What are the roaming costs in China without an eSIM?

Outside the EU, providers often charge high rates per MB or expensive day passes. With a prepaid eSIM for China you know exactly what you pay upfront and avoid unexpected roaming charges.

How much does an eSIM for China cost?

The price depends on the amount of data and the validity of the bundle. You can see current prices for all China bundles on this page, including the cheapest option.

Can I top up my eSIM for China or add more data?

Yes, if your plan supports top-ups and is still valid. Open My eSIM from the link in your order email to see your usage and current options. After payment, the extra data is usually on the same eSIM within minutes. You do not need to reinstall anything and your remaining data stays. After the end date, order a new plan.

How can I pay for my China eSIM?

You pay securely with iDEAL, Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card. After payment you receive your China eSIM by email right away, ready to install.

How many GB do I need for my trip to China?

For light use such as WhatsApp, email and maps, 1 to 3 GB is often enough. Daily social media, photo uploads or navigation usually feel better with 5 to 10 GB.

When should I activate my eSIM for China?

This varies by plan. Check ‘Activation’ in the configurator to see when validity starts, and read the email instructions before installation.

Does my phone work with an eSIM in China?

Most phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM. Your device needs to be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Not sure? Run the compatibility check on this page before you order.

Can I keep using WhatsApp with this eSIM?

Yes. WhatsApp remains linked to your existing phone number while mobile data runs through the eSIM.

Can I call with this eSIM?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Calls work through internet apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Teams once you have data.

China eSIM | Prepaid travel data

Why travellers choose this

Everything you need on the road

Land with data on your phone: scan, connect and choose what fits your trip in advance.

No expensive roaming
Pay upfront and avoid unexpected roaming charges.
Countrywide coverage
Connect in cities, tourist areas and along many routes in China. Coverage varies by location.
Flexible on your device
Keep your own SIM for calls and use the eSIM for data.
Activation per plan
Before installation, check when validity starts for your selected plan.

Will this eSIM work for your trip?

Four things determine the answer. We already know three for you, only your phone still needs a check.

Your trip check for China

3 of 4 confirmed

Coverage where you're going
Cities, coastal areas and many key routes. On islands, reach depends on your plan's network partner.
Ready before you leave
Install your eSIM at home, so you can connect right after you land.
No surprises about your connection
You see upfront which local networks and 4G or 5G support come with each plan.

Your phone

eSIM-ready and unlocked? Look up your model in 10 seconds.

Which eSIM for China?

Set your trip length and daily usage. You instantly see which plan fits China, including a 20% buffer.

Trip length7 days7

Social & browsingInstagram, WhatsApp, Google Maps

2 hours per day · ≈ 0.7 GB per day

Video & streamingYouTube, Netflix, TikTok

1 hours per day · ≈ 0.7 GB per day

Work & hotspotVideo calls, laptop via hotspot

Not set

What can you do with your eSIM in China?

A travel eSIM handles your internet. See upfront what simply keeps working and what runs differently than on your normal SIM card.

This simply works

Use mobile data
Your China eSIM handles all internet on your phone.
Use WhatsApp
Your existing WhatsApp account and number keep working.
Call via WhatsApp or FaceTime
These calls run over mobile data, so your China eSIM is enough.
Keep your own phone number
Your regular SIM card stays active alongside the eSIM.

This works differently

Standard calls and SMS: Via your own SIM
Most travel eSIMs are data-only.
Use as personal hotspot: Depends on bundle
Hotspot support varies per bundle and provider. Check the details of the bundle you choose.

7 current data plans: 1 GB, 2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 50 GB.
Current prices range from €3.50 to €39.99.

Installing and activating your China eSIM

You do not need to swap a physical SIM card. After your order, you receive clear instructions to install your eSIM.

Before departure

At home, at ease

Choose your data bundle
Select how many GB and how many days you need for your trip to China.
Receive your eSIM by email
After payment, your QR code and installation instructions go straight to your inbox.
Follow the activation instructions
Before installation, check when validity starts and then follow the steps in your email.

On arrival

Landed? Two taps.

Enable the eSIM line
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line. Your regular SIM is managed separately.
The network connects automatically
Your device automatically picks a supported network in China.
You are online
Navigation, WhatsApp and apps work right away, without swapping SIM cards.

Choose my China eSIM

Get ready for China

The Great Wall of China through a green mountain landscape as a recognizable travel image for China.

China eSIM: complete guide to data, apps, and device checks

5 min read

Everything about an eSIM for China: device compatibility, internet access, data plans, installation, local apps, Hong Kong, and mobile coverage.

Read the guide

Smartphone with an eSIM chip and clock, with a timeline from home wifi to destination.

Install an eSIM before or during your trip?

5 min read

The difference between installing and activating, plus a clear timeline so your eSIM works at exactly the right moment and you never waste days of your plan.

Read the article

Illustration of a smartphone with an eSIM, mobile signal and a travel route.

Can you keep using WhatsApp with an eSIM?

5 min read

Yes, your WhatsApp number and all your chats keep working with a travel eSIM. We explain why, how to set it up and the two mistakes you really need to avoid.

Read the article

eSIM or local SIM card: which is better?

5 min read

Compare travel eSIMs and local SIM cards on cost, convenience and coverage, with a decision guide for choosing before departure.

Read the article

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in China

Everything about compatibility, installation, using your eSIM and adding more data abroad.

The best eSIM for China depends on your trip length and data usage. The configurator shows which bundle fits your trip.

Also useful

Continuing beyond China or combining several destinations? These eSIM bundles often fit the same trip.

All destinations

Neighbouring countryTop match

eSIM

Hong Kong SAR China

Useful when you combine China with Hong Kong SAR China on the same journey.

from€3.67

View Hong Kong SAR China eSIM

Neighbouring country

India

€4.79

All of India

View India eSIM

Neighbouring country

Laos

€4.29

All of Laos

View Laos eSIM

Neighbouring country

Vietnam

€3.67

All of Vietnam

View Vietnam eSIM

All destinations

Why travellers choose this

Everything you need on the road

Land with data on your phone: scan, connect and choose what fits your trip in advance.

No expensive roaming
Pay upfront and avoid unexpected roaming charges.
Countrywide coverage
Connect in cities, tourist areas and along many routes in China. Coverage varies by location.
Flexible on your device
Keep your own SIM for calls and use the eSIM for data.
Activation per plan
Before installation, check when validity starts for your selected plan.