Should You Use a SIM Card or eSIM in China? [Guide for Travelers]

Should you use a SIM card or eSIM in China? This decision affects how you’ll stay connected behind the Great Firewall. Physical SIMs provide a local phone number—crucial for services like WeChat Pay and food delivery apps. Meanwhile, eSIMs offer convenience with instant activation and often include built-in VPNs. Your choice ultimately depends on trip length: short-term visitors generally benefit from eSIMs, while longer stays may warrant a local SIM card.

I. Why You Need Reliable Internet While Traveling in China

The “Great Firewall” blocks many services you likely use daily, including Google products, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and various news sites. Standard international data plans won’t provide access to these blocked services.

You have two main choices:

• Physical SIM Card: Available locally in China, provides a Chinese phone number and data. Requires an unlocked phone and visiting a store.
• eSIM: Can be set up before your trip, more convenient with no physical card needed. Some travel eSIMs include VPN capabilities to access blocked sites. Compatible only with newer smartphones that support eSIM technology.

Your choice depends on trip duration, device compatibility, and whether you need a local phone number.

II. How Does a SIM Card Work in China?

Chinese SIM cards provide excellent local connectivity for accessing domestic apps and services, though international websites remain blocked without a VPN.

You can purchase SIM cards at airport kiosks, official carrier stores (China Mobile, China Unicom), convenience stores, or hotel front desks. Be prepared to show your passport and provide your hotel address, as registration is mandatory under Chinese regulations.

A tourist SIM package typically costs between ¥100-200 ($15-30) and includes 1-10GB of data valid for 30 days. These cards work perfectly for Chinese services like WeChat and DiDi, but you’ll need a pre-installed VPN to access Google, Facebook, or Instagram. Most tourist packages cannot be easily extended without a Chinese bank account or payment method.

III. What Is an eSIM and How It Works in China

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device that eliminates the need for physical cards. It works on newer phones (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, recent Samsung models) and allows storing multiple carrier profiles.

Purchase a China eSIM before traveling through providers:

• Buy online and scan the provided QR code
• Follow simple installation instructions
• Activated upon arrival in China

Most China eSIMs offer data-only plans without local phone numbers. The key advantage is that international eSIMs often route through foreign servers, potentially bypassing Chinese internet restrictions without a separate VPN, giving you access to Google, WhatsApp, and social media during your trip.

IV. Comparison of eSIM vs SIM Card in China

When traveling to China, your choice between an eSIM and a traditional SIM card affects your connectivity experience. Here’s a straightforward comparison:

Feature	Local SIM Card	eSIM
Setup	In-person purchase with passport required	Online purchase, activate via QR code
Internet Access	Subject to Great Firewall; VPN required	Often routes through foreign servers, potentially bypassing restrictions
Price	Starts at $21 USD (¥150)	Starts at $1.84 USD
Convenience	Time-consuming, possible language barriers	Instant setup before arrival
Local Number	Yes, for calls and texts	No, data-only
Compatibility	Works with all unlocked phones	Requires newer devices (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+)

Traditional SIM cards provide a local phone number but require in-person registration. eSIMs offer easier setup and potentially unrestricted internet, but only work on newer devices and don’t include a Chinese phone number.

V. Which Option Is Better for You?

Your ideal connectivity solution in China depends primarily on your trip duration and specific needs.

An eSIM is ideal for tourists and brief business trips to China. You can set it up before departure and connect immediately upon landing without dealing with stores or paperwork. This option often bypasses internet restrictions and offers cost-effective packages perfect for short stays.

A traditional SIM card better serves students, expats, and extended-stay travelers. It provides a Chinese phone number essential for local services and apps like food delivery, banking, and ride-hailing. The rates are more economical for continuous use, and integration with Chinese daily life becomes much simpler.

VI. Where to Buy the Best eSIM for China (Top Providers)

Finding a reliable eSIM for China is essential for staying connected during your visit, especially since many international websites and apps are blocked by China’s firewall.

Chinaesim provides many China eSIM packages to meet different traveler needs:

Their most popular plan, the Unlimited Data China eSIM, starts from $13.90 and provides unrestricted data usage with built-in access to blocked sites like Google and Facebook.

For shorter trips, the 5-Day China eSIM package offers excellent value starting at just $7.00, backed by 21 positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Business travelers and tourists staying longer often choose the 10-Day China eSIM plan (from $7.90), which has garnered 28 positive reviews for its reliability and performance.

Those traveling throughout the Greater China region can benefit from the flexible Greater China eSIM option, valid from 5 to 30 days and priced between $8.50 and $153.50.

All plans feature instant activation via QR code and provide hassle-free access to websites and applications typically blocked in China without requiring separate VPN installation.

VII. Tips Before You Travel: How to Use eSIM in China Smoothly

Planning ahead ensures reliable connectivity during your China trip. Follow these key steps:

• Install your eSIM before departure: Complete setup while still at home to avoid activation problems behind China’s firewall.
• Download a backup VPN app: Have an alternative VPN ready in case your eSIM’s built-in VPN encounters issues.
• Track data usage: Set usage alerts on your phone to avoid unexpected overages, as maps and media in China can quickly consume data.
• Use hotspot sharing: Share your connection with other devices or travel companions to maximize the value of your plan.

These simple preparations will help you stay connected throughout your Chinese adventure without disruption.