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Compare eSIM Plans for China
Find an eSIM for your trip to China. Compare plan prices, data and validity, and explore local network coverage and published speed benchmarks before you choose.
Compare plansPlan snapshot
Updated Oct 5, 19:04 UTCUpdated at October 5, 2026, 19:04 UTC
$0.51
471
7
Prices in USD. Check the provider's terms before purchasing.
465 plans match your filters · showing 50
RedteaGO
China (Mainland & HK & Macao) - Data Basic Unlimited Data
Mobile, Unicom
RedteaGO
Mainland China - Data Basic Unlimited Data
Mobile, Unicom
RedteaGO
China (Mainland & HK & Macao) - Data 30days 1gb
Mobile, Unicom
RedteaGO
Global (130+ areas) - Data Basic Unlimited Data
Mobile, Unicom
eSIM Card
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Global Lite
Unicom
eSIM Card
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for China
Unicom
RedteaGO
China (Mainland & HK & Macao) - Data Premium Unlimited Data
Mobile, Unicom
RedteaGO
Mainland China - Data Premium Unlimited Data
Mobile, Unicom
RedteaGO
China (Mainland & HK & Macao) - Data 30days 3gb
Mobile, Unicom
eSIM Card
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Asia
Unicom
Buying Guide
How to Choose an eSIM for China
The right plan depends on how long you will be in China, where you will travel and how you use your phone. A few days in Beijing or Shanghai has different needs from a high-speed rail trip, a route on Hainan, or a crossing into Hong Kong or Macau.
Match the validity to your full trip
Choose a validity period that covers every day you need mobile data, including your arrival and departure days. Do not assume a plan starts when you land. Some providers begin the validity period when the eSIM is installed, while others start it when the eSIM first connects to a supported network.
Check the activation rule before installing. A low priced plan can become poor value if its validity starts too early or expires before the end of your trip.
Choose data for the way you travel
Maps, messaging and occasional browsing use far less data than video, cloud backups, video calls or sharing a connection with a laptop. Pick a fixed data allowance if your use is predictable. Consider a larger or unlimited plan if you expect to work remotely, stream often or use hotspot regularly.
Check the local network partner
The mobile networks in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. International eSIM providers connect through one or more of these local partner networks.
The local partner matters because coverage and the apps you can open vary by network. Check the partner shown on each plan, especially if your route leaves the largest cities or includes a long rail trip. Some familiar apps may not open on networks in mainland China.
Compare the restrictions, not just the data label
Two plans with the same data allowance can offer very different value. Compare price per GB, hotspot support, 5G access, top up options and any speed cap. For unlimited plans, read the fair use policy and check how much high speed data is included before speeds are reduced.
Decide whether you need calls and texts
Many travel eSIMs are data only. You can still use internet-based calling apps where those apps open, but you may not receive a Chinese phone number or standard voice and SMS service.
If you need a local number for calls, hotel bookings or other services, filter for plans that clearly include voice and SMS. Confirm the number type and the countries covered before purchasing.
Data Guide
How Much Data Do You Need in China?
Your actual use depends on app settings, video quality, background activity and how often you connect to WiFi. These broad ranges can help you choose a starting point.
| Traveler type | Suggested planning range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Light user | 1 to 3 GB per week | Google Maps, WhatsApp, email, web browsing and occasional social media |
| Average traveler | 5 to 10 GB per week | Frequent navigation, social media, music, travel apps and some short video |
| Heavy user | 15 GB or more per week | Video calls, streaming, remote work, frequent uploads and hotspot use |
Download offline maps, music and entertainment over WiFi before traveling if you want a smaller plan. Turn off automatic photo backups and app updates on mobile data to prevent background use from consuming your allowance.
An unlimited plan can be convenient, but it is not automatically the fastest option. Compare the high speed allowance, fair use terms, hotspot rules and reduced speed before deciding.
Coverage
Mobile Networks and eSIM Coverage in China
Major mainland networks
- China Mobile
- China Unicom
- China Telecom
- China Broadnet
The mobile networks in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported 5G service in every township and in more than 95% of administrative villages. That is not a promise for every building or train. A travel eSIM only receives the networks and technologies in its provider agreement.
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen usually offer more network choice than smaller towns. Signal quality can still change inside buildings, on the metro and on a high-speed train.
A 5G label is not a coverage promise. A travel eSIM can stay on 4G when the plan, the partner or the phone does not support 5G at that spot. Check the listed partner and its coverage map when you need a connection for navigation.
Network speed testSection reviewed
Mobile network speeds in China
China has 3 main mobile networks: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. China Mobile leads native download tests at 103 Mbps, and China Mobile shows the lowest reported latency at 51 ms. Travel eSIMs connect through these local host networks — check which partner a plan uses, and treat the figures below as native-network benchmarks rather than guaranteed roaming speeds.
Benchmarks reflect native host network performance. Roaming eSIM latency and speeds may vary by provider routing.
