Maps, translation, payments and ride-hailing all run on your phone in China — but Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and many Western apps are blocked there. Here's what a China eSIM costs, which providers say you can reach those apps, and what to set up before you fly.
How much data do you need in China?
Fixed-data plan prices
Holafly only sells unlimited plans here, so fixed data is Saily against Airalo. Validity matters as much as price: a plan that expires after 7 days is only cheap if your trip is 7 days. Highlighted: the cheaper 30-day option at list price. In amber: Saily's price with my 10% code TRAVELCONNECTLY.
| Data | Saily | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | $4.497 days$4.04 with code | $4.003 days |
| 3 GB | $10.9930 days$9.89 with code | $9.503 days$10.507 days |
| 5 GB | $15.9930 days$14.39 with code | $14.507 days$15.0015 days$15.5030 days |
| 10 GB | $26.9930 days$24.29 with code | $24.507 days$25.5015 days$26.5030 days |
| 20 GB | $39.9930 days$35.99 with code | $39.0015 days$40.0030 days |
| 50 GB | — | $49.0030 days |
Prices in USD from saily.com and airalo.com, checked 12 October 2026.
What that means: at list price the two are within 50 cents for 5–20 GB over 30 days; with my 10% code, Saily is cheaper on all of them. Airalo is the only one selling 50 GB ($49.00), and its 7-day plans are cheaper if your trip fits that window.
Unlimited plan prices
| Days | Saily | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | — | $11.50 | $11.90 |
| 5 | $22.99$20.69 with code | $19.00 | $20.50 |
| 7 | $29.99$26.99 with code | $27.00 | $27.50 |
| 10 | $35.99$32.39 with code | $35.00 | $37.50 |
| 15 | $49.99$44.99 with code | $49.00 | $51.50 |
| 30 | $72.99$65.69 with code | $69.00 | $76.50 |
Prices in USD from each provider's China page, checked 12 October 2026. Highlighted: cheapest for that length at list price. In amber: Saily with code TRAVELCONNECTLY. — = not sold at that length.
At list price Airalo was the cheapest unlimited option at every length, by $1 to $4 against Saily; Holafly was in between for 5 and 7 days. With my code, Saily is cheaper from 7 days up — by a cent for a week and by $2.61 to $4 for 10 days or more. Saily also sells 20- and 25-day plans ($60.99 and $66.99).
"Unlimited" rarely means unlimited full speed. Saily states 5 GB per day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps, with no hotspot restrictions. Holafly states a fair-usage policy that can slow speeds for up to a day, and lets you share 1 GB per day as a hotspot. Airalo's page didn't list its unlimited limits, so check the plan details before buying.
Which one to pick
- You need WhatsApp to just work: Holafly is the only one of the three that says WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work without a separate VPN, and says its China eSIM includes a VPN at no extra cost. I don't earn a commission from Holafly.
- Best value for most trips: Saily with my code — cheapest for 30-day plans from 5 GB, Google and Instagram through its virtual location; set up a VPN before you go for WhatsApp.
- Lowest list price for unlimited: Airalo, though its China page doesn't say whether blocked apps work.
- Hong Kong on the same trip: it needs a separate plan — mainland China plans don't cover it.
Networks and coverage
China's three mobile networks are China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. Travel eSIMs roam on one or more of them:
- Saily: China Telecom and China Unicom; 5G where available, 4G/LTE elsewhere.
- Airalo: China Unicom.
- Holafly: China Mobile (listed as CMCC).
None of the three includes a local phone number — they're data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other internet calling.
China tips: set up before you fly
- Install your eSIM, a VPN and your key apps at home. VPN websites and many app downloads aren't reachable from inside China, and Saily warns its own app may be limited there.
- About VPNs: as Saily's China page puts it, VPNs aren't completely banned in China, but their use is restricted and unrestricted access is limited to licensed businesses. Hotel and café WiFi is subject to the same blocks, so plan how you'll reach WhatsApp and Google before you go — see the VPN guide for hotel and airport WiFi.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you travel. Mobile payments are used almost everywhere, and both apps accept many foreign cards.
- Hong Kong needs a separate plan. Saily and Holafly both say their mainland China plans don't work there.
How much data you need
Using the rates from the trip data calculator — three hours a day of maps, messaging and browsing, an hour of social media and an hour of music, with 40% of your time on WiFi:
- 7 days: about 3.6 GB → a 5 GB plan
- 14 days: about 7.2 GB → a 10 GB plan
- 21 days: about 10.9 GB → a 20 GB plan, or 10 GB plus another small plan
Streaming video or tethering a laptop changes the picture fast — use Find your plan above or the full calculator.
Setting up before you fly
- Check your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. A phone locked to your home carrier won't accept another provider's eSIM.
- Install the eSIM at home over WiFi. Installation needs a connection; activation can wait. Saily plans can be activated any time within 180 days of purchase and switch on automatically when you arrive.
- On landing, set the eSIM as your data line and turn on data roaming for it. That's normal for travel eSIMs and doesn't cost extra.
- Turn off data roaming on your home SIM so it can still receive calls and texts without running up charges.
More country guides: Japan · Thailand · USA · Turkey · Canada · Italy · Spain · UK · France · Greece · Mexico · South Korea · Bali · Portugal · Europe. Comparing providers? See Saily vs Airalo and Saily vs Holafly across 16 destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a VPN in China if I have an eSIM?
It depends on the eSIM. Holafly says WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work with its China eSIM without installing a separate VPN, and that a VPN is included. Saily says Google and Instagram work through its app's virtual location feature, but WhatsApp needs a VPN. Airalo's China page doesn't say. Whatever you choose, install your apps before you travel.
What is the best eSIM for China?
On 12 October 2026, Airalo had the lowest list prices for most plans (10 GB for 30 days at $26.50, an unlimited week at $27.00). With my 10% code, Saily was cheaper for 30-day plans from 5 GB (10 GB for $24.29). Holafly costs a little more but is the only one that says WhatsApp works without a VPN.
How much is an eSIM for China?
Prices started at $4.00 for 1 GB (Airalo, 3 days). A 10 GB plan cost $26.50–$26.99 for 30 days, and unlimited data cost about $27–30 for a week.
Does a China eSIM work in Hong Kong?
No. Saily and Holafly both say their mainland China plans don't work in Hong Kong, so buy a separate Hong Kong plan.
Which network do China travel eSIMs use?
Saily lists China Telecom and China Unicom, Airalo lists China Unicom, and Holafly lists China Mobile (CMCC).