The Best eSIM Providers for China: Reviews and Comparison

China is often associated with poor Internet, blocked websites, and a constant need for a VPN. Indeed, the Chinese Internet is a whole different world. Travelers from the EU and the USA often struggle with mobile data and connection. Moreover, roaming fees for foreigners are high. Instead of these struggles, experienced travelers choose eSIM solutions. These digital SIM plans offer mobile data in China at a local price. This guide explores what is the best eSIM for China, compares the alternatives, and tells how to activate an eSIM by just using your smartphone. Read further to find the best solution for mobile Internet in China.

What Makes eSIM a Convenient Option for Traveling?

eSIMs work like analogs of SIM cards. You activate them digitally and use the local mobile Internet, paying for it like a local. While foreigners pay huge roaming fees in China, you connect to the local cell towers and scroll the Internet at a fair cost. 

Moreover, there is no need to replace your own SIM card with a new one. Continue using your phone number to log into social media and messengers. The eSIM, activated digitally, will grant a mobile connection. This is a superb option for tourists all over the world.  

However, make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Even at the end of 2024, some devices cannot connect to the Internet without SIM cards. Look through the list of compatible devices and find yours. If your device is on the list, read and explore which eSIM is best for China.

Yesim

Yesim is a reliable eSIM provider with prepaid and unlimited connections. See what options are available in China. 

Coverage and Speed

The provider uses China Unicom to connect you to the local Internet. According to Yesim, all plans imply 5G speed. Yet, it may slow down if you’re far from towns and cities. The Internet covers the most popular destinations: Baoding, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Linyi, Nanyang, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, etc. Note that you need another eSIM in Hong Kong. 

Pricing

Choose from 8 options, either prepaid or unlimited. On average, the price range per 1 GB of a 5G connection in China is $3, which is quite cheap. The unlimited offers are even better, as you can buy the whole day of 5G connection at $2.79. For this, consider a long-term plan with a 30-day duration. 

Customer Reviews

Reviews about the Internet in China are almost positive. Even if you disconnect due to a poor connection, customer support helps to reconnect later. 

Activation

Yesim offers two ways of activation. 

Install in the app	Install via the QR code
Download the official Yesim app from the App Store or Google Play. Log into your account or register. Purchase the data plan for China. Open the plan and use the “install” function. The installation will run automatically. Once it is finished, go to your smartphone settings and choose a new data plan by Yesim by default instead of your SIM card. Turn the roaming on.	Once you buy the plan, Yesim emails you with a QR code and a guide. Scan the QR code with your smartphone. Wait for the installation.Once the data is ready, navigate to cell data settings in your device. Select the Yesim plan instead of your SIM card and turn the roaming on.

You can activate the plan within 365 after the purchase. Thus, don’t be afraid of expiration and trip delays. The order will be stored in your account for the whole year.

Unique Features

Yesim offers a referral program for special features and bonuses. Invite your contacts in the application to receive “Ycoins”. This digital currency can be spent on your next trips and data. 

Nomad

Nomad is a secure company with positive reviews on Trustpilot. It offers prepaid data plans for China with different data volumes and duration. 

Coverage and Speed

The company cooperates with two cell providers in China – China Unicom and China Telecom. This is good news for tourists. Even if some provider is disconnected, Nomad will reconnect you to another one. As for speed, it varies from 4G to 5G. Be ready, however, that you may be slowed down to 3G/4G on the roads. 

Pricing

Nomad has a unique pricing model. You may see that some offers have the same duration and data volume, but different prices. This happens because of the speed. You can buy 1 GB for $7 and use 5G, or order 1 GB for $4 and remain connected to 4G. If you don’t need superb speed, this is a good way to economize. 

Overall, the pricing is quite fair. Within the 90 GB deal, you pay only $1 per 1GB. As for China, this is extremely cheap. The most popular plans with 3–10 GB cost from $7 to $12. 

Customer Reviews

Despite all promises, few users mentioned 5G speed. In most cases, you’ll be connected to 4G or slowed down even more. Yet, it wasn’t a big problem for most customers. Even the 3G connection is quite good for online maps, chatting, and messenger calls. 

Activation

Be ready that Nomad’s activation is more tricky than Yesim’s. It also gives you a QR code, but you may need to enter some plan details manually. For this, navigate to your smