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A travel eSIM is one of the simplest ways to get mobile data in China. You can usually install it before departure, keep your normal SIM in your phone, and connect shortly after landing without visiting a carrier store.
For most short trips, we recommend choosing a plan based on three things: the amount of data you need, whether hotspot sharing is allowed, and whether you also need a Chinese phone number. Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not provide a mainland Chinese +86 number or Chinese SMS.
Quick answer
- Best overall balance: Ubigi
- Best for first-time eSIM users: Airalo
- Best for a multi-country Asia trip: Nomad
- Best for simple, lower-data plans: Saily
- Best for heavy phone-data use: Holafly
- Best for travelers who need hotspot flexibility: Jetpac
China eSIM comparison
| Provider | Best for | Hotspot | Chinese number | Editorial rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubigi | Overall balance | Supported on eligible plans | No | 9.4/10 |
| Airalo | Beginners | Supported on eligible plans | No | 9.2/10 |
| Nomad | Asia trips | Supported on eligible plans | No | 9.1/10 |
| Holafly | Heavy data use | May be limited | No | 8.9/10 |
| Saily | Simple light-use plans | Supported on eligible plans | No | 8.8/10 |
| Jetpac | Hotspot and work trips | Supported on eligible plans | No | 8.8/10 |
Our ratings are editorial opinions based on setup, plan flexibility, hotspot terms, usability and overall value at the time of review. Plans and conditions change, so confirm the current details before purchasing.
Travel eSIM vs. a local Chinese SIM
| Feature | Travel eSIM | Local Chinese SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Buy before arrival | Usually yes | Usually no |
| Mobile data | Yes | Yes |
| Mainland Chinese phone number | Usually no | Yes |
| Chinese SMS | Usually no | Yes |
| Carrier-store visit | No | Usually required |
| Access to common international online services | Often available, depending on routing | May vary |
Choose a travel eSIM if you are visiting for a few days or weeks and mainly need data for maps, translation, payments, messaging and browsing. Choose a local SIM if a +86 number, Chinese SMS or longer-term local services are essential.
What about Google and WhatsApp?
Many international travel eSIMs route data through networks outside mainland China. Depending on the provider, this may allow access to services such as Google, Gmail, Google Maps and WhatsApp. A local Chinese SIM can provide a different online experience. Availability can change, so check your provider’s latest information before buying.
Our top China eSIM picks
Ubigi – Best overall balance
Ubigi is a strong all-round choice for travelers who want flexible data allowances, straightforward top-ups and hotspot support on eligible plans. It is especially useful when you want a practical balance rather than an unlimited plan.
Pros
- Flexible plan sizes
- Simple top-ups
- Hotspot support on eligible plans
- Good fit for many short trips
Cons
- Data only
- No Chinese phone number
Why we recommend it: Ubigi offers a useful balance of flexibility, ease of use and value for most tourists.
Airalo – Best for beginners
Airalo is one of the best-known travel eSIM marketplaces. Its app and installation flow are easy to understand, making it a sensible starting point for someone using an eSIM for the first time.
Pros
- Established global platform
- Beginner-friendly app
- Clear installation process
- Multiple plan options
Cons
- Not always the lowest-cost option
- No Chinese phone number
Why we recommend it: Airalo reduces setup friction for travelers who prefer a familiar platform and clear instructions.
Nomad – Best for multi-country Asia trips
Nomad is worth considering when China is one stop on a wider Asian itinerary. Regional packages can reduce the need to install a separate eSIM in every destination.
Pros
- Useful regional options
- Competitive fixed-data plans
- Hotspot support on eligible plans
- Good for multi-country travel
Cons
- Networks and features vary by package
- No Chinese phone number
Why we recommend it: Nomad is convenient when you want one regional plan for China and neighboring destinations.
Saily – Best for simple light-use plans
Saily suits travelers who mainly need maps, messaging, mobile payments and occasional browsing. Its app-based setup is uncomplicated, but heavy users should compare larger packages carefully.
Pros
- Simple app experience
- Suitable for light and moderate use
- Hotspot support on eligible plans
- Easy plan management
Cons
- Larger packages may offer less value
- Data only
Why we recommend it: Saily keeps the buying and setup process simple for travelers with modest data needs.
Holafly – Best for heavy phone-data use
Holafly focuses on unlimited or high-usage travel plans. It can suit travelers who stream, make video calls or prefer not to monitor a fixed allowance, although hotspot sharing may be restricted.
Pros
- Designed for heavy data use
- No need to monitor a small allowance
- Simple purchase and installation flow
Cons
- Usually costs more than fixed-data plans
- Hotspot allowance may be limited
Why we recommend it: Holafly is convenient for heavy phone users who value predictable access more than the lowest price.
Jetpac – Best for hotspot and work trips
Jetpac is appealing to travelers who work from a laptop or regularly share their connection. Its travel-oriented extras may also be useful, but compare the current plan selection for your dates.
Pros
- Hotspot-friendly eligible plans
- Useful for laptops and tablets
- Travel-focused features
- Regional options may be available
Cons
- Smaller plan selection than some competitors
- No Chinese phone number
Why we recommend it: Jetpac is a practical candidate when tethering and work connectivity matter more than unlimited phone data.
Which China eSIM should you choose?
- Choose Ubigi for the best overall balance.
- Choose Airalo if this is your first eSIM.
- Choose Nomad for a multi-country Asia trip.
- Choose Saily for simple light-use plans.
- Choose Holafly if you expect heavy phone-data use.
- Choose Jetpac if hotspot sharing is a priority.
Before buying
- Confirm the exact phone model supports eSIM. Compatibility can differ by region.
- Make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked.
- Confirm mainland China coverage. A Hong Kong-only plan is not the same.
- Check hotspot limits. Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited tethering.
- Check when validity begins. It may start at installation, activation or first network connection.
- Install before departure. Follow the provider’s instructions and activate mobile data at the correct time.
- Keep your original SIM active. Banks and apps may send verification codes to your home number.
Frequently asked questions
Does a China travel eSIM include a Chinese phone number?
Usually not. Most travel eSIMs provide data but no mainland Chinese +86 number or Chinese SMS.
Can I use Alipay with an eSIM?
Yes, Alipay can use the eSIM’s internet connection. However, your bank or account may send an authentication message to your normal phone number, so keep your home SIM available.
Can I use Google, Gmail, Google Maps and WhatsApp?
Many international travel eSIMs use international network routing, which may make these services available. Results depend on the provider and can change, so confirm the latest information before purchasing.
Can I use DiDi with an international number?
International numbers are generally supported, although registration and verification requirements can change. Install and test the app before departure.
Can I receive SMS verification codes?
The travel eSIM itself usually cannot receive SMS. Keep your original SIM active if banks or other services send codes to your home number, and check your carrier’s roaming charges.
How much data do I need for two weeks?
For maps, payments, messaging, browsing and moderate social-media use, many travelers find 10-20 GB sufficient. Choose more if you stream video, make frequent video calls or share a hotspot.
Final verdict
For most short-term visitors, a travel eSIM is the easiest way to get online in China. Ubigi offers our preferred overall balance, Airalo is particularly beginner-friendly, and Nomad is convenient for regional travel. Holafly suits heavier data users, while Jetpac is worth comparing for hotspot use and Saily for simpler data needs.
The most important limitation is that a travel eSIM normally does not include a Chinese phone number. A practical setup for many tourists is:
Travel eSIM for mobile data + original SIM for calls, banking and verification messages.