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Planning a visit to China? You've probably scrolled through TikToks about the landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the Hongya Cave of Chongqing, or the ancient charm of Lijiang. These places are really at the peak of popularity now. And nothing can make your journey smoother than having mobile data in China, which is to get an eSIM. The question arises. What is an eSIM? You can consider it a virtual SIM card, ridding the use of physical cards and, therefore, making internet access easier. But how do you choose the right one? Find out below as we list the 6 best options.
Considerations for Choosing eSIM for China
While getting an eSIM for your upcoming trip to China, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get connected smoothly throughout the journey. Below are some key points to look out for:
- Network Coverage: Your eSIM plan should offer great coverage in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and islands like Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the more rural areas to keep you connected throughout.
- Budget: Price should come at the prime consideration. Compare the prices of the various eSIMs to match a pocket-friendly one that will be of service to your purpose.
- VPN Service: It is advisable to check if the eSIM provider includes VPN services, as the Great Firewall of China is known to block access to some sites.
- Data and Duration Needs: Consider the quantity of data allowance and length of stay time you will need, depending on your needs.
- Customer Support: Select an eSIM provider with responsive customer support to receive immediate help if any problem arises.
#1 MicroEsim
MicroEsim is recognized as one of the best eSIMs for Asia. It offers great coverage for mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and you can choose the bundle plans or standalone ones. The plans have lots of flexibility, with durations extending from 1 to 30 days and plenty of different data allocations at affordable prices as low as $2.40. You will be able to use the Internet at a reduced speed of 128kbps even after data are used out without disconnections.
With the selected local operators, including CMCC, SmarTone, CTM, and CHT, MicroEsim gives such a guarantee for signals, quickly working on the Internet with 5G technology. Also, MicroEsim has plans to cater to the needs of using Google, YouTube, TikTok, and other essential apps. It does not even require you to undertake cumbersome eKYC processes. Just activate via a QR code in seconds. Given the hotspot tethering function, you can have accessible data on any of your devices. Therefore, there is no doubt that microeSIM is what everyone should have, especially when traveling to China.
Here are some hit plans from MicroEsim:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Including Hongkong, Macau, Taiwan) eSIM 5G | 1-30 days | Daily/Total/Unlimited 5Mbps | $3.20 - $168.70 |
| Mainland China eSIM 5G Support TikTok | 1-60 days | Daily/Total | $2.40 - $89.50 |
| HongKong eSIM 5G | 1-60 days | Daily 1GB | $2.40 - $65.50 |
| Macau eSIM 5G | 1-20 days | Daily 1GB | $2.40 - $31.70 |
#2 Airalo
Airalo is an old-brand and reliable eSIM provider, so it is appropriate to consider the use of eSIM for international travel. The service supports 5G and offers plans with data of 1GB-20GB and a length of stay of 7-30 days. However, the drawback is that carrier coverage is only with China Mobile, without another carrier. The service does not cover Taiwan, worse. Its data limits are moderate, but it offers no unlimited data plans. Finally, the activation is done through the download of the Airalo app, thus making the process a little laid back compared to the ease of application when using MicroEsim.
Price packages from Airalo:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinacom | 7-30 days | 1-20 GB | $5.00 - $49.00 |
#3 Nomad
Founded in 2014 as a business line of LotusFlare, Inc., based out of Santa Clara, California, Nomad is also a choice for China eSIM. It offers eSIM support for daily plans and regular plans, although it only partners with China Unicom. Once you've consumed your daily allotment, data usage continues at a throttled speed of 512kbps. Yes, it is 5G speed enabled, but it depends on the network coverage that varies from place to place and the time of the day. Activation requires downloading an app, too. It's important to point out that these regular plans are available for only 7, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days; flexible options like 10 or 15 days are not given, and such data allocation may not be enough for people who do not stay long, yet have huge data needs.
Here are some price packages from Nomad:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Plans | 1-7 days | 500MB/day - 3GB/day, unlimited 512kbps | $2.5 - $35 |
| Regular Plans | 30 days | 10GB | $15 |
| Regular Plans | 45 days | 50GB | $49 |
| Regular Plans | 90 days | 90GB | $90 |
#4 Saily
Saily is owned by Nord Security, which guarantees users security and reliable data access. It starts with $4. 49, a reasonable price. Saily directly works with Chinese carriers, so the network speed is guaranteed. Plus, activation also needs app download and installation. The plan provided includes 7 and 30-day plans. The data offered is 3GB to 20GB, and hence, this service is only recommendable for users who are more concerned with data security over big data.
Here are price packages from Saily:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily China | 7 days | 3GB | $4.49 |
| Saily China | 30 days | 3-20GB | $9.99 - $42.99 |
#5 aloSIM
aloSIM has no roaming fees, 7- to 30-day plans with 1GB to 20GB data, and pricing aligned with Airalo. It offers a free international number to be used for calling and texting, which is accessible in addition fees. It is also 5G-supported, though availability depends on the time of the day. It claims to provide fully unthrottled data, although it doesn't explicitly state whether data usage caps will result in disconnectionIt is. In general, it is an eSIM fit for users seeking communication features rather than on using plenty of data.
Here are price packages from aloSIM:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| aloSIM China | 7-30 days | 1-20GB | $5.00 - $49.00 |
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#6 Jetpac
Jetpac, recently crowned as the Travel Product of the Year 2023 by Asia Telecom Awards, would therefore not be a bad choice while going to China. It has moderate plan options attached to 1GB - 40GB available for 4, 7, and 30 days, with all the data packs sold specifically having a validity of one year ahead from the date of purchase if not activated. Although Jetpac is not the cheapest, it is still very affordable for most users. Currently, for new users, they have a promotional price of 1GB for 4 days at $1. So you can hit a try.
Here are price packages from Jetpac:
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| JetPac China | 4 days | 1GB | $4.00 |
| JetPac China | 7 days | 3GB | $11.00 |
| JetPac China | 30 days | 5-40GB | $15.00 - $65.00 |
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FAQs About China eSIM
Does China eSIM have VPN?
Some providers offer a VPN service with their eSIMs; others do not. For this case, you'll need to confirm that from the service provider.
Does WhatsApp work on eSIM in China?
WhatsApp is inaccessible in China because of the GFW restrictions. You can use some eSIMs that support data to access WhatsApp, such as MicroEsim.
How do I activate eSIM in China?
Follow the general activation guide:
1. Make sure that your device is eSim-supported. Check the eSIM-compatible devices page.
2. Make sure your device is unlocked from any SIM card carrier.
3. After purchasing, scan the QR code with another device to activate eSIM (some eSIMs require downloading their apps for activation).
Note:
- The device you will use for scanning must have stable internet access.
- The phone you want to travel with should be the one you are using to scan.
- The QR code can be scanned only once.
- Do not delete the eSIM from your phone. Once deleted, it cannot be recovered or reused.
Detailed Guide >> How Do eSIM Cards Work? How to Set Up an eSIM?
Final Verdict
Of the six options discussed, each having its pros and cons, it is MicroEsim that stands at the forefront. It provides comprehensive coverage, competitive pricing, and a wide variety of plans, giving you a chance to use apps such as Google, YouTube, and TikTok without any limitations in China. Whether you are exploring urban metropolises or off-the-beaten-path routes, for any connectivity, MicroEsim gives you dependable 5G support with multiple local carriers, making it an ideal companion for your travels in China.
