Chengdu eSIM: what to know before you land
🇨🇳 Chengdu, China · TFU / CTU · 4-day pick: 3 GB for $4.99
Landing in Chengdu
- TFU Tianfu
- CTU Shuangliu
Chengdu has two airports: the newer Tianfu, far to the southeast and linked by Metro Line 18, and Shuangliu, closer to the city.
- Install the China eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
- When the plane lands at TFU, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, so maps and transport apps work from the arrivals hall.
- The days start counting on first connection in China, not at purchase.
You'll need about 2 GB over 4 days. 3 GB covers it with room to spare.
Maps and messaging only? 1 GB · 7 days for $2.99.
Pay · $4.99Short stays in Chengdu
| Stay | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~409 MB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~1 GB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.6 GB |
| 3 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~614 MB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~1.5 GB | $8.99 Unlimited · 3 daysneeds ~3.9 GB |
| 4 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~819 MB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2 GB | $12.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~5.2 GB |
| 5 days | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~1 GB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.5 GB | $12.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~6.5 GB |
| 7 days | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~1.4 GB | $7.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.5 GB | $11.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~9.1 GB |
Networks
The China eSIM connects to China Unicom. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
Also in China
Beijing · Guangzhou · Shanghai · Shenzhen · Xi'an
Going on from Chengdu? Asia (18 countries), Global (202 countries) — cover China too.
Questions about Chengdu
Which airports serve Chengdu?
Tianfu (TFU), Shuangliu (CTU). Chengdu has two airports: the newer Tianfu, far to the southeast and linked by Metro Line 18, and Shuangliu, closer to the city.
How much data do I need for 4 days in Chengdu?
About 2 GB for maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick is 3 GB · 30 days for $4.99. If you only need maps and messaging, 1 GB · 7 days for $2.99 is enough.
Can I be online as soon as I land at TFU?
Yes, if you install the eSIM before you fly. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch on data roaming for the eSIM line when you land; the plan's days start when it first connects to a network in China.
Which networks will I use in Chengdu?
The China eSIM connects to China Unicom. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.