,000+ travelers use eSIMFOX

Mobile data in China from €3.99 with China Unicom & China Telecom. Install your eSIM digitally and keep your WhatsApp number.From €3.99 on China Unicom & China Telecom. Ready to connect – no contract.

Choose your Mobile Data eSIM China

Validity starts with the first network connection in China, not when you buy.

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1
Total 10 GB · 30 days
€30.99
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10 GB · 30 days€30.99
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eSIM Features

eSIM Specifications for China

Type

Prepaid eSIM (digital)

Networks
China UnicomChina Telecom
Speed

4G / 5G where available

Installation

QR code or manual setup

Compatibility

iPhone, Samsung, Pixel & other eSIM-capable devices

Calls & SMS

Data only

Top-up

No new eSIM required

Delivery

Instant via email & dashboard

Roaming charges

No additional roaming charges

Validity starts

On the first network connection in China

eKYC (ID Verification)

Not Required

Support

24/7 via WhatsApp

Network & coverage

Which network does your eSIM use in China?

Your eSIM connects automatically to the strongest available partner network – the same masts the locals use.

  • China Unicom
  • China Telecom
  • Automatic network selection

    Always the best available signal, with no manual switching.

  • 4G/LTE & 5G

    Fast mobile internet wherever the network supports it.

  • Reliable coverage

    A stable connection in cities and the most-visited regions.

Actual speed and coverage depend on location, device and network load.

Activation

Activate your China eSIM in 3 steps

Ready in minutes — no physical SIM card needed.

  1. Buy a plan

    QR code instantly by email

  2. Install the eSIM

    Scan the QR code at home over Wi‑Fi

  3. Get online

    turn on data roaming in China

Setup takes just 2 minutes: iPhone Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, Android Network & internet → SIMs. Your plan’s validity starts on first use, not at purchase.

Is your device eSIM‑ready? Check compatibility

How to activate the eSIM on iPhone (iOS)

  1. Connect your iPhone to Wi‑Fi and open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
  3. Scan the QR code from your eSIMFOX email. Or choose Enter Details Manually and paste the SM‑DP+ address and activation code.
  4. Name the plan, e.g. “eSIMFOX China”, and keep your main SIM as the default line for calls.
  5. Only on arrival: select the profile, Turn On This Line and enable Data Roaming.

How to activate the eSIM on Android (Samsung, Pixel & co.)

  1. Connect your phone to Wi‑Fi and open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet → SIMs (Samsung: Connections → SIM manager) and tap Add eSIM.
  3. Choose Scan QR code and scan the code from your eSIMFOX email — or enter the activation details manually.
  4. Confirm the profile download and name it, e.g. “eSIMFOX China”.
  5. Only on arrival: turn on the eSIM profile, set it as your mobile data SIM and enable data roaming for it.

Exact menu names may vary slightly by phone model and Android version. For a full step‑by‑step guide by device, see our eSIM activation guide.

Your data needs in China

Start with your trip length and daily habits. Get a useful estimate and a package that covers it.

How long is your trip?
How will you use the internet?

Your data budget

China

≈ 5 GB

For 7 days of travel

Includes a 20% reserve

A plan that covers this need

5 GB30 days

View this plan

Starting point: about 0.5 GB per day, rounded up to the next GB. Estimate for one device.

What actually uses your data

  • Maps and messages

    Directions, bookings and text messages use little data. Photos and video calls change that.

  • Streaming music

    Spotify: about 40–150 MB per hour at normal to very high quality, excluding lossless audio.

  • Films and series

    Netflix: up to 3 GB per hour in HD. Video quality makes a big difference.

All figures are estimates. Actual usage depends on your device, app settings and habits. Apps are examples of usage, not a guarantee of availability in every country.

China eSIM comparison: eSIMFOX vs other eSIM services

Discover the advantages of eSIMFOX for your next trip.

Scroll to compare providers

eSIMFOX
RecommendedCurrent eSIMFOX price
Airalo
July 2026
Holafly
July 2026
Saily
July 2026
Nomad
July 2026
Ubigi
July 2026
€2.85/GB20 GB · 30 days · €56.99€2.87/GB≈ 1× this per-GB rate€3.79/day€2.96/GB≈ 1× this per-GB rate€1.85/GB≈ 0.6× this per-GB rate€2.47/GB≈ 0.9× this per-GB rate

Competitor reference prices are dated July 2026. Their bundle sizes and validity are not specified. eSIMFOX shows its current lowest fixed-plan price per GB; the plan is linked in the eSIMFOX column. Multiples compare the displayed rates, with different observation dates. Unlimited daily prices are separate.

Why choose an eSIM for China?

No roaming charges

Roaming charges can add up quickly. Get a prepaid data plan for China & stay in control of your phone bill.

Connect in a few taps

Activate your eSIM before your flight — your data will be ready to use when you land.

Flexible plans

Choose from several affordable data plans for China. Get as much or as little data as you need.

One eSIM for all travel

Add new destinations to your existing eSIM through the eSIMFOX dashboard — no new eSIMs needed.

Comparison

eSIM or local SIM card for China?

Both get you online – here's how they differ for your trip.

