Best eSIM for China in 2024: stay connected while traveling

Using the best eSIMs for China gives you roaming data at local rates, instead of the sky-high charges usually associated with your mobile carrier at home. Or, you can simply use a VOIP app to make “free” calls. Luckily, China does not prohibit the use of eSIMs, and you can easily get an eSIM for around $5-100, with popular providers including Saily, Airalo, Nomad, and aloSIM.

The best eSIM for China, based on my research, is Saily, a new eSIM service from NordVPN. If you want to maintain access to your services back home while protecting your personal information in one of the world’s most surveilled countries, I recommend downloading NordVPN and taking advantage of the free trial and money-back guarantee during your trip.

Best China eSIMs: shortlist

1. Saily

   Overall best eSIM for China
   9.6
2. Airalo

   Best eSIM for China to partner with a VPN
   9.3
3. Jetpac

   Newcomer China eSIM with highly competitive travel perks
   9.2
4. aloSIM

   A flexible China eSIM with phone number included
   8.8
5. Nomad

   The cheapest China eSIM I could find
   8.4

Do all eSIMs work in China?

Most eSIMs work in China, including foreign eSIMs bought outside of the country, but yes – eSIMs in general work in China. That said, you should avoid buying an eSIM once you land – Chinese eSIMs are far more restrictive and won’t let you access all of the same online content. But since eSIMs are not illegal in China, I personally recommend finding the best eSIM for China while you’re still on home turf, before taking it with you when you travel.

What to pay attention to when choosing the best eSIM card for China?

Navigating China’s internet landscape requires careful consideration due to its strict online regulations and censorship. The Great Firewall restricts access to many international websites and services, so selecting the right eSIM is essential for staying connected. So, a little planning is essential, as your best choice of eSIM card for China will depend on the length of your stay and what you want to do with your device. Here are the key criteria you should consider:

1. How much data will you need? For a brief business trip with only email access, a 7-day, 1 GB eSIM should be enough. But for longer trips or streaming, you’ll need a more robust package with more data.
2. Do you need coverage in multiple regions? Saily covers 150+ countries, while Airalo covers 13 Asian destinations. If you’re taking a trip through multiple countries, make sure that you have an eSIM that will work when you get there.
3. Do you need calling functionality? VOIP apps are a reliable alternative to making actual phone calls, but in case you need to be reachable, some providers offer inclusive minutes for phone calls.

Best eSims for China in 2024: detailed guide

Here’s my overview of the best eSIMs you can get for China right now, including the latest eSIMs released in 2024.

1. Saily - overall best eSIM to use in China

Saily is the best eSIM for China in 2024, with affordable plans that start from 1 GB data over 7 days, for $4.49. Anything beyond that will last you for up to 30 days and varies from 3 GB for $9.99, to 20 GB for $42.99. I tend to use a lot of video streaming services while I’m abroad, so the 1 GB plan feels very limiting. If you want to use your devices for anything beyond simple web and email, I seriously advise choosing a 30-day plan or you could run out of data – Saily doesn’t have a pay-as-you-go option.

During my research, I learned that Saily was launched by NordVPN's parent company in 2024. One of the best things about NordVPN is its worldwide coverage, and Saily supports the same. Aside from using this eSIM in China, you can use it in over 150 other countries worldwide. Compare that to my number-two eSIM for China, Airalo, which covers 13 Asian locations. You can even get free data from Saily with a NordVPN trial!

As a fledgling eSIM service, Saily hasn't got quite the same roster of impressive Chinese telecommunications names behind it yet, and I couldn’t find any disclosure of the partners that it does have. However, the app worked well and delivered a minimalistic experience, making it easy to pick up a new eSIM for a specific country quickly – in time, NordVPN may begin to migrate some of its relevant security features to Saily, too.

Finally, I queried one of the subscription plans with customer service, which you can currently only reach via webform in the FAQ section. Thankfully, Saily shares similar response times with NordVPN’s customer support, and I had a reply the same day. All in all, this eSIM worked flawlessly and was very beginner-friendly, making it a shoe-in for first place in my list of best eSIMs for China. Be sure to check the Saily eSIM coupon codes page for potential discounts.

For a deeper investigation of Saily, read our Saily review.

