The main carriers are China Mobile, China Unicom. Important: with a travel eSIM you access WhatsApp, Instagram and Google normally, no VPN needed, because the traffic routes outside China.
A travel eSIM like VoaSim uses those same towers: coverage is that of the local networks.
| Option | How it works in practice |
|---|---|
| Travel eSIM | Bought online before the trip, arrives by email and connects on landing. Unlimited from USD 1.59/day at VoaSim, no paperwork or queues. |
| Local SIM | Buying a local SIM (China Mobile/Unicom) requires a passport and formal registration, and connects you to the local network WITH the firewall: no VPN means no Google, WhatsApp or Instagram. |
| Your carrier's roaming | Convenient but with a daily cost that piles up, and passes usually carry few GB or fair use. Check the exact rate in your app before flying. |
| Wi-Fi only | Free, but leaves you without maps, translator or rides on the street — exactly where you need them most. |
The key fact almost nobody mentions: an international travel eSIM works in roaming over Chinese networks and its traffic exits outside the firewall — Google Maps, WhatsApp, Gmail and Instagram work WITHOUT a VPN. It is the number one reason to bring an eSIM to China.
In Beijing and Shanghai public Wi-Fi requires a Chinese number for SMS verification: a newly arrived tourist often cannot even use airport Wi-Fi. Land with the eSIM active.
| Days | Price | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | USD 16.90 | USD 3.38/day |
| 7 days | USD 23.90 | USD 3.42/day |
| 10 days | USD 30.90 | USD 3.09/day |
| 15 days | USD 42.90 | USD 2.86/day |
| 20 days | USD 51.90 | USD 2.60/day |
| 25 days | USD 58.90 | USD 2.36/day |
| 30 days | USD 62.90 | USD 2.10/day |
| 60 days | USD 112.90 | USD 1.89/day |
Starting prices with today's promo (Europe and most destinations); each destination has its own price. 2 to 4 eSIMs in the same order get an extra 10% off.
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou and the whole territory with local network coverage. More details on the eSIM for China page.
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