China eSIM guide
1 network with 5G · 11 data plans from $2.99. Prices below are live.
- Networks
- China Unicom 5G
- 5G
- Yes
- Cheapest plan
- 1 GB · 7 days · $2.99
- Best per GB
- 20 GB · 30 days · $0.90/GB
- Unlimited from
- Unlimited · 3 days · $8.99
- Longest validity
- 30 days
Which plan for your trip
We estimate 0.2 GB a day for maps and messaging, 0.5 GB with socials and photos, and 1.3 GB if you stream or share a hotspot. Each cell is the plan our recommender picks for that trip today.
| Trip | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 14 days | $7.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.8 GB | $11.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~7 GB | $17.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~18.2 GB |
| 30 days | $11.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~6 GB | $17.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~15 GB | $53.99 Unlimited · 30 daysneeds ~39 GB |
Networks in China
The China eSIM connects to China Unicom. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
Arriving in China
- PEK Beijing Capital
- PKX Beijing Daxing
- PVG Shanghai Pudong
- CAN Guangzhou Baiyun
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi; it waits until you arrive.
- On landing, switch on data roaming for the eSIM line and pick it for mobile data.
- Your plan's days start when it first connects to a network in China.
City guides in China
About unlimited in China
Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Visiting more than China?
These regional eSIMs include China. For 10 days of maps and socials, the China eSIM pick is 10 GB · 30 days for $11.99.
All 11 data plans
| Plan | Price | Per day | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB · 7 days | $2.99 | $0.43 | $2.99 |
| 3 GB · 30 days | $4.99 | $0.17 | $1.66 |
| 5 GB · 30 days | $7.99 | $0.27 | $1.60 |
| 10 GB · 30 days | $11.99 | $0.40 | $1.20 |
| 20 GB · 30 days | $17.99 | $0.60 | $0.90 |
| Unlimited · 3 days | $8.99 | $3.00 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 5 days | $12.99 | $2.60 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 7 days | $19.99 | $2.86 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 10 days | $26.99 | $2.70 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 15 days | $38.99 | $2.60 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 30 days | $53.99 | $1.80 | No cap |
Questions about China
Which networks does the China eSIM use?
The China eSIM connects to China Unicom. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
How much data do I need for a week in China?
About 3.5 GB if you use maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick for 7 days is 5 GB · 30 days for $7.99.
Is there an unlimited data plan for China?
Yes, from $8.99 for 3 days. Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Do China plans include a phone number?
No, they're data only. Your home SIM stays on for calls and texts, and messaging apps and internet calls work over the eSIM data.
Which airports do most visitors fly into in China?
The main international airports are Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
Does a regional eSIM cover China?
Yes. Asia and Global include China. The smallest, Asia, covers 18 countries on one eSIM.
When does the plan start?
When your phone first connects to a network in the destination, not when you buy. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; the days start counting on arrival.