Best eSIM for China: 4 top options in 2024

4.6 /5

Highly rated Based on +43.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot

+1M

Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly

Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

Plans that may interest you

China

From

$5,90

USD

Asia

From

$5,90

USD

Taking an eSIM is the ideal solution to avoid having issues in a country like China. You’ll be able to connect to the internet, avoid messy WiFi hotspots, and even save some money with value-for-money plans!

But which is the best eSIM for China? To find out, we’ll show you everything related to the features, prices, and pros and cons of the top four eSIMs for China in 2024!

Do eSIMs work in China?

Yes. China is a country that stays up to date-with technology as much as possible, including eSIMs.

Thanks to China Unicom and China Mobile, these work within the country to provide mobile internet in China.

With this eSIM technology, you can save money since you won’t have to rent a pocket WiFi or use data roaming for your trip. Also, you’ll avoid using prepaid SIM cards as these are more limited in terms of features.

So, using an eSIM is your best go-to option when visiting China, and the only thing you need is an eSIM-compatible smartphone.

Which is the best eSIM for China?

Taking the best eSIM should be a priority when planning a trip to China. That way, you’ll stay connected while traveling abroad and have peace of mind while using a high-end service and saving some money to use during the trip.

In this case, we’ll discuss Holafly, Yesim, Flexiroam, and BetterRoaming. These are the top alternatives if you plan to travel to China, so let’s see what each one offers.

1. Holafly

Holafly is among the top options for visiting China. With coverage in more than 200 destinations and unlimited data plans, it’s the most reliable option for your trip.

Plans and pricing

The Holafly eSIM for China Mainland pricing starts at $6 daily, and you’ll get unlimited data during your trip.

Compared to other options, Holafly allows you to choose the exact number of days you are traveling. So, forget about spending additional money on a data plan you won’t enjoy.

You can choose from 1 to 90 days with Holafly and the number of eSIM cards, just in case you are not traveling alone.

Key features

The main feature of the Holafly eSIM cards for China is that you can share unlimited data — up to 500 MB daily!

Thanks to China Mobile, Holafly also ensures you get a high-speed connection in the country, with up to 5G data speeds and great coverage in Mainland China. 

Let’s not forget about the VPN, as this feature is added to all Holafly eSIM cards for better service in China.

Multiple payment methods in their online store and even options such as Alipay in China for purchases within the Holafly mobile app.

High-end support in 19 languages, a super flexible refund policy, and an iOS and Android app to manage and buy your eSIM cards are also key features of Holafly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Unlimited data plans with customizable days
• High-end support in 19 languages
• Up to 5G speeds in most of Mainland China
• Easy installation on Android with a QR code or automatic with iOS devices
• Up to 500 MBs of data sharing daily
• Includes a VPN for secure navigation

Disadvantages:

• Lacks phone calls, but with the unlimited plans, it is easy to use VoIP apps instead

2. YeSIM

Another reliable option for staying connected in China is Yesim, a company with different types of data plans for 160 destinations.

Plans and pricing

Yesim offers two types of data plans. Limited and unlimited, ranging from 1-day to 30-day plans.

For limited plans, the options available include 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB, varying from $15.60 to $46.80 USD. The duration of these data plans ranges from seven days to 30 days.

Prices for unlimited plans range from $8.40 to $70.80, and the available packages range from one to 30 days.

Key features

Yesim’s main feature is its connectivity. Their eSIM cards work with China Mobile and China Unicom, allowing up to 5G data speeds. The downside is that you can’t tell which one you’ll use on your trip.

The eSIM plan includes a VPN if you need to access an app or website blocked in the country.

Lastly, while Yesim allows data sharing with their eSIM cards, it will depend on your carrier, so this feature might not always be available.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Unlimited data plans available
• Up to 5G data speeds
• Includes a VPN for safe navigation

Disadvantages:

• Data sharing information is unclear for travelers
• No top-up is available on any of the China eSIM cards

3. Flexiroam

FlexiRoam is our third reliable option, with coverage in 200 destinations and limited and unlimited eSIM plans for China.

Plans and pricing

FlexiRoam offers two types of plans. Fixed Data Plans and Unlimited Data Plans, and there are six options available for each.

For the Fixed Data Plans, you can buy data packages with 1 GB for seven days, and there are options available for up to 30 days with 20 GB. Prices for these plans range from $4.50 to $49 USD.

For the Unlimited Data Plans, these range from five days to 30 days, while prices range from $21 to $75 USD.

Key features

The key feature you’ll get from FlexiRoam is their data-sharing service. But this one is only available for limited data plans, so keep an eye on how much data you use.

FlexiRoam allows you to activate your eSIM up to three months after the purchase, so there’s no need to buy it with anticipation.

Lastly, Mastercard holders are eligible to get exclusive benefits, such as additional data on their eSIM or future discounts.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Unique benefits to Mastercard holders
• Variety of data plans with limited and unlimited options

Disadvantages:

• Unclear information about which local network works with eSIMs
• No data-sharing on any unlimited eSIM plan
• No information about added VPN on any eSIM

4. BetterRoaming

Our last alternative is BetterRoaming, a company with coverage in 160 countries that has undergone certain changes to improve its services.

Plans and pricing

BetterRoaming only offers limited data plans for China. These plans mostly focus on long trips since they are valid for 30 days.

Only one data plan is available for seven days, and it only includes 1 GB of mobile data for $2.49 USD. Other plans range from $6.99 to $34.99 USD, and data ranges from 3 GB to 20 GB.

Key features

BetterRoaming’s most important feature is its eSIM. You simply need to install it once, and then you’ll only need to buy an eSIM plan to get an internet connection while abroad.

Their instructions are also pretty clear, so you can install an eSIM in a few minutes to stay connected in China. You must do this before buying a data plan.

Lastly, the eSIM plan’s automatic activation allows you to forget about activating it when you arrive in the country.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Automatic eSIM activation when arriving in China
• Affordable eSIM plans with limited data
• No need to install your eSIM multiple times

Disadvantages:

• Requires app installation to get the eSIM before buying a data plan
• No information about coverage, data speeds, and local networks

Best eSIM plans for China: Which one to choose?

After reviewing what these eSIM providers offer, it’s fair to say that Holafly offers the best eSIM for China.

Here’s a side-to-side comparison of each of these companies’ main plans with their eSIM for China.

FAQs

Plans that may interest you

China

From

$5,90

USD

Asia

From

$5,90

USD

Related reading