Comparison: an eSIMFOX eSIM versus a local SIM card in China
CriterioneSIMFOX eSIM RecommendedLocal SIM card in China
Available from Before you leave – QR code instantly by emailOnly on arrival – at the airport or a shop
Setup Scan the QR code, active in 2 minutesQueue up, often with ID registration
Your home number Stays active (Dual-SIM) – reachable for SMSSIM swap needed – number offline
Cost Fixed package price, no roaming feesVariable, sometimes a tourist markup
Top up Anytime in your dashboard, no new SIMOnly on-site in a shop or app
Ideal forTravelers with an eSIM-capable phonePhones without eSIM or very long stays

For most travelers the eSIM is the faster and cheaper choice – with no waiting at the airport.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

eSIM Questions

Find answers to common questions about eSIM activation, compatibility, top-ups, and more.

Yes, you can use an eSIM in China without any problem. The eSIMFOX eSIM works there on the China Unicom and China Telecom networks; you just need an unlocked, eSIM-compatible smartphone and to turn on data when you arrive.

Everything about eSIM China

More tips for your trip. Open the topic you want to read.

Best eSIM for Tourists in China

Planning your trip to China? A reliable data connection is essential for navigating this vast country. The best eSIM for tourists in China offers seamless connectivity across major cities and rural areas with strong 4G coverage. Most providers support popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, allowing you to stay connected whether you're exploring the Great Wall or navigating the bustling streets of Guangzhou. With eSIM technology, you can activate your plan before departure and connect immediately upon landing, without hunting for physical SIM cards at Beijing Capital International Airport or other entry points. Choose plans based on your trip duration, with options ranging from 1GB to 20GB to match your data needs.

How to Get eSIM in China with Hotspot Capability

Setting up an eSIM for your China adventure is remarkably straightforward. Before traveling, verify your device's eSIM compatibility (most iPhone models since XR, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3 and newer support eSIM). Purchase your plan online from a reputable provider, scan the QR code sent to your email, and you're ready to connect upon arrival. With eSIMFOX, you receive a single eSIM that works across multiple countries. When you buy an eSIM for China, you can easily add data packages for other destinations like Turkey, USA, Spain, etc. on the same eSIM. Most China eSIM plans include hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your connection with other devices – perfect when traveling with companions or when you need to connect your laptop in your hotel room. Remember to activate your plan before passing through Chinese customs for immediate connectivity.

7 Days eSIM for China: Perfect for Short Trips

Visiting China for a week? A 7-day eSIM plan provides the ideal balance of data and cost-efficiency for short stays. These week-long packages typically offer 3-10GB of high-speed data, sufficient for maps, translation apps, social media, and staying in touch with family. China's extensive 4G network ensures reliable connectivity in both metropolitan areas and popular tourist sites like Chengdu's Panda Research Base or the karst landscapes of Guilin. Short-term plans eliminate the waste of purchasing more data than needed, while still providing enough bandwidth for sharing travel photos and making video calls. Consider your daily activities when selecting a plan – city exploration with occasional navigation requires less data than streaming videos or working remotely from your hotel.

Prepaid eSIM with China Mobile Network

Experience superior connectivity with a prepaid eSIM running on China Mobile's extensive network, the country's largest telecommunications provider with over 900 million subscribers. This carrier offers exceptional coverage even in more remote areas like Tibet or Inner Mongolia, making it ideal for adventurous travelers venturing beyond major cities. With eSIMFOX, you receive a single eSIM that works across multiple countries. When you buy an eSIM for China, you can easily add data packages for other destinations like Turkey, USA, Spain, etc. on the same eSIM. Prepaid options eliminate surprise charges, giving you complete control over your data spending while in China. Plans typically activate instantly after installation, providing immediate access to high-speed 4G connectivity upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport or other entry points. Select your data package based on your travel needs – from data-intensive activities like video calls with family to basic navigation and translation services.

30 Days eSIM Plan China for Extended Stays

Spending a month exploring China's diverse landscapes? A 30-day eSIM plan delivers extended connectivity perfect for longer adventures. These monthly packages offer generous data allowances of 10-20GB, ideal for business travelers or digital nomads working remotely while experiencing China's unique culture. Long-term plans provide better value per gigabyte compared to shorter options, with some providers offering data top-ups if you exceed your initial allocation. The convenience of a month-long plan means one less thing to worry about during your extended stay, whether you're conducting business in Shenzhen's tech hub or slowly exploring the historic sites along the Silk Road. For travelers visiting multiple Chinese provinces, these plans maintain consistent connectivity as you travel between regions, eliminating the need to purchase multiple local options.

eSIM China for iPhone: Compatibility and Setup Guide

Apple users rejoice! Setting up an eSIM on your iPhone for China travel is remarkably simple. Compatible models include iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series (all variants), running iOS 12.1 or newer. The process requires just a few taps: scan the QR code from your provider, confirm installation, select your new plan as the data line, and enable data roaming. This dual-SIM functionality allows you to keep your home number active for calls while using your China eSIM for data, providing the perfect balance between staying connected at home and abroad. iPhone users particularly appreciate the seamless integration with Apple Maps and translation services, essential tools for navigating China's complex urban environments and overcoming language barriers. Before purchasing, verify that your iPhone is unlocked and not restricted by your home carrier. Secure your China eSIM today and enjoy the convenience of instant activation and reliable connectivity throughout your journey.