Our recommended eSIMs for China
A local China SIM connects you through the country's filtered networks, where many Western apps and sites are blocked by the 'Great Firewall'. A travel eSIM whose data routes via an international gateway can sidestep that filtering, so your familiar apps keep working. Pick a provider and plan that route outside mainland China for uncensored access, and confirm this before you rely on it.
Airalo
Best valueThe broadest coverage — 200+ countries — and strong value. Buy exactly the data you need.
Check Airalo plans →Yesim
Most flexiblePer-country, regional, pay-as-you-go and a global plan across 150+ destinations.
Check Yesim plans →Saily
NordVPN teamA reliable, security-minded eSIM from the team behind NordVPN, with a clean app.
Check Saily plans →Holiday.com
ExpressVPN teamA global travel eSIM for 150+ destinations from the team behind ExpressVPN — one eSIM you top up as you go, with a privacy focus.
Check Holiday.com plans →Plans, prices and coverage change often — confirm the current plan on each provider's own page before buying. Links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Coverage in China
Mobile coverage across Chinese cities is excellent, and travel eSIMs use the major networks. The decisive factor here is not signal but routing — whether your data path avoids the domestic content filtering — so choose an eSIM known to route internationally for open access.
How much data do you need?
- ◆Light use (maps, messaging, translation): 1–3GB per week.
- ◆Normal use (social, photos, calls over apps): a 5GB+ plan with top-up.
- ◆Heavy use (streaming, tethering): a larger data allowance.
Getting connected on arrival
- 1Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have your home connection.
- 2Install the eSIM when prompted (scan the QR code or tap install in the provider's app), and label the line so it is easy to find.
- 3On arrival, turn the travel eSIM's data on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 4Set your home line to 'data off' so you are never billed for roaming, and keep it active for calls, texts and two-factor codes.
Sort the rest of your China trip
Compare car-hire deals across China from all the major rental companies in one search — most bookings come with free cancellation, and prices are usually lowest when you book ahead.
Compare car hire in China →Find somewhere to stay in China — from city hotels to coastal boltholes — with free cancellation on most rooms. Filter by area and read verified guest reviews before you book.
Where to stay in China →Attraction tickets, high-speed rail and guided tours across China.
Book the Great Wall, bullet trains & tours →Compensation for delays or cancellations.
Claim for a delayed flight →Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM bypass the Great Firewall in China?
An eSIM whose data routes through an international gateway can let you use apps and sites that are blocked on local Chinese networks, because your traffic does not pass through the domestic content filter in the same way. Choose a provider and plan known to route internationally, and confirm this before you travel — it is not guaranteed for every plan.
Will Google and WhatsApp work in China with an eSIM?
With an internationally-routed travel eSIM, they typically do, unlike a local China SIM. Verify the specific plan's routing with the provider before relying on it.
Which is the best eSIM for China?
Choose based on international routing rather than price alone. Providers like Airalo and Yesim are commonly used for open access; confirm the plan routes outside mainland China.