Tool 02
Best eSIM for China — pick yours in 30 seconds
Three questions, instant recommendation. We compare 33 plans from 5 providers on price, data, validity and hotspot policy — no 4,000-word blog post required.
Estimated need: ~10 GB over 10 days
★ Top pick
Nomad
$12
10 GB · 30 days
Cheapest plan that covers ~10 GB over 10 days
- Network:
- China Unicom & China Telecom
- Coverage:
- Mainland China
- Hotspot:
- Allowed
Nomad
$49
50 GB · 45 days
Best price per GB ($0.98/GB) — room to spare
- Network:
- China Unicom & China Telecom
- Coverage:
- Mainland China
- Hotspot:
- Allowed
Airalo
$35
Unlimited · 10 days · 3 GB/day full speed, then reduced
No data math — unlimited for the whole trip
- Network:
- China Unicom (roaming)
- Coverage:
- Mainland China
- Hotspot:
- Allowed
Every plan, side by side
Sorted by price. Data plans show price per GB for easy comparison.
| Provider | Data | Days | Price | $/GB | Hotspot | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetpac | 1 GB | 4 | $1 | $1.00 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Nomad | 1 GB | 7 | $4 | $4.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | $4.49 | $4.49 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Nomad | 3 GB | 30 | $7 | $2.33 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Jetpac | 3 GB | 7 | $8 | $2.67 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | $9.99 | $3.33 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | $10 | $3.33 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Nomad | 5 GB | 30 | $10 | $2.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Jetpac | 5 GB | 30 | $12 | $2.40 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Nomad | 10 GB | 30 | $12 | $1.20 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 3 | $13 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $13.99 | $2.80 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | $15 | $3.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Jetpac | 10 GB | 30 | $18 | $1.80 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Airalo | Unlimited* | 5 | $19 | — | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Nomad | 20 GB | 30 | $20 | $1.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 5 | $21 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | $24.99 | $2.50 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 15 | $25 | $2.50 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 7 | $29 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | Unlimited* | 10 | $35 | — | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Jetpac | 20 GB | 30 | $35 | $1.75 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Nomad | 30 GB | 30 | $35 | $1.17 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 10 | $37 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 30 | $40 | $2.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Saily | 20 GB | 30 | $42.99 | $2.15 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 14 | $48 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Airalo | Unlimited* | 15 | $49 | — | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Nomad | 50 GB | 45 | $49 | $0.98 | ✓ | Mainland China |
| Jetpac | 30 GB | 30 | $60 | $2.00 | ✓ | Mainland China + Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 20 | $64 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Holafly | Unlimited* | 30 | $75 | — | ✗ | Mainland China |
| Nomad | 90 GB | 90 | $90 | $1.00 | ✓ | Mainland China |
* Unlimited plans have fair-use policies — full speed up to a daily allowance, reduced speeds after.
How China travel eSIMs work
Roaming architecture.Travel eSIMs connect to Chinese networks (China Unicom, China Mobile or China Telecom) while routing data through the provider's international partner network — the same mechanism as your home carrier's roaming, at a fraction of the price.
Data only. None of these plans include a Chinese phone number, calls or SMS. Budget for voice via data apps.
Install before you fly. Download the provider app or scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi. Activation timing varies by provider — most start counting validity on first connection in China.
Check device compatibility. Your phone must be eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked. Recent iPhones (XS and later) and flagship Androids qualify; check your provider's compatibility list before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How do travel eSIMs for China work?
They are data-only plans that route your traffic through the provider's international partner network (roaming). You install the eSIM before you fly, activate it, and have mobile data the moment you land — no store visit or local registration needed.
Do China travel eSIMs include a phone number?
No. All plans compared here are data-only — no Chinese phone number, calls or SMS. Voice calls work over data apps. If you need a local number (some services require one for registration), that's a separate topic we cover in our payment setup guide.
Should I install the eSIM before flying to China?
Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, and activate it on departure day or on landing, depending on the provider's instructions. App stores and provider websites are easiest to reach before you travel.
Which China eSIM allows hotspot sharing?
Airalo, Saily, Jetpac and Nomad allow hotspot/tethering on the plans compared here. Holafly does not allow hotspot sharing on its China unlimited plans.
How much data do I need for a China trip?
Light users (maps, messaging) get by on well under 1 GB per week. Medium users (plus social media, music, video calls) should budget about 1 GB per day. Heavy users (video streaming, work, sharing to other devices) should plan 2–3 GB per day or pick an unlimited plan.
Heading to China soon? Check whether you need a visa first — run the 10-second visa-free check.
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page may become affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are computed from price and plan data, never from commission rates.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Visa policies change quickly — verify with the official sources above or your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before booking travel. Ready Set China is an independent information site: not a travel agency, not a booking agent, and not affiliated with any government.