Compare the best eSIM plans for China
Internet from the moment you land in China
- Instant activation
- iPhone and Android compatible
- From 1,45€
- 4900+ plans compared
Photo credit : Kaca Pic
1,45€
Cheapest plan
4900+
China plans compared
25+
Providers available
5G
Network supported
Best eSIM deals for China
Transparency: some links in this table are affiliate links. Datadopt may earn a commission at no extra cost to you ; the ranking stays independent.
Stellar eSIM
3 GB
30 days
CN
1,45€
AbesteSIM
1 GB
1 day
CN
0,43€
eSIM.dog
1 GB
1 day
CN
0,60€
MicroEsim
1 GB
1 day
CN
0,66€
Ozly eSIM
1 GB
7 days
CN
0,99€
Roamic
1 GB
7 days
CN
2,00€
eSIM for China at a glance
From
€1.72
For 5 GB / 30 days
Plan duration
1 to 30+ days
Depending on the plan
Local networks
China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
4G / 5G
VPN needed?
Yes, recommended
To access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram
Hotspot tethering
Available
On most plans
Compatibility
iPhone XS+ / Android 8.0+
Check your device
Internet in China: everything you need to know
China is one of the densest mobile markets in the world, with more than a billion internet users and an internet penetration rate of about 78% (source: ITU DataHub, 2024). 4G covers virtually every populated area and 5G is rolling out quickly in major metropolitan hubs. A China eSIM gives you access to this network the moment you land, with no physical card swap and no reliance on hotel wifi.
- ●4G/5G coverage in every major city and tourist hotspot (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xi'an).
- ●Mobile download speeds measured around 110 to 130 Mbps according to Ookla (Q1 2025).
- ●Perfect for local apps you cannot avoid on the ground (WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Baidu).
- ●Skips the high roaming fees European carriers charge outside the EU.
Sources: Internet Society Pulse : China, ITU DataHub : China statistics, Ookla Speedtest Global Index
eSIM pricing in China: what our data shows
According to the Datadopt Observatory, the best price per GB actually available in China is 0.06 €/GB, across 2,769 plans compared. The real differentiator is not the headline rate but the depth of the offer: the more plans compete, the easier it is to find the duration and data volume that fit your trip.
Best price per GB
0.06 €/GB
Plans compared
2,769
Asia average
0.21 €/GB
World ranking
3 / 215
China is 71% cheaper than the Asia regional average (0.21 €/GB).
Source: Datadopt eSIM Price Observatory, 170,286 plans analysed, measured 1 September 2026.
See the eSIM price Observatory by country →Which eSIM providers for China?
Here are the 6 best-placed eSIM providers for China, ranked by best price per GB. Prices are expressed per GB so plans of different sizes can be compared on the same basis.
| Provider | Price per GB | From | Max duration | Hotspot | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AbesteSIM | 0.27 €/GB | 0.43 € | 30 d | Yes | — |
| eSIM.dog | 0.30 €/GB | 0.60 € | 90 d | Yes | — |
| MicroEsim | 0.37 €/GB | 0.66 € | 30 d | Yes | Yes |
| Stellar eSIM | 0.48 €/GB | 0.50 € | 30 d | Yes | Yes |
 Billion Connect | 0.63 €/GB | 1.24 € | 90 d | Yes | — |
| Ozly eSIM | 0.69 €/GB | 0.99 € | 15 d | Yes | — |
Providers ranked by best price per GB, across plans of at least 1 GB. Source: Datadopt catalogue.
Compare all plans →Device compatibility
eSIM is built into every iPhone XS and later, as well as Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3a+ and most high-end Motorola, Oppo, Sony and Xiaomi models.
Not sure about your device? Check compatibility here.
How to install your eSIM for China
- 1. Compare offers on https://www.datadopt.com/en/compare/cn
- 2. Browse our partners' eSIM offers and choose the data volume and duration that fit your trip.
- 3. Purchase the eSIM plan that best fits your needs on our partner's site.
- 4. Receive a QR code by email after purchase.
- 5. Before you leave or during your stay, add the eSIM to your smartphone (Note: a stable Wi-Fi connection may be required during this step.)
- 5.1. On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add Plan > Scan the QR code
- 5.2. On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add a mobile plan
- 6. Once you arrive, turn on the data of your eSIM and enjoy reliable internet in China.
Frequently asked questions
Do eSIMs really work in China?
Yes. The vast majority of international eSIMs connect to China Unicom or China Mobile the moment you land. Prefer a plan that explicitly mentions mainland China coverage (not just Hong Kong).
Do I need a VPN in China?
If you want to use Google Maps, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (Twitter) or Facebook, yes. Many international eSIMs bypass restrictions by routing traffic via Hong Kong: in that case a VPN is no longer needed for those services.
Can I keep my home phone number?
Yes. The eSIM installs alongside your main physical or eSIM line. You keep your home number for SMS and calls while using the China eSIM for mobile data.
What's the best eSIM for Shanghai or Beijing?
Both cities have full 5G coverage. For a short trip (≤ 7 days) a 3 to 5 GB plan is plenty. For 2 weeks or more, target 10 to 20 GB to cover heavy use of maps, translation and light streaming.
Do WhatsApp and Google work?
Not through the standard mainland Chinese network. However, many international eSIMs (Holafly, Airalo, etc.) route traffic via Hong Kong, which lets those services work without a VPN. Check the plan page.
Can I share my connection with other devices?
Most China eSIM plans allow hotspot tethering. A few carriers restrict it; the detail appears on each plan page on Datadopt.
How much does an eSIM cost in China, and is it cheap?
According to the Datadopt Observatory, the best price per GB actually available in China is 0.06 €/GB, across 2,769 plans compared. The real differentiator is not the headline rate but the depth of the offer: the more plans compete, the easier it is to find the duration and data volume that fit your trip. China is 71% cheaper than the Asia regional average (0.21 €/GB). In our global ranking of well-covered eSIM markets, China sits at position 3 of 215 by price per GB (1 = cheapest). Source: Datadopt eSIM Price Observatory, 170,286 plans analysed, measured 1 September 2026.
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Ready to stay connected in China?
Compare the best eSIM offers and enjoy data the moment you arrive, at the best price.