2. Airalo - best eSIM for China with VPN

Airalo is another best eSIM for China, especially when used with a VPN. It offers reliable connectivity and competitive pricing, making it a practical choice for travelers. Because Airalo partners directly with Chinese telecommunications companies, including China Unicom, I saw excellent speeds through my VPN client no matter where I was in the region, as did my colleagues while writing our Airalo eSIM review.

Airalo's subscription plans are grouped into three types: Chinacom, Asialink, and Discover(+). Within each group, there are loads of options to tailor your data allowance and plan duration. The cheapest plan I saw was $5 for 1 GB data, valid for one week, while the most expensive Chinacom SIM is $49 for one month, with 20 GB to use. That makes it a pricier choice than NordVPN’s newcomer eSIM service, Saily.

However, the Asialink eSIM has a vastly higher data cap, at 100 GB that'll remain valid for 6 months and is available across 18 Asian countries. While it'll cost you more, at $185, it’s a powerhouse for people who want to binge streaming series. Or, for large groups of friends and family, the Discover(+) eSIM can support 12 active eSIMs from 1 GB to 20 GB data, for between $15 – $89. Be sure to check for Airalo discount codes, which can provide significant savings on your purchase. In summary, with Airalo I was impressed at the level of customization available with the subscription plans.

Finally, make sure that you’re still using a VPN with your eSIM – Airalo works very well for this purpose, with my mobile data coverage remaining strong and my connection fast enough for browsing and low-intensity downloads. Airalo even recommends continuing to use a VPN themselves, especially when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public spaces. NordVPN worked seamlessly during my tests.

For a deeper investigation of Airalo, read our Airalo review.

3. Jetpac – China eSIM with travel perks

Jetpac is a much newer China eSIM provider that launched in 2022, but it’s already improving on some other China eSIMs. Fledgling eSIM providers can suffer from fewer features than established and leading companies. However, Jetpac has taken the alternative path, providing some excellent perks that you won’t get elsewhere. For example, if your flight is delayed, you’ll get a voucher for free lounge access, which I found incredibly impressive.

Jetpac's eSIMs come in two categories – Jetflex and Jetpro. Jetflex lets you build your own China eSIM subscription, choosing custom data allowances and add-ons. Jetpro is a simplified all-in-one subscription. Admittedly, I felt a little let down to see how limited those options are. I hope that Jetpac continues to develop this plan in future, because it shows strong promise for people who need a pay-as-you-go or more flexible alternative.

With a Jetflex subscription, I could choose from 5 GB or 10 GB of data – but that is not a flat fee. Instead, you're signing up for a monthly subscription. For 5 GB, you'd pay $10.00, or for 10 GB, you'd pay $24.00. Choose Jetpro instead, and you can combine your China eSIM with travel add-ons, including 7 GB data across 100+ destinations, and a monthly lounge and fast-track pass that remain valid for almost a year.

The only sticking point for me was a three-month commitment. If you’re a regular traveler, that could work for you. However, if you tend to travel to Jetpac-supported locations infrequently, I suggest picking an alternative China eSIM. With all of this in mind, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Jetpac and monitoring the growth of Jetpro and Jetflex. With continued development, this best eSIM for China could quickly gain ground on its competitors and claim a higher position in my ranking.

4. aloSIM - flexible China eSIM with phone number

I found aloSIM’s pricing pretty reasonable; plans are competitive when compared against other China eSIMs found while writing VPN Pro’s aloSIM review. All of aloSIM's plans are prepaid only and start from 1 GB for $5, which lasts 7 days. The upper-range subscription is $28 for a 10 GB, 30-day plan, which I think will best suit streamers and social media junkies who want to stay connected. That said, it’s nearly double the price of Nomad’s similar plan.

You can also get a China eSIM that includes a phone number, giving you a way to keep in touch and receive calls from friends, family, or colleagues. The inclusion of a phone number and solid data plans make it a great choice in my assessment, for long-term travelers, especially if you plan to visit other supported locations like the US and Canada, the UK, Spain, Australia, Italy, and France.

With a huge spread of 170+ countries like Nomad, aloSIM also has a broader roster than even Saily. It offers regional plans, covering multiple countries simultaneously – the largest I saw, the eSIM Europe Regional Plan, covered 34 destinations. That said, I found Nomad to be a little lighter on location choice than alternatives. You can make a payment using Stripe, major credit and debit cards, and Apple Pay or Google Pay, but PayPal also seems to be missing from the roster of payment options.

