Why an eSIM is Essential for China
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, China does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
The Great Firewall: Major Restriction
VERY IMPORTANT: China blocks access to many Western services via the Great Firewall:
- Blocked: Google (Gmail, Maps, Search), Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, etc.
- Chinese alternatives: Baidu (search), WeChat (messaging), Baidu Maps (navigation), Youku (video)
- VPN solution: Some eSIMs include a VPN to bypass the firewall (Saily with NordVPN included, some Airalo plans with optional VPN)
Important note: Hong Kong and Macao are not subject to the Great Firewall. If you visit these regions, plan for a different eSIM or verify that your plan covers these areas without restrictions.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is widespread in Chinese hotels and cafes, but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, increased surveillance
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
- Restrictions: even on WiFi, the Great Firewall blocks the same sites
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas. With VPN included (Saily), you can bypass the Great Firewall.
Network Coverage in China
China has excellent 4G/5G coverage (95%+) in urban areas thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| China Mobile |
95%+ |
Yes |
60% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| China Unicom |
93%+ |
Yes |
25% |
Holafly, Ubigi |
| China Telecom |
92%+ |
Yes |
15% |
Saily |
Note: Coverage is excellent in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) but may be variable in rural and mountainous areas.
Coverage by destination
- Beijing: perfect 4G/5G throughout the capital, excellent coverage even in the subway
- Shanghai: excellent coverage throughout the metropolis, 5G available everywhere
- Xi'an: excellent coverage in the city, good in surrounding areas (Terracotta Army)
- Guilin: good coverage in the city, variable in mountainous and karst areas
- Great Wall: variable coverage depending on the section visited, generally good at tourist access points
- Hong Kong: excellent coverage, different networks (no Great Firewall), specific eSIM recommended
- Macao: excellent coverage, different networks (no Great Firewall)
Important: Hong Kong and Macao use different networks and are not subject to the Great Firewall. Verify that your eSIM covers these regions if you plan to visit them.
How to Install Your China eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in China (timer starts)
- Configure VPN if included (Saily: NordVPN pre-configured)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
VPN tip: If your eSIM includes a VPN (Saily), configure it before arriving in China to access Google, WhatsApp, etc. Otherwise, plan for a VPN alternative before your departure.
Best China eSIM 2026
Why these providers?
- Saily: ESSENTIAL for China - NordVPN included to bypass the Great Firewall and access Google, WhatsApp, etc. Code ESIMP (-10%)
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), China Mobile network (leader 60%), optional VPN available, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families, China Unicom network
- GoMoWorld: China Mobile network (leader 60%), code ESIMP (-10%), good value for money
- Ubigi: reliable China Unicom network, good coverage in major cities
Special China recommendation: Saily with NordVPN included is highly recommended to bypass the Great Firewall. Without a VPN, you won't be able to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.
Conclusion
For all travelers to China, an eSIM is essential as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Saily 3 GB at ~$5 with code ESIMP and NordVPN included is essential to bypass the Great Firewall and access your usual services (Google, WhatsApp, etc.).
Alternative without VPN: If you prefer to use Chinese alternatives (WeChat, Baidu Maps), GoMoWorld 5 GB at ~$7 with code ESIMP offers good value on the China Mobile network (leader).
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Important: Hong Kong and Macao are not subject to the Great Firewall. If you visit these regions, verify that your eSIM covers them or plan for a specific eSIM.
China eSIM FAQ
