Best eSIM Options For Travelling To China in 2025

I’ll never forget the time I ordered what I thought was a mild noodle soup in a tiny alleyway restaurant in Chengdu. One bite in, and I was sweating so much the chef handed me a tissue and gave me a thumbs up - apparently, I’d unknowingly chosen the spiciest dish on the menu. It’s those little surprises that make travelling in China so unforgettable: the unexpected flavours, the hidden markets, the endless new experiences waiting around every corner.

But while spicy noodles can be a fun surprise, struggling to stay connected shouldn’t be. That’s where having the right eSIM makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best eSIM options for China travel, what to look out for, and how to keep your favourite apps (and your sanity) working the whole way. Let’s dive in.

Why Choose an eSIM for China Travel

When you're travelling to China, an eSIM isn't just a handy gadget trick - it’s a real game changer. One big reason? You can slip past the "great firewall" and actually use apps like Google Maps, Instagram, and WhatsApp without the usual headaches. You also dodge those scary roaming charges that can ruin your holiday budget faster than you can say "Ni hao".

Another huge win is the no-fuss setup. You don’t need to dig around for a paperclip to swap SIM cards at the airport (I’ve definitely lost one or two SIM trays doing that). Instead, you can activate your eSIM before you even leave home, so you land in China ready to share your first noodle bowl pic straight away. My personal advice: always get your eSIM sorted before you arrive. It’s much easier to get everything working while you’re still connected to your home WiFi, and it saves you the stress of trying to set things up while in China which can sometimes be tricky!

Best eSIM Options for Travelling to China (Comparison List)

Picking the best eSIM for China travel can feel like navigating a crowded night market - so many options and everyone promising the best deal. To make it easier, I’ve rounded up a few solid picks below, comparing price, data, and extra perks. Spoiler: I work at ZenSim, but I’ll keep it as fair as possible!

ZenSim

ZenSim offers an Asia eSIM that covers China and 12 other countries for A$55 ($33 USD) with 20GB for 30 days. Or, if you’re focusing just on China, there’s a dedicated China eSIM of 20GB for A$59 ($36 USD). But honestly, it’s a no-brainer to grab the Asia eSIM since it’s cheaper and gives you extra country coverage in case you decide to hop over to Japan or Thailand.

The ZenSim eSIM includes a built-in VPN so you’ll be able to scroll through Instagram and reply to WhatsApp messages without worrying about internet restrictions. Plus, the team is always around on WhatsApp and Messenger to help if anything goes sideways.

Airalo

Airalo is one of the biggest names out there, and they offer a 20GB plan for China at A$62.50 ($40 USD) for 30 days. It’s a decent price and easy to buy through their app. However, they have a lower Trustpilot score (3.5/5), which might make you think twice if you’re big on customer support or reliability.

It’s still a solid choice if you just want a quick, straightforward option.

Saily

Saily is backed by NordVPN, which already tells you a lot about their focus on privacy. They have a 20GB plan for 30 days priced at A$76 ($47.99 USD).

It’s a bit pricier than other options, but for travellers who already love NordVPN or prioritise security, it might be worth the extra spend. Their reputation is solid, and if you’re a Nord fan, you’ll feel right at home.

Gigago

Gigago offers a 20GB 30-day plan for China at A$59 ($36.90 USD). They’re a lesser-known brand, but if you’re looking for value without breaking the bank, they’re definitely worth a look and a budget friendly alternative.

Their pricing is comparable to ZenSim’s dedicated China plan, but without the bonus of extra country coverage – Gigago also includes a built in VPN which is handy.

Holafly

Holafly is probably the biggest name in travel eSIMs and stands out for one big reason: unlimited data. Instead of set data limits, they offer plans based on days. Their 30-day unlimited plan for China will set you back A$117 ($74.90 USD), which is similar to ZenSim’s Unlimited Asia eSIM pricing if you’re someone who loves streaming and endless scrolling.

Holafly has great reviews and is perfect for those who don’t want to worry about running out of data. Just keep in mind - they’re the most expensive option on this list. If unlimited data is your jam, though, it might be worth the splurge.

Things to Consider When Choosing an eSIM for Travel to China

Before picking an eSIM for China travel, there are a few key things to keep in mind. It’s tempting to just go for the cheapest or biggest data plan, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Think about how much data you'll actually need, what kind of coverage the provider offers, and if you might be heading to other countries on the same trip. Flexibility and reliable customer support can also make your life a lot easier, especially if you run into any hiccups while abroad.

Data Packages and Coverage

Everyone uses data differently when they travel. Some folks are constantly uploading videos and checking maps, while others just need to stay in touch with family and check the occasional email. Most travel eSIM plans for China range from about 5GB up to 20GB for 30 days, which is usually plenty for standard use. There are some Unlimited plans around but they are on the more expensive side. The ZenSim Asia plan has a 30 day Unlimited plan for A$119 ($72 USD) if you did need the extra GBs.

Coverage is another biggie, where will you be travelling to? If you’re sticking only to China, a dedicated China eSIM might make sense. But if you're planning to hop around Asia, a regional option like the ZenSim Asia eSIM (which covers 13 countries) can save you the trouble of buying a new SIM every time you cross a border.

Access to Social Media and Websites (VPN Importance)

A big challenge for travellers in China is internet access. Apps and websites like Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked without a VPN by the infamous “Great Firewall”. So if you want to upload that dumpling photo or find your Airbnb on Google Maps, you’ll need a workaround.

