eSIM for China Travel: Written by an eSIM Worker

Hi, guys.

I'm Dylan, a guy working at esimNB.

esimNB is an online global travel eSIM store. I help customers solve problems during eSIM setup and activation. I also spend a lot of time researching our competitors' products and writing comparison articles about them. The more I research, the better I understand what makes a good China eSIM and what doesn't.

Nobody knows China travel eSIM better than me. — Dylan from esimNB

To be fair, there is no single "best" eSIM. There is only the most suitable one for you. Some people care more about price and just need basic internet for emails and chat. Others want a more reliable connection or the fastest speeds possible.

On top of that, I live in China. I know the three major Chinese mobile networks well. I also keep up with China's latest policies on VPNs in 2026. So if you're planning a trip to China, I hope this article helps you find the best China eSIM for your needs.

Last, I'll do my best to teach you how to pick a China eSIM on your own. You don't have to take my word for it. But if you find my advice useful, I hope you'll give esimNB a try.

Notice: This article includes our own brand and other brands. We don't work with any affiliate marketing programs, so we don't earn any referral money. Everything below is my personal opinion. It may not be perfect, and I'll keep updating it over time.

China's Current Rules on eSIM and VPN

First, mobile networks in mainland China have been slow to support eSIM. In 2025, when the iPhone Air launched in China with eSIM only, China Unicom became the first carrier to offer eSIM for new phone numbers. Soon after, China Mobile and China Telecom followed. At first, eSIM was only available for new numbers. Later, they allowed existing numbers to switch to eSIM as well.

For foreigners who want to live in China long term and need a Chinese phone number, a traditional SIM card is still the better choice. But if you're just visiting China and don't need a local number, a travel eSIM works just fine for internet access.

Second, in April 2026, the Chinese government increased its crackdown on VPN use. It asked the three major carriers to shut down unauthorized cross-border data connections. As a result, many VPNs no longer work in China. This is not good news for travelers who rely on VPNs to access the open internet.

What Most eSIM Comparison Guides Don't Tell You

Many eSIM review guides and eSIM provider websites say their China eSIM comes with a built-in VPN. This is used to attract buyers. But it's not really accurate.

A China travel eSIM does let you access Google and Facebook while in China. But it doesn't work like a VPN. Instead, it uses data roaming. Your data travels from a Chinese cell tower and gets routed back to the home network in Hong Kong or Singapore.

In simple terms: your body is in China, but your data goes back to Hong Kong or Singapore. That's why your IP address shows Hong Kong or Singapore, and why you can reach international websites.

So a China travel eSIM already includes the ability to access international apps. The effect is similar to a VPN, but it works in a completely different way.

Don't assume that an eSIM labeled "built-in VPN" is better than others. Almost all China travel eSIMs work this way. The only real difference is whether the IP is Singapore or Hong Kong.

Do I Still Need to Buy a VPN If I Have a China eSIM?

No, you don't.

Almost all China travel eSIMs route through Singapore or Hong Kong. Both let you access international websites. The result is the same as using a VPN.

In fact, using a China travel eSIM to access the open internet is more reliable than a VPN. VPNs try to get around China's firewall. eSIM uses carrier data roaming agreements. VPNs are illegal in China. eSIM data roaming is legal.

This means even as China cracks down on VPNs, your China eSIM will still work fine for accessing international apps.

So not only do you not need a VPN, using a China eSIM is also more stable and legal.

Is eSIM Better Than a Local SIM for Travelers?

It depends, but for most travelers, eSIM is the better choice.

If you need very stable signal or you need a Chinese phone number, a local SIM card has the advantage. Local SIM users get higher network priority during busy times, so speeds are less likely to slow down.

If you don't mind occasional slowdowns, eSIM is the better option. You don't need any ID documents to buy a travel eSIM, and setup is quick and easy.

One important note: a local China SIM card will not let you access international websites. If you really need a local SIM, I still recommend getting a China travel eSIM as a backup for accessing Google and other international apps.

I also wrote a separate blog post comparing eSIM and physical SIM if you want to learn more.

Is My Phone Compatible with a China eSIM?

You can visit this quick compatibility check page to see if your phone supports eSIM.

One important warning: some customers buy a Chinese Android or Apple phone specifically for their trip to China. But phones bought in China do not support travel eSIMs. They only allow eSIMs from local Chinese carriers. This applies even to the latest models.

If your phone was bought in mainland China, you cannot install a travel eSIM on it. This restriction only applies in mainland China. Outside of China, or in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, there is no such restriction.

So before buying a China travel eSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIM and was not bought in China.

What Is the Best eSIM for China?

Here is how I choose the best China eSIM:

Network carrier support and IP routing > Price > Other things (customer support, website or app experience, etc.)

Everyone has different priorities. Some care most about price and just need basic browsing. My ranking focuses on getting the best possible connection in China first, then the lowest price.

If you share the same priorities as me, then the best China eSIM for both of us is esimNB.

I spent a morning checking the carrier support and pricing of many China eSIM providers. I only looked at well-known and established providers like Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, Maya, and Ubigi. I didn't include small or unknown providers. Even if some of them are decent, I can't confirm their reliability, so I left them out.

