Best eSIM for China (2026)
Compare 29 eSIM plans for China from 3 providers, sorted by price per GB. The lowest price per GB we list is Airalo at $0.98/GB (50 GB for $49.00).
Prices checked on 2026-11-07 on each provider's own website.
Quick picks for China
China is the destination where choosing an eSIM matters most. Many foreign apps and websites are restricted in mainland China, and providers handle that differently. Set up your eSIM before you leave home.
All China eSIM plans
| Provider / plan | Data | Validity | Price | Per GB | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo 50 GB, 30 days |
50 GB | 30 days | $49.00 | $0.98 | View plan | |
| Airalo 20 GB, 15 days |
20 GB | 15 days | $39.00 | $1.95 | View plan | |
| Saily 20 GB, 30 days |
20 GB | 30 days | $39.99 | $2.00 | View plan | |
| Airalo 20 GB, 30 days |
20 GB | 30 days | $40.00 | $2.00 | View plan | |
| Airalo 10 GB, 7 days |
10 GB | 7 days | $24.50 | $2.45 | View plan | |
| Airalo 10 GB, 15 days |
10 GB | 15 days | $25.50 | $2.55 | View plan | |
| Airalo 10 GB, 30 days |
10 GB | 30 days | $26.50 | $2.65 | View plan | |
| Saily 10 GB, 30 days |
10 GB | 30 days | $26.99 | $2.70 | View plan | |
| Airalo 5 GB, 7 days |
5 GB | 7 days | $14.50 | $2.90 | View plan | |
| Airalo 5 GB, 15 days |
5 GB | 15 days | $15.00 | $3.00 | View plan | |
| Airalo 5 GB, 30 days |
5 GB | 30 days | $15.50 | $3.10 | View plan | |
| Airalo 3 GB, 3 days |
3 GB | 3 days | $9.50 | $3.17 | View plan | |
| Saily 5 GB, 30 days |
5 GB | 30 days | $15.99 | $3.20 | View plan | |
| Airalo 3 GB, 7 days |
3 GB | 7 days | $10.50 | $3.50 | View plan | |
| Saily 3 GB, 30 days |
3 GB | 30 days | $10.99 | $3.66 | View plan | |
| Airalo 1 GB, 3 days |
1 GB | 3 days | $4.00 | $4.00 | View plan | |
| Saily 1 GB, 7 days |
1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 | $4.49 | View plan | |
| Airalo Unlimited, 3 days |
Unlimited | 3 days | $11.50 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 3 days |
Unlimited | 3 days | $11.90 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
| Airalo Unlimited, 5 days |
Unlimited | 5 days | $19.00 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 5 days |
Unlimited | 5 days | $20.50 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
| Airalo Unlimited, 7 days |
Unlimited | 7 days | $27.00 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 7 days |
Unlimited | 7 days | $27.50 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
| Airalo Unlimited, 10 days |
Unlimited | 10 days | $35.00 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 10 days |
Unlimited | 10 days | $37.50 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
| Airalo Unlimited, 15 days |
Unlimited | 15 days | $49.00 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 15 days |
Unlimited | 15 days | $51.50 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
| Airalo Unlimited, 30 days |
Unlimited | 30 days | $69.00 | — | Slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB/day |
View plan |
| Holafly Unlimited, 30 days |
Unlimited | 30 days | $76.50 | — | Hotspot sharing up to 1 GB/day |
View plan |
What to know about eSIMs in China
- Install your eSIM before you travel. Saily warns that access to its app may be limited in China, and the same can apply to other providers' apps.
- Airalo's China eSIM does not include Hong Kong or Macao. Buy a separate plan if you're visiting either.
- Saily's China plans use China Telecom and China Unicom.
- Travel eSIMs often route data outside mainland China, which can affect which apps and sites work. Check each provider's current notes on this before you buy, because it can change.
How much data do you need?
| Light use (maps, messaging, some browsing) | about 0.3 to 0.5 GB a day |
| Moderate use (plus social media and photos) | about 0.5 to 1 GB a day |
| Heavy use (video, video calls, hotspot) | 2 GB a day or more: consider unlimited |
Rough estimates. Video streaming and hotspot use are what drain data fastest.
Sources: Airalo · Holafly · Saily. Prices in USD, checked 2026-11-07. Prices change often, so confirm on the provider's site before buying.
FAQ
What is the best eSIM for China?
It depends on how much data you need and for how long. Sort the table by price per GB for heavy use, or by price for short trips. We currently list 29 plans from 3 providers for China.
Do I need an eSIM for China?
Not necessarily, but a travel eSIM is often much cheaper than your home carrier's roaming charges, and you can set it up before you leave.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Check your phone's settings under mobile data or SIM for an option to add an eSIM.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
Most providers let you install the eSIM before you travel, then activate it when you land. Check whether the validity period starts at installation or at first connection.
Can I keep my normal number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. On a dual-SIM phone your regular SIM can stay on for calls and texts while the travel eSIM handles data. Turn off data roaming on your home line to avoid charges.