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

Popular China eSIM Plans

Stressing about internet access in China? Don't worry - I've got you covered! Getting online in China is now super simple with eSIMs. Just download it to your phone before you fly, and you'll have reliable internet the moment you land. No more hunting for SIM cards or dealing with language barriers at phone shops.

In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to choose and set up your China eSIM, share real pros and cons, and tips to help you avoid common mistakes. Read to learn everthing about China eSIM!

Top 4 China eSIM Providers

There are numerous eSIMs for travelling to China with the price ranging from 4 USD to 99 USD from Trip.com, eSIMX, GlobaleSIM, Nomad, and SimOptions, etc. After testing all major providers across Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, Trip.com stands out with the cheapest daily rates and flexible plans. Let's compare how different providers stack up📲

Quick Table for Top China eSIM Providers

Note: Prices and data plans for Trip.com eSIM are continuously updated. Always check Trip.com China eSIM website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Trip.com - Best Value, Reliable Network & Fast Speed

• 1-day: 500MB/day - $0.49
• 10-day: 1GB/day - $5.45 ($0.54/day)
• 15-day: 1GB/day - $8.35 ($0.56/day)

After testing Trip.com's eSIM across Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, I can confirm it offers the best balance of price and performance. Running on China Mobile's network, I consistently got 50-100Mbps speeds in cities and stable connections even in subway tunnels.

Setup takes literally 2 minutes - scan QR code, add eSIM, done. Works instantly with no registration hassle. Coverage extends to all mainland provinces, including tourist spots like Great Wall and Zhangjiajie. At $0.49/day, it's currently the cheapest and fast option in China.

While other providers give you a total data pool (like 10GB for your whole trip), Trip.com offers both total & daily data plans for you to choose. This means with their 10-day plan, you get 1GB every single day - if you use all your data on Monday, you'll still get a fresh 1GB on Tuesday. No more saving data for later or running out mid-trip!

Nomad - Polular but High Price

• 5-day: 3GB/day - $26.00 ($5.20/day)
• 7-day: 2GB/day - $24.00 ($3.43/day)
• 30-day: 20GB total - $20.00 ($1.00/GB)

While Nomad offers reliable service, their prices are significantly higher than Trip.com for similar data amounts. Same network (China Mobile) but at 3-5x the cost. Their setup is smooth and coverage is good, but why pay $26 for 5 days when Trip.com offers similar data for less than half the price?

eSIMX - Heavy Data Plans

• 7-day: 10GB total - $11.00 ($1.57/day)
• 30-day: 20GB total - $16.90 ($0.56/GB)
• 30-day: 10GB total - $11.90 ($1.19/GB)

eSIMX provides larger data pools without daily limits. Good for streaming and work calls, but once you use up your data, that's it - no daily refresh like Trip.com. Coverage combines China Mobile and China Unicom networks, giving reliable service but at higher prices per day than Trip.com.

GlobaleSIM - Long-Term Options

• 30-day: 50GB - $44.00 ($0.88/GB)
• 30-day: 20GB - $22.00 ($1.10/GB)
• 30-day: 10GB - $12.00 ($1.20/GB)

GlobaleSIM targets long-stay travelers but doesn't compete well on price. Their 20GB monthly plan costs $22, while Trip.com offers 30GB (1GB×30 days) for $15.99. Network performance is similar as they use the same network as Trip.

What's a China eSIM?

Remember physical SIM cards? Those tiny chips you had to swap out every time you visited a new country? 🤔

Well, eSIMs are the digital version - no more fumbling with those microscopic cards! It's basically a built-in digital SIM card in your phone that you can activate instantly.

Think of it like downloading a local Chinese phone plan straight to your device. Instead of visiting a phone shop in China (and playing charades to explain what you need), you can set everything up before you even pack your bags. Most newer phones like iPhone 11 and up, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixels support eSIMs.

How Does a China eSIM Actually Work?

Here's the simple version: you buy an eSIM plan online (I'll recommend the best ones below), get a QR code, scan it with your phone, and that's it! Your phone now has a Chinese data plan ready to go. When you land in China, it connects automatically to local networks like China Mobile or China Unicom.

You can keep your home SIM card in your phone too. The eSIM handles your data in China (for maps, messaging, etc.), while your regular SIM can still receive texts and calls from home. Super handy for getting those bank verification codes or staying in touch with family.

🤔Since China blocks overseas apps, most travelers use VPNs. Top China VPNs (like ExpressVPN, NordVPN) require setup and not so reliable — Trip.com China eSIM offers built-in access—just scan the QR code to instantly use WhatsApp/IG/x/FB and more without extra apps or configurations.

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).

✅Need to compare more eSIM plans in China? I've found more super good data plans at cheap prices for you guys!

China eSIM Users' Review

Since China blocks overseas apps, most travelers use VPNs. Top China VPNs (like ExpressVPN, NordVPN) require setup and not so reliable — Trip.com China eSIM offers built-in access—just scan the QR code to instantly use WhatsApp/IG/x/FB and more without extra apps or configurations.

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.

👍 Shanghai Hotel Recommendations 👍

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 👇👇👇

Related articles about China eSIM - See More Global eSIMs

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?