For a deeper investigation of aloSIM, read our aloSIM review.

5. Nomad - cheapest eSIM for China

Nomad is a very popular eSIM for China travelers, and for other locations too.

In total, 110+ locations are on offer, and you can even get 5G connections if you're in the right place. But beware – while my team’s Nomad review left our reviewer with a positive impression, I have also since seen reports from users suggesting that 3G and LTE connections are possible depending on your region. These would be far too sluggish for any real use, though I wasn’t affected during my tests.

Location selection was impressive when I was signing up with Nomad. In total, Nomad covers more than 110 countries, including less-popular locations. I was able to choose from more niche destinations such as Nigeria and Kazakhstan. Nomad also has some great flexibility in its data plans, boasting Day Plan and Regular Plan subscription options. All of this is bundled into a calculator that lets you tailor your eSIM.

If you're only going on vacation for a week, you can get a 1 GB allowance for up to 7 days. In my experience, it's enough to check your emails and browse the internet. After that, you can get between 3 GB and 30 GB for a month, or 20 GB to 50 GB for 45 days. Long-term travelers and entertainment lovers will benefit most from the 60 GB for 60 days or 90 GB for 90 days options. I recommend checking out Nomad's pricing, as the cost varies so much depending on your plan choices. In general though, prices range from $15 for 10 GB over 30 days, up to $90 for 90 GB over 90 days, making longer plans better value for money.

All in all, Nomad's China eSIM was a reliable option that offers a super user-friendly app as the cherry on top. With Nomad's iPhone app, you can subscribe to and activate your eSIM in just a few minutes, as well as ensuring your eSIM is completely tailored to your trip.

For a deeper investigation of Nomad, read our Nomad review.

Best eSIMs for China travel: comparison

Below, I’ve included a comparison of key facts about my best China eSIMs. Bear in mind that the phone calls and SMS relate to the inclusive phone number. Regardless of your plan, if you keep your original phone eSIM active, you should still be able to receive calls and texts to your original number while in China – just watch out for charges.

Get Saily – best eSIM for China

When to activate an e-sim for China?

Before you can use your new eSIM in China, you will need to activate it. I recommend activating your eSIM for China either while you're en-route or once you've arrived in the country. Remember, your eSIM plan only has a certain number of days of use. If you activate your SIM too soon, it might run out before the end of your travels.

How to activate eSIM in China?

Activating your eSIM can follow a different process, depending on your provider. The best China eSIM providers I found, like Saily, offer very simple activation steps that let you get up and running in minutes. But bear in mind that some people might have to follow a longer process if problems crop up.

I’ve included steps to activate an eSIM in China below, using Saily as an example. But I’ve also checked my other top China eSIM recommendations, and they all have a similarly easy activation process you can follow in their dedicated apps.

Activate an eSIM for China on iOS

1. Download an eSIM with the best plans for China. For complete anonymity and to access blocked websites in China, I recommend getting NordVPN to score free eSIM data from Saily.
2. Download Saily or another eSIM for China from the App Store or Google Play.
3. Choose and purchase an eSIM plan.
   
   
4. Tap on “Activate eSIM”.
5. You’re good to go, accessing any site in China that’s blocked, or calling with VOIP.

Get a Saily China eSIM

How to make calls with China eSIM card?

Usually, it's as simple as choosing an app that uses VoIP (voice over internet protocol). In other words, make a call via Whatsapp, Teams, Skype, or Messenger. This has the benefit of avoiding potentially expensive premium rates for making international calls that aren’t within your subscription plan. Here are the quick steps I followed to get started:

1. Download the best eSIM for China – Saily. I recommend Saily thanks to its simple installation and activation process, and affordable prices. Make sure you do this before you fly to China.
2. Subscribe to an eSIM plan and decide what data you need. Longer plans with more data are better for longer trips.
3. Choose an app that can make VOIP calls. I often simply revert to Microsoft Teams because I use it for work. Install that app on your device.
4. Now, you can search for your contacts and call them. It won’t cost you a thing, but it will consume your data, so bear that in mind!