Some eSIM providers include a built-in VPN, which is super handy and saves you from sorting out a separate service. ZenSim is one of the options that offers this, making it easy to stay connected without jumping through extra hoops. The best providers often include one, but it’s always good to be sure. Even if you’re not a big social media person, having access to essential apps and services makes travel way smoother.

Customer Support and Flexibility

Customer support isn’t the first thing people think about, but it really matters when you're travelling. If something stops working, you don’t want to be stuck on your own in a country where you might not speak the language. It’s worth checking if the provider offers quick support through channels like WhatsApp or Messenger, and reading user reviews to get a sense of how they actually treat customers.

Flexibility is another plus. Look at whether you can easily top up your data or extend your plan if you end up staying longer or using more data than planned. Being able to adjust on the go can save you a lot of headaches later on, we particularly like it when a provider has an app for these sorts of things.

How to Install and Activate Your eSIM for China Travel

Getting your eSIM set up before heading to China can save you a lot of headaches. Some people try to install it after they land and get stuck battling Chinese WiFi restrictions. It’s way smoother (and less stressful) to sort it all out before you leave home. Once installed, you’ll be able to touch down in China and jump online almost instantly.

Before You Leave

Before you zip up your suitcase and depart, we recommend installing the eSIM while you’re still at home on a stable WiFi connection. If you're using an iPhone and see the “Unable to Activate eSIM” error, don’t panic. That’s normal - it just means the eSIM will fully activate once it connects to a local network in China.

The most important thing is that you can see your eSIM listed under Mobile/Cellular settings (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android) after installation. Once that’s confirmed, you’re all set.

When You Arrive in China

After you land, all you’ll need to do is enable your eSIM line and wait for it to connect. Usually, it will kick in automatically, but sometimes you might need to toggle airplane mode or restart your phone to get things going.

If you followed the steps before departure, this part should be a breeze. Still, tech can be moody sometimes. If your connection doesn’t start right away, you can check out our eSIM connectivity troubleshooting guide. It’s got handy tips that work no matter which provider you chose. But typically it’s just a simple setting which needs to be enabled to get you up and running which the guide will point you to.

Can You Use Social Media and Google in China with an eSIM?

One of the biggest questions travellers ask before visiting China is whether they’ll be able to use apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or even Google Maps. The short answer is: not without help. China’s "great firewall" blocks a huge number of popular websites and apps, which can make staying connected to friends, finding directions, or even uploading that perfect street food snap pretty tricky.

This is where a VPN (virtual private network) becomes your new best mate. Some eSIMs, like ZenSim, include a built-in VPN so you can browse freely without having to set up anything extra. It means you can keep using your favourite apps and services just like you would at home, without jumping through technical hoops or downloading separate VPN software.

Even if you’re not big on social media, having access to Google or messaging apps can make a massive difference when you’re navigating a new city or trying to book tickets on the go. So if staying fully connected matters to you, definitely look out for an eSIM that includes a VPN option - it’ll save you a lot of headaches (and awkward moments asking strangers for directions in Chinese).

FAQs About Using an eSIM Card for China Travel

Travelling to China can come with a few extra connectivity questions, especially if it’s your first time using an eSIM there. Here are some of the most common questions I hear from travellers, and a few honest tips to help you plan your trip with fewer surprises.

Can I buy an eSIM after arrival in China?

Technically, yes - but I really wouldn’t recommend it. Many people run into issues installing or activating an eSIM after they arrive because of strict internet restrictions. You might end up stuck without a working connection just when you need maps or a translation app most. To save yourself the stress, always purchase and install your eSIM before you fly.

Can I renew my China Travel eSIM?

Absolutely! Any decent eSIM provider should let you top up or extend your plan. With ZenSim, for example, you can buy top ups anytime directly in the app, even from within China since your eSIM is already installed. You can top up as many times as needed, so if you decide to stay longer or use more data than expected, you’re covered.

Are eSIMs banned in China?

No, eSIMs aren’t banned in China. The confusion often comes from the fact that devices made and sold within Mainland China don’t support eSIMs due to local security and economic regulations. If you bought your device elsewhere and it supports eSIM, you should be totally fine using it in China.

Can I use my China eSIM in Hong Kong?

Usually, no. Most eSIMs sold as “China” specific won’t work in Hong Kong, since it has a different network setup. But if you choose a regional eSIM (like the ZenSim Asia eSIM), you’ll be able to use it in Hong Kong and other nearby countries too. That extra flexibility can come in handy if you’re planning to explore beyond the mainland on the same trip.

Final Thoughts on Picking the Best eSIM for China Travel

Choosing the best eSIM for China travel isn’t just about picking the cheapest option or the one with the biggest data package. It’s about finding the right balance of coverage, data allowance, support, and extra features (like that all-important VPN) that match the way you travel.

If you’re someone who loves bouncing between countries, a regional eSIM like the ZenSim Asia option can give you extra freedom without needing to juggle multiple plans. If you’re staying put in China and want something straightforward, a China-only eSIM can work just fine - just remember to check network coverage and whether you’ll need VPN access.

Don’t forget to think about customer support and flexibility, too. The ability to top up easily or get quick help can turn a stressful situation into a minor hiccup.

At the end of the day, staying connected makes your travels easier and way more fun. With a bit of planning (and making sure you install before you fly), you’ll be ready to explore, post, and navigate without a hitch. Whichever option you go for, enjoy every dumpling, market alley, and rooftop view - and share it all without missing a beat!