Network data source: User tests (Oct 2025 – Sep 2026)
Plan prices checked: Oct 5, 2026
China mobile networks compared
| Network | Download | Upload | Latency | Best for | eSIM plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
China MobileFastest download | 103 Mbps | 22.5 Mbps | 51 msFair | HD streaming, video calls | eSIMs on China Mobile |
China Unicom | 64.9 Mbps | 17.5 Mbps | 157 msSlow | HD streaming | eSIMs on China Unicom |
China Telecom | 25.5 Mbps | 25.4 Mbps | 159 msSlow | HD streaming | eSIMs on China Telecom |
- Download
- 103 Mbps
- Upload
- 22.5 Mbps
- Latency
- 51 msFair
- Best for
- HD streaming, video calls
- Download
- 64.9 Mbps
- Upload
- 17.5 Mbps
- Latency
- 157 msSlow
- Best for
- HD streaming
- Download
- 25.5 Mbps
- Upload
- 25.4 Mbps
- Latency
- 159 msSlow
- Best for
- HD streaming
Nationwide native-network averages; your speed depends on location, device, plan, and roaming routing.
China mobile internet: common questions
Unlimited Plans
Are Unlimited eSIM Plans Available in China?
Unlimited and high data eSIM plans are available for China when shown in the current comparison results. The word unlimited does not describe every condition of a plan.
One provider may include a daily high speed allowance followed by slower data. Another may apply a fixed speed cap, a fair use threshold or a separate hotspot limit. Some plans allow tethering without a stated cap, while others restrict it or do not support it.
Open the plan details and compare these points:
The amount of data available at full speed
The speed after any daily or total allowance is reached
Whether hotspot and tethering are allowed
Any daily reset time
The network and 5G access
The activation and validity rules
Choose unlimited for the conditions you need, not only for the label.
Compare China planseSIM vs Local
eSIM or Local SIM in China?
Both can work well. The better choice depends on whether you value setup before arrival, a local phone number or access to a particular Chinese operator.
| Travel eSIM | Local SIM or operator eSIM |
|---|---|
| Can usually be purchased before departure | Bought in person at an operator's own service hall |
| No physical SIM swap is needed | Physical SIM and eSIM options depend on the operator |
| Lets you keep your primary SIM installed | May replace a physical primary SIM in a single slot phone |
| Makes plans from several providers easier to compare | May offer local bundles and a Chinese phone number |
| Many plans are data only | Voice and SMS options are more common |
| Support and identification requirements depend on the provider | A foreign visitor registers in person with a passport |
A travel eSIM is useful when you want data ready for arrival and do not need a Chinese number. A local plan may suit a longer stay or a traveler who needs conventional calls, SMS and local service. A foreign visitor registers that line in person with a passport or a foreign permanent resident ID card. One person may hold no more than five active SIMs with the same operator. Compare the complete package rather than assuming one type is always cheaper.
Country vs Regional
Should You Choose a China eSIM or a Regional Asia eSIM?
China eSIM
A China specific eSIM usually makes sense when most or all of your trip is within mainland China. Many visits never leave the mainland. It may provide more plan choices or a better price for the amount of data you need.
Regional Asia eSIM
A regional Asia eSIM can be more convenient if the same trip includes Hong Kong or Macau. You can keep one eSIM profile active across those destinations instead of installing a separate plan in each place.
- Hong Kong
- Macau
Compatibility
Will My Phone Work With an eSIM in China?
Your phone generally needs to support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Compatibility can vary by model, country of purchase and device configuration, even when a phone family normally supports eSIM.
Look in your phone settings for an option to add an eSIM or mobile plan, and confirm your exact model supports eSIM before purchasing. If your device is locked to a carrier, contact that carrier before traveling.
Traveler Tips
Mobile Connectivity Tips for China
Install before departure, but check the start rule.
Installation at home gives you reliable WiFi and time to solve setup issues. Wait if the provider starts validity at installation. Finish setup before arrival, because some apps may not open after you land.
Protect your primary SIM from roaming charges.
Keep it active if you need your usual number for calls or verification texts, but turn off mobile data switching and data roaming for that line.
Download maps and tickets before a long rail trip.
Save the route and your tickets before you board a high-speed train. Signal can change in stations and on the train.
Expect signal changes on the metro.
Coverage can change in metro stations in Beijing and Shanghai. Download the route if you need it offline.
Some familiar apps may not open.
WhatsApp and Google services are commonly unavailable on networks in mainland China. Download what you need before you land.
Hong Kong or Macau needs its own listing.
A crossing is a new destination. Hong Kong and Macau have to be named on the plan if you want data there too.
Top Providers available in China
A quick overview of travel eSIM options for China
Saily
Airalo
RedteaGO
Yesim
VoyeGlobal
eSIM Card
Yaalo
Popular Destinations
Explore eSIM plans for other popular destinations travelers often compare with China
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about choosing, installing, and traveling with prepaid eSIMs.
Still have questions about choosing an eSIM?
Search your destination to compare plans, prices per GB, and networks.
Compare plansOr read our Travel eSIM help for setup and troubleshooting, or check eSIM Compatible Devices.