Based on what I found, esimNB is the best China eSIM provider. Let me explain why.

Why esimNB China eSIM Is a Good Choice for Most Travelers

Let's go through each factor one by one.

1. Network Carrier Support and IP Routing

The carrier with the biggest network, the widest 4G and 5G coverage, and the best signal in both cities and rural areas is China Mobile. Next is China Telecom, then China Unicom. This is my personal view as someone living in China, and it matches the experience of most Chinese people.

That said, if you're only visiting major cities, all three carriers are good enough. The signal and speed difference is small in those areas.

But if you're going to rural areas or remote tourist spots, the safest choice is an eSIM that supports China Mobile. China Mobile has the most cell towers in the country. It even has coverage in mountain areas and less developed regions. (Thanks to the socialism.) This helps you stay connected even in remote places.

esimNB's China eSIM supports China Mobile and offers 5G speeds.

(Note: esimNB used to support all three Chinese carriers. Due to carrier pricing and policy changes, we decided to keep only China Mobile to stay competitive on price.)

Here is a comparison of which carriers China eSIM providers support in 2026:

2. Price

Yesim also supports China Mobile and offers 5G. But its price is higher, so it can't take the top spot.

For a 10GB 30-day plan, Yesim charges $22.80 USD. esimNB charges $15 USD.

esimNB keeps costs low across Asia. You get the same features as other providers at a lower price. We use a high-volume, low-margin model. If you can, please give esimNB a try. That's how we can keep offering low prices to our customers.

3. IP Routing

China eSIM IP routing is usually Singapore or Hong Kong. A few providers like Breeze use a UK IP. The closer to mainland China, the better. So both Hong Kong and Singapore are fine.

The one difference worth knowing: a Hong Kong IP cannot access TikTok or ChatGPT.

esimNB offers Singapore IP routing for its China plans. This means you can use TikTok and ChatGPT while in China.

4. Customer Support

esimNB's support channels are WhatsApp and email. We don't have live chat, so we can't always reply right away. During Asian business hours, we usually reply within a few minutes. At night or early morning, it may take a few hours.

I handle all customer support personally. Any question about installation, activation, connection issues, or refunds, you can contact me directly.

Personal email: taosirdyt@gmail.com Work email: hello@esimnb.com

If you have installation or activation problems, please check our help guide first: Link

If your eSIM still doesn't work after installing, here is what fixes it most of the time:

1. Make sure your eSIM is set to use mobile data
2. Make sure data roaming is turned on for the eSIM (this won't cost you anything extra)
3. Restart your phone

If it still doesn't work, the signal in your area may be weak. Check the signal bars on your phone and try going outside to an open area.

In rare cases, a bad install or a faulty eSIM can cause problems. Try deleting the eSIM and scanning the QR code again. Or email me and I'll send you a new one right away.

esimNB offers a no-questions-asked refund. If your eSIM doesn't work and you've checked the steps above, or if you just want a refund without checking anything, contact me at taosirdyt@gmail.com. I'll process your refund within one business day. The money usually arrives in 2 to 5 business days depending on your bank.

How to Choose a Good China eSIM by Yourself

There are three things to look at when judging a China eSIM. First is the carrier support and IP routing. Second is the price. Third is the extra services the provider offers, such as website or app experience and customer support.

Some people care more about price. Some care more about service. It depends on you.

For me, the order is: carrier and IP routing > price > other services

This works for most people too. The idea is simple: first make sure the eSIM works well in China, then find the lowest price.

Here is a quick summary of what to look for:

1. The eSIM should support China Mobile
2. A 10GB plan in the $14 to $20 range is good value. Over $20 is on the expensive side.
3. The provider should support hotspot sharing, data top-ups, and online usage tracking.

Are There Any Other Good China eSIM Options?

If you want to choose on your own or try a provider other than esimNB, here are two options I recommend. Both are well-known and reliable.

1. Yesim

Yesim also supports China Mobile and offers 5G speeds. The price is a bit higher, but it's still a solid choice.

2. Nomad

Nomad doesn't support China Mobile, but it supports the other two Chinese carriers: China Telecom and China Unicom. For most cities in China, this is good enough. Nomad's pricing is also quite fair. Smaller plans are a bit expensive, but the 10GB plan is close to esimNB in price.

Conclusion

esimNB is the best China eSIM for most travelers. It supports China Mobile, the largest carrier in China, and offers 5G speeds. It's also very affordable. The 10GB plan costs only $15 USD, while similar plans from other providers cost around $20.

Besides the brands I recommend in this article, you can also use the tips in this guide to find a good China eSIM on your own.

Have a great trip to China!

Does esimNB Have a Discount for New Customers?

Yes! First-time customers get 10% off with no limits.

Use this code at checkout: ESIMNB10. The China 10GB 30-day plan will cost just $13.50 USD.

After you buy, go to the My eSIMs page on our website to find your QR code and check your eSIM status.

If you have any questions or run into any problems, feel free to email me. I'm happy to help.