Do I need an eSIM in China?

If you rely on WhatsApp, Google, Instagram or Gmail, yes. These services are blocked on mainland Chinese networks, so a travel eSIM that roams outside the firewall keeps them working without a VPN.

Is the eSIM a physical SIM card?

No. It is delivered as a QR code you scan on a compatible phone. There is no physical card to collect and no local phone number is provided.

Does the eSIM include a Chinese phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a Chinese number. You use your usual number for WhatsApp and other apps over data.

CHINA ARRIVAL ESSENTIALS · STAY CONNECTED

A China eSIM.
Online before you land.

Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked on mainland Chinese networks. A travel eSIM keeps them working — delivered as a QR code before you fly, with no physical SIM and no local number.

Data-onlyQR code deliveryNo local number

Why you need
an eSIM in China.

China's networks sit behind a firewall. Services like Google Search, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram and Google Maps do not work on ordinary mainland Wi-Fi or SIM cards unless you roam or use a VPN. A travel eSIM solves this simply: your data routes through an international carrier, so the apps you already use keep working from the moment you land.

How it works

Choose a plan
Tell us your travel dates and expected data use. We recommend an allowance and confirm the final price.
Receive a QR code
We send your eSIM QR code before you fly. Install it in a minute — no physical card to collect at the airport.
Scan and switch on
Scan the QR code in your phone's settings, enable data roaming for the eSIM, and you are connected on arrival.

What's included

A data-only eSIM covering mainland China. Typical plans start around 10 GB for 30 days. Allowance, validity and network will be confirmed in your quote.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The practical things.

Coverage: All of mainland China — nationwide, across every province. Roaming route varies by plan.
Delivery: QR code by WhatsApp or email before departure. No physical SIM.
Devices: Works on eSIM-compatible phones, typically from 2018 or later. We check your model before confirming.
Number: Data-only. Your existing number continues to work for WhatsApp and other apps over data.
Price: Indicative US$19 for 10 GB / 30 days. Final allowance, validity and price to be confirmed.
Refunds: Once an eSIM is issued it generally cannot be returned. Terms are confirmed before you pay.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Before you
choose.

Do I really need an eSIM?+

If you use WhatsApp, Google, Instagram or Gmail, yes. These do not work on ordinary mainland networks. An eSIM keeps them working without a VPN or a local number.

Can I make phone calls with it?+

Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so no Chinese phone number is included. Calls and messages in WhatsApp and similar apps work normally over the data connection.

Will my phone work with an eSIM?+

Most phones from around 2018 onward support eSIM. Tell us your model and we will confirm compatibility before you pay.

When do I receive the QR code?+

Before your departure, once your order is confirmed and paid. You can install it at home or on arrival.

What if I run out of data?+

Ask us about top-up options. We will explain the choices for your plan before you book.

A China eSIM.Online before you land.

Why you needan eSIM in China.

How it works

What's included

The practical things.

Before youchoose.

Continue yourarrival.

Get from the airport to your hotel

A China eSIM.
Online before you land.

Why you need
an eSIM in China.

Before you
choose.

Continue your
arrival.