Best China eSIM Guide: High-Speed 4G VPN eSIM

Popular China eSIM Plans

Are you worried about the internet when you go to China? With a China eSIM, you can connect to the internet freely in China and other countries just by downloading it to your smartphone. Please try using the convenient eSIM that you don't have to worry about losing. In this article, we will explainhow to choose an eSIM, and its advantages and disadvantages of China eSIM in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners. Please read until the end.

Top China eSIM Options

There are numerous eSIMS for travelling to China with the price ranging from 4 USD to 99 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad, and SimOptions. These prviders offer from 1 GB to unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Airalo

Airalo offer 3 different types of eSIMs for China:

• Airalo Chinacom eSIM offer 5 eSIMs for different data ranging from 1 GB (seven days for 5 USD) to 10 GB (30 days for 28 USD).
• Airalo Asialink eSIM offers six eSIMs for different data ranging from 1 GB (seven days for 5 USD) and 100 GB (180 days for 185 USD) for China and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries.
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM offers 12 eSIMs for different data ranging from 1 GB (seven days for 9 USD/15 USD (+10 minutes/10 SMS)) to 20 GB (1 year for 69 USD/89 USD (+200 minutes/200 SMS)).

Alosim

Alosim offers 1 eSIM plan for China. It offers five eSIMs for different data between 1 GB (seven days for 5 USD) and 20 GB (30 days for 40 USD).

You can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for many Asian countries. It offers one eSIM plan for China. Holafly China eSIM offers eight eSIMs with unlimited data for five days (19 USD) to unlimited data for 90 days (99 USD).

You can use code PHONETRAVELWIZ to get 5% off your order (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Nomad

Nomad offer 3 different types of eSIMs for China:

• Nomad China eSIM offers nine eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days for 4 USD) and 50 GB (30 days for 49 USD (on sale)).
• Nomad APAC eSIM offers 11 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days for 8 USD/10 USD) and 20 GB (30 days for 29 USD (on sale)/62 USD) for China and 14/19 other Asian and Oceanian countries.
• Nomad Global eSIM: offers six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 19/25 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 45 USD/57 USD) for China and 108/138 other countries.

You can use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order.

SimOptions

SimOptions offers one eSIM plan for China. It offers 6GB for 8 days (USD 19.9).

What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, it refers to an electronic SIM that is built internally. In Japan, eSIM-compatible devices were introduced in 2018, and the number of users has been increasing since then.

Conventional SIM cards were inserted physically into the device for use, but eSIM does not require inserting or removing a card from the device. It is a groundbreaking system that allows you to connect to the internet freely in China and other countries by simply downloading or deleting SIM information on the device.

Difference between China eSIM and SIM card

eSIM and SIM cards are used for communication with smartphones overseas. Although they have many similarities, there are several significant differences.

SIM cards are plastic cards. They are inserted into a dedicated slot on the smartphone for use. When changing carriers, for example, you need to physically exchange this card.

On the other hand, eSIM does not exist as a physical card. It is an electronic SIM that is built inside from the beginning in the device. Carrier changes can be set on the device, so there is no need for physical exchange work.

How to set up and use China eSIM?

Before purchasing an eSIM product, please check if your mobile phone is compatible with eSIM.

1. Installation

1. Check the QR code displayed in the eSIM activation email.

2. Go to "Settings" on your smartphone's home screen and select "Mobile Data" (iOS) or "SIM Card Management" (Android).

3. Add a mobile data plan (iOS) or tap "SIM Card Management" (Android), agree to install Mobile Data (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android), and then scan the QR code displayed in the activation email to complete the installation.

2. How to use

1. After installation, turn off the traditional SIM card.

2. When using Mobile Data (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android), the LTE icon will be displayed in the upper right corner.

3. Turn on data roaming to enable communication.

4. If you are not connected to the network after performing the above steps, toggle airplane mode on and off or restart your smartphone.

3. How to deactivate

Tap "Mobile Data" (iOS) or "SIM Card Management" (Android) and switch it to "Off" (the same procedure applies for activation).

China eSIM Users' Review

Voices of eSIM users for China on Trip.com

There are no problems at all in using it. The setup is easy, the signal is good, and the price is cheap. It was really helpful this time.

It's a great product that works like a "VPN" service, so you can access all Western apps. The only problem is that in the end, there is an issue with payment apps like Alipay and WeChat, and you need a local WiFi connection to complete the payment.