Things to know about using an eSIM card for China

By now, you’re probably starting to think about getting ready for your trip, so here’s a quick list of points to consider that you might not have thought about:

1. Check if your phone supports eSIMs. Not every phone does – eSIMs are a new technology, and older models don’t. I’ve included a reference list below.
2. Check availability for calling and obtaining a phone number. If you need a phone number, check your preferred eSIM for China offers them, because some don’t.
3. Consider the timing required for activation. Activate your eSIM before your flight so you don’t take any chances, as it must be done before you arrive in China.
4. Understand the steps involved in the activation process. Saily’s website has detailed troubleshooting steps to follow if the automatic activation doesn’t work, but you should be familiar with whatever provider you choose before heading off on your trip.
5. Choose an app for making phone calls. There are apps dedicated to this, but I simply used Whatsapp to make voice over IP calls and keep in touch with family.

While Saily has a really intuitive setup process, I recommend reading up on activation steps and what to do if your eSIM doesn’t activate the first time. Make sure you’re armed with this knowledge before you go to China, or you could end up stuck.

Does my phone support China eSIM card?

With the availability of eSIM tech, phone manufacturers are slowly transitioning to a card-less design. I've gathered the list of compatible devices below so that you can check if your phone's supported. Bear in mind that the year of release of your phone can determine whether it works with older models.

Conclusion: what is the best eSIM for China in 2024?

Based on my research, the best eSIM for China in 2024 is Saily. While still a new service, the eSIM was launched by a highly-trusted VPN company, NordVPN. In addition to the huge 150+ locations it supports, this gives me a lot of peace of mind when it comes to data security in such a heavily surveilled country as China. Saily also combines affordability and user-friendliness to make your best choice when picking an eSIM for China.

---

You may also like to read:

Airalo vs. aloSIM: which eSIM is better in 2024?
Airalo vs. Nomad: which eSIM is better in 2024?
Best eSIM for UK travel in 2024
Best eSIM for Europe

---

FAQ

Do Chinese carriers support eSim?

No, Chinese carriers do not support eSIMs, so I strongly recommend you don’t purchase a phone in China if you intend on using one. All Chinese SIMs are physical, so you will have to use a device purchased in another country if you want to load in an eSIM when you arrive in China.

Can I use Whatsapp in China with eSIM?

As long as you purchase an eSIM outside China, you’ll be able to use it to access Whatsapp and any other apps that are blocked in China. Your internet traffic will be routed through servers outside of the country, avoiding the heavy internet restrictions China is well-known for. For extra-robust privacy in a heavily-surveilled country, I advise using NordVPN – Saily belongs to the same company and you can get free data right now if you subscribe to NordVPN!

How do I activate eSIM on my iPhone from China?

Most eSIMs for China can be activated via a mobile app found in the App Store or Google Play. You simply sign up for a plan, choosing your preferred data allowances and duration, then check out and hit the activate button.

Can I keep my home phone number with a China eSIM card?

Yes, you can keep your regular phone number active while using a China eSIM card because you can use multiple SIM profiles on modern smartphones. But remember – you could incur hefty phone charges if you make or even receive calls while in a foreign country.

Can I use 5G on a China e-sim card?

Yes, you can use 5G on a China eSIM card as long as it’s supported by the eSIM provider you choose and your device. I researched providers that offer 5G internet, and you can choose from any of my best eSIMS for China – Saily, Airalo, Nomad, aloSIM, and Jetpac.

Does eSIM bypass China firewall?

One of the best things about using an eSIM in China is that your mobile internet traffic isn’t subject to Chinese internet restrictions. You won’t get blocked from popular social media and news sites. Personally, I recommend continuing to use a VPN, which will offer the utmost in data encryption and keep you safe from Chinese internet surveillance.

Can I use China eSIM in Hong Kong?

Yes, you can get an eSIM for China and Hong Kong that will work in both locations. In some cases, you might have to swap your plan when you change regions. In my experience, Saily is the best China eSIM for this purpose, with support for more than 150 countries that includes Hong Kong and China.

Are there eSIM cards for China that offer unlimited data?

Yes, there are eSIM cards for China that have unlimited data plans, with Holafly being a notable provider that I found very reasonably priced. But Holafly didn’t quite make my best-of list – I saw higher latency with this provider, and if you don’t need unlimited data, the pricing is quite high. Bear in mind that while they don’t offer unlimited data plans, other excellent China eSIM providers like Saily and Airalo let you top up your data on the go.