China is one of the most phone-dependent countries in the world. Payments, taxis, train tickets, and even ordering in restaurants often go through an app. The best China eSIM gets you online the moment you land, so you can use WeChat, Alipay, and Didi from day one.
This guide explains how to choose an eSIM for China, which egoViet plans fit your trip, what to know about blocked websites and apps, and how to prepare your phone before you fly.
In this guide:
- Why get an eSIM for China?
- How to choose a China eSIM
- egoViet China eSIM plans
- Visiting Hong Kong, Macau, or More of Asia?
- Which plan is right for you?
- How to set up your China eSIM
- Tips for staying connected in China
- FAQs
Why Get an eSIM for China?
- Data from the moment you land. You will need it for ride-hailing, mobile payments, and translation.
- No SIM shop registration. Buying a local SIM in China involves passport checks at an operator store.
- Keep your number, which you may need for app verification codes.
- Cheaper than roaming with most home carriers.
How to Choose a China eSIM
Trip length
Pick a plan that covers your whole stay plus a spare day for flight times. egoViet plans can't be topped up, so it is better to size up than to run short. If your high-speed data does run out, you stay online at a basic speed of around 128 kbps, enough for messaging.
How much data you use
Maps, payments, and messages use little data. Video calls, translation apps, and hotspotting a laptop use more. Here is a guide to how much data you need when you travel.
Where you are going
For mainland China only, a China eSIM is the best value. If your trip also includes Hong Kong, Macau, or other parts of Asia, see the regional options below.
egoViet China eSIM Plans
The egoViet China eSIM connects to the China Unicom network, with 5G/4G coverage in cities and along major rail routes. Every plan supports hotspot and tethering. Here are some popular options (prices in USD, checked in October 2026; see the product page for current prices):
Fixed data plans
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $6.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $8.00 |
| 10 GB | 7 days | $10.00 |
| 20 GB | 5 days | $19.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $22.00 |
Daily data plans
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 500 MB/day | 3 days | $3.00 |
| 500 MB/day | 30 days | $21.00 |
| 1 GB/day | 7 days | $8.00 |
| 2 GB/day | 7 days | $9.00 |
| 3 GB/day | 3 days | $8.00 |
| 3 GB/day | 30 days | $66.00 |
Unlimited plans
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 3 days | $8.00 |
| Unlimited | 5 days | $13.00 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $18.00 |
| Unlimited | 10 days | $26.00 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $38.00 |
Visiting Hong Kong, Macau, or More of Asia?
Hong Kong and Macau use separate networks from mainland China. The Asia eSIM includes China, Hong Kong, and Macau on its daily plans, along with Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Note that China is not included on the Asia eSIM's fixed-data plans, so check the country list on the product page.
Here is how country and regional eSIMs compare.
Which China eSIM Plan Is Right for You?
| Your trip | Our pick |
|---|---|
| A week in Beijing or Shanghai | 5–10 GB for 7 days, or 1 GB/day |
| Two weeks across several cities | A 15-day plan with 10 GB or more |
| Business trip with lots of calls and hotspot use | A large plan or unlimited |
| China plus Hong Kong or Macau | Asia eSIM on a daily plan |
| Short transit stop | A short daily plan |
How to Set Up Your China eSIM
- Check your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. See our eSIM compatibility list.
- Buy your plan. The QR code arrives by email within minutes.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi with our installation guide.
- When you land in China, switch the eSIM on, set it for mobile data, and turn on data roaming for that line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM.
Tips for Staying Connected in China
- Know that many foreign services are restricted. Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many news sites are blocked on mainland networks. Ask our support team how your plan connects before you travel, and download everything you need in advance.
- Set up WeChat and Alipay at home. Both now accept many foreign cards, and you will use them for payments, taxis, and messages with local contacts.
- Download offline maps and a translator. Apple Maps, Amap, or Baidu Maps work well in China, and an offline Chinese language pack helps with menus and signs.
- Book trains in the official app. China Railway's 12306 app has an English version for high-speed rail tickets.
- Need to call? egoViet eSIMs are data-only, so use WeChat for local contacts, or FaceTime. Here is how calling works with a data-only eSIM.
FAQs: eSIMs for China
What is the best eSIM for China?
For a mainland China trip, a China eSIM is the best value. egoViet's China eSIM uses the China Unicom network and offers fixed, daily, and unlimited plans.
Will Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram work in China?
These services are restricted on mainland Chinese networks. Contact our support team before your trip to check how your plan connects, and download what you need in advance.
Does a China eSIM work in Hong Kong and Macau?
No, they use separate networks. Use the Asia eSIM daily plans, which cover all three, or separate eSIMs for each.
Does the China eSIM include a phone number?
No, it is data-only. Keep your home SIM active for verification codes, and use WeChat or FaceTime for calls.