Searching for the best eSIM to use during your upcoming trip to China? As someone who has traveled extensively in China, I highly recommend getting an eSIM before your trip.
eSIMs allow you to access data services easily without the need for a physical SIM card. This saves you the hassle of finding and purchasing local SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can have connectivity right upon landing in China.
In this comprehensive guide, I will recommend the best eSIMs for China and provide tips on choosing the right plan for your needs.
Overview of eSIM Services in China
China has extensive 4G LTE coverage even in rural areas. 5G networks are rapidly growing in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
However, foreigners face limitations in getting SIM cards in China. Visitors SIM cards are only available in certain locations and require passport registration. Getting an eSIM for China beforehand solves these problems.
When choosing an eSIM for China, I recommend going with established providers like Airalo, Nomad, or Simoptions. These reputable companies offer good coverage, connectivity speeds, and English-language customer service.
Below I compare the best eSIM plan options across different providers:
Airalo
Airalo partners with local carrier Chinamobile to provide quality coverage. Their eSIMs reach speeds up to 4G LTE.
Best Value Pick: 10GB for 30 days at $28
Nomad
Nomad uses international roaming to enable connectivity in China. Select plans work on 5G networks.
Top Pick: 20GB for 30 days at $27
Simoptions
Simoptions offers flexible short-term plan tiers. Speeds reach up to 4G LTE.
Budget Pick: 1GB for 7 days at $7.90
When Should You Buy an eSIM for China?
I recommend purchasing your eSIM plan before your trip. You can then install it once you’ve landed in China. Trying to buy and set up an eSIM while in China can be difficult due to connectivity issues and language barriers.
Most eSIM providers allow you to install the eSIM anytime within 1 year of purchase. The validity period starts only upon first usage in China.
So order your eSIM a few weeks in advance, and you’ll be all set when your trip begins!
How to Choose the Right eSIM for China
Here are key factors to consider when choosing an eSIM plan for your trip to China:
- Data Amount: Estimate how much mobile data you’ll need during your trip. For light usage like messaging, maps, and social media, 3-5GB is likely sufficient for a week. Budget extra if you plan on heavier streaming.
- Validity Duration: Pick a timeframe that matches or exceeds the length of your stay in China. Most plans offer renewals if needed.
- Coverage Area: All recommended providers above use major Chinese networks like China Unicom and Chinamobile. So coverage is reliable especially in urban locations.
- Speeds: If you require fastest speeds, Nomad currently provides the only 5G eSIM option in China. Otherwise 4G LTE speeds are still good.
- Budget: Prices for eSIMs in China range from around $8 to $50+ depending on data amounts and validity. Factor this into your overall trip budget.
Once you’ve selected the right eSIM plan for your needs, you can securely order online and set up the eSIM easily through provider apps.
Installation Process for eSIMs in China
Here is the typical setup process for activating your Chinese eSIM:
- Order your eSIM plan from provider website and receive confirmation email
- Download your provider’s eSIM app (eg: Airalo) on your phone
- Open the app and scan the QR code from the email to activate your plan
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the eSIM on your phone
- Restart the phone after installation completes
- Your eSIM is now active! Turn on cellular data to connect
The whole process only takes a few minutes once you receive the eSIM voucher code. Make sure roaming and cellular data are enabled after installing.
You’ll now be able to access mobile internet in China right on arrival, without any hassle.
Using eSIMs for Multiple Countries
If China is one of several destinations on your Asia trip, you can also consider eSIM plans that cover multiple countries.
Two top providers for this are:
- Airalo – Get data in 13 Asia Pacific countries including China starting at $5.
- Nomad – Get data in 22 Asian regions including China starting at $15.
These allow you to use a single eSIM across different countries at local rates. Very convenient for an Asia tour!
For trips focused solely on China, I still recommend getting one of the China-specific eSIMs suggested earlier.
Pros & Cons of eSIMs vs Local SIM Cards
Here’s a comparison of using eSIMs versus local SIM cards while in China:
eSIMs
✅ Convenient to order online
✅ Ready for use right upon arrival
✅ Avoid registration hassles
✅ Don’t need to swap SIMs
✅ Shorter validity terms
Local SIM Cards
✅ Allow phone calls & texts
✅ Can get higher data amounts
✅ Usually cheaper for long stays
❌ Inconvenient purchase process
❌ Require passport registration
For short trips of under 2 weeks, eSIMs make more sense. The convenience factors outweigh the higher prices compared to local SIMs purchased in country.
If staying over 2 weeks, evaluating a local SIM card could save you money especially for high data usage needs. Just brace for a more complex purchase experience once in China.
Final Thoughts on the Best eSIM for China
Getting an eSIM before your visit makes staying connected in China much simpler. You skip the language/documentation barriers and can enable mobile data right off the plane.
Top providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Simoptions provide reliable coverage through partnerships with major Chinese carriers.
Select a China eSIM plan that fits your budget and usage requirements. Pre-ordering online only takes a few minutes. Then save the confirmation details to set up seamlessly upon arrival.
Have any other questions on choosing the best eSIM in China this year? Leave them in the comments and I’m happy to help!
