Best eSIM for China
A clearer way to connect in China

Find an eSIM that fits your trip.

Compare China eSIM plans from Airalo, Nomad, Saily and Ubigi. Choose your trip length and data use, then check current prices and coverage with the provider.

Compare plans
Price research: November 10–11, 2026 · Confirm prices before checkout
Shanghai Bund waterfront — mainland travel context for eSIM planning (not a provider product photo)
Photo: Ermell · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · Orientation photo, not a verified property/attraction still.
Compare the plan, not the hypeData and duration togetherSource-linked pricesNo undisclosed rankings
Interactive plan finder

Find a plan for your itinerary.

Compare fixed-data plans by trip length, data allowance and published price. Unlimited plans appear separately below; network speed is not independently tested.

Price snapshotNovember 10–11, 2026Not a live checkout quote
Estimated data budget6.0 GB10 days × 0.5 GB/day + 20% buffer
Qualifying fixed plans7Hotspot support varies
Lowest listed qualifying price$17.00Verify current checkout price

Packages that meet your selected requirements

7 matches
Ubigi

10 GB 30 days

Lowest total price
$17.00$1.70/GB
Headroom above estimate4.0 GB
HotspotProvider says supported

Reviewed 2026-11-10

Check price at UbigiView source
Nomad

10 GB 30 days

$19.00$1.90/GB
Headroom above estimate4.0 GB
HotspotNot confirmed

Promotional price shown on provider page when checked.

Reviewed 2026-11-10

Check price at NomadView source
Nomad

20 GB 30 days

$22.00$1.10/GB
Headroom above estimate14.0 GB
HotspotNot confirmed

Promotional price shown on provider page when checked.

Reviewed 2026-11-10

Check price at NomadView source

Unlimited-labeled plans: check the fine print

Unlimited does not necessarily mean unlimited high-speed data. These are listed separately because they cannot be compared fairly by GB or guaranteed to meet your estimated data requirement.

Nomad10 days · fair-use restrictions may applyReviewed 2026-11-10
$33.00Official terms
Airalo10 days · fair-use restrictions may applyReviewed 2026-11-11
$35.00Official terms
Airalo15 days · fair-use restrictions may applyReviewed 2026-11-11
$49.00Official terms
Airalo30 days · fair-use restrictions may applyReviewed 2026-11-11
$69.00Official terms

Provider prices and packages were reviewed November 10–11, 2026. Prices, promotions, policies and data availability can change. We have not independently tested speed, network reliability, or device support. Provider links may use disclosed affiliate tracking; this does not change comparison ordering. Your inputs stay in this browser session.

Before checkout

Five checks before buying a China eSIM.

The cheapest listed package isn't necessarily right for your phone, your itinerary or your apps. Read these details before choosing.

01

Is your phone compatible and unlocked?

Verify your exact device model and carrier lock status. Some devices and home-network restrictions prevent eSIM installation.

02

When does the validity period begin?

Activation and installation windows differ. Check whether validity begins at first destination connection and whether the package expires if you wait too long.

03

Do you require calls or SMS?

A data-only plan won't necessarily let you receive verification codes. Confirm telephone number, voice and SMS support for the specific package.

04

What happens when data runs out?

Some plans support top-ups. An unlimited-labeled package may throttle once you've used a high-speed allowance. Review the fair-use terms.

05

Where is the plan valid?

Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan may have separate coverage options. Check the exact destination list and roaming settings.

Show the work

Official sources, not anonymous scores.

Prices come from provider pages reviewed November 10–11, 2026; each plan shows its review date. These are published specifications, not independent speed tests or live checkout quotes.

Official provider page

Airalo

Mainland China destination packages, validity and plan types.

Verify this sourceOfficial provider page

Nomad

Fixed and unlimited data plans, including promotional terms.

Verify this sourceOfficial provider page

Saily

Fixed-data allowances and calling or SMS options sold separately.

Verify this sourceOfficial provider page

Ubigi

One-off data plans, validity and data sharing terms.

Verify this source
Frequently asked questions

China eSIM, without the confusion.

Can I keep my current phone number?

Many devices support dual SIM operation, but roaming charges, receiving verification codes and phone-number availability depend on your home carrier and the travel eSIM's actual package.

Will the eSIM work in Hong Kong?

Only if the specific package includes Hong Kong. A mainland-only offer should not be assumed to cover Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan.

Do messaging and Google apps work?

Some internationally routed travel eSIMs may support apps unavailable on local Wi-Fi. This varies by provider and network and is not a substitute for an encrypted VPN. Check your provider's current documentation.

Are these independently tested products?

No. We compare published package specifications, not tested speeds or service reliability. This site is owned by the ChinaTravelChina team and does not have paid ranking placements.

Plan the rest of your China trip

Make your travel checklist, compare rail routes and explore destinations.

Open travel checklist

Ownership and editorial disclosure · Provider links and any affiliate relationships are explained in our disclosure.

Make the next decision

Practical comparisons for your trip

Use these decision guides alongside the tool above. Each includes a comparison, a preparation checklist and the sources behind it.

Choose a China eSIM by the trip you are taking

Start with the itinerary, phone and data use. A low advertised price is useful only if the plan covers every stop and the features you need.

See the key checks
  • Check the exact device model and regional variant.
  • Confirm the phone is unlocked.
  • Read when validity starts: purchase, installation or first connection.
Compare options and prepare →

Adapted from ChinaTravelChina’s dated editorial research. Provider terms, prices and availability must be checked for your trip. How we use sources.