After canceling another eSIM that didn't work for me in China, this one worked fine. It worked as expected, and I had seamless access during my stay.

Which is Better in China? eSIM, SIM card, or Wi-Fi router

SIM cards can be used without worrying about charging like Wi-Fi routers, and they have the advantage of taking up less space. You can choose from many plans. However, there are disadvantages such as complicated setup and the need for a SIM-free smartphone.

Wi-Fi routers can be set up easily upon arrival and can be shared among multiple people or connected to multiple devices. However, there is a possibility of increased charging and handing over, as well as increased costs. eSIM does not require a physical SIM card, so there is no worry of loss or damage. The setup is relatively easy, but it is limited to compatible smartphones.

Below, I have summarized the three characteristics and points to note in a table.

It is important to choose the most suitable one according to the scene and purpose of use, considering the features and disadvantages.

3 benefits of using eSIM in China

1. Can be used immediately upon arrival in China

One of the major benefits of eSIM is that you can smoothly access the internet from the moment you land at the airport when visiting China. With conventional SIM cards, you needed time to purchase them at the airport shop or receive the SIM card you ordered in advance. However, by downloading eSIM in advance, you can connect to the network as soon as you get off the plane.

This allows you to efficiently proceed with your travel, such as arranging taxis or guiding you to your hotel.

2. No risk of loss or damage

Conventional SIM cards are very small and require careful handling. Especially when replacing them during your trip, the risk of loss or damage increases. On the other hand, eSIM does not have a physical shape, so there is no need to worry about loss or damage. There is no need to go through the trouble of opening the SIM tray with a small pin or worry about accidentally dropping the SIM card.

3. Dual SIM is possible

By utilizing eSIM, you can use dual SIM. Dual SIM allows you to use two networks on one smartphone. This allows you to smoothly switch network environments when moving from Japan to overseas or from overseas to Japan. By having dual SIM, you don't have to go through the hassle of contracting the internet environment every time you visit multiple countries.

3 disadvantages of using eSIM in China

1. Limited device compatibility

To use eSIM, you need a smartphone or tablet that supports eSIM. Newer models are becoming compatible with eSIM, but older models or some mid to low-priced devices cannot use eSIM. This means that you will need to check whether your current device can use eSIM or not, which can be a hassle. If you need to purchase a new device to use eSIM, you also need to consider the associated costs.

2. Cannot be used on multiple devices

Conventional SIM cards can be easily switched between devices. Therefore, you can use one SIM on multiple devices. However, since eSIM is built into the device, it is difficult to easily move it between multiple devices. Therefore, those who use multiple devices during their trip to China may find it inconvenient.

3. Cannot use phone numbers

In eSIM data communication plans, a unique phone number may not be provided or additional charges may be required. This may be inconvenient in situations where a local phone number is required, such as making restaurant reservations or contacting hotels. Conventional SIM cards often come with a phone number in addition to data communication, so this is an important point to consider when considering using eSIM.

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3 tips for choosing China eSIM

1. Is the price cheap?

The first point to consider when choosing eSIM is the price. Expenses during a trip to China include transportation, accommodation, meals, etc., so you would want to minimize the cost of communication. However, if you only pursue cheapness, there may be problems with communication speed, data capacity, and support system. Check the services provided and choose a plan with good cost performance.

2. Is the communication capacity sufficient?

China has advanced IT infrastructure and a high-speed internet environment is available. When choosing eSIM, the communication capacity is an important factor. Especially if you plan to stream videos or download a large amount of data, an unlimited capacity plan is recommended. However, unlimited plans tend to be more expensive, so choose according to your budget for the trip to China.

3. Are there good reviews?

Checking third-party reviews and feedback can help you judge the quality and reliability when choosing a good eSIM. Evaluations from users who have already used the eSIM are very helpful in understanding the actual user experience and the support provided in case of trouble.

China eSIM Compatible Phones

Here are some China eSIM Compatible Phones, please check if your phone support eSIM 👇👇👇

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China eSIM is a must-have item for a fun trip to China!

If you are planning a trip to China, eSIM is definitely an essential item for you. To fully enjoy China, constant access to the internet is essential. From hotel reservations to using maps and searching for local recommendations, a smooth communication environment will make your trip more comfortable and fulfilling.

Trip.com's eSIM is highly regarded by many travelers for its reliability and convenience. Why not try Trip.com's eSIM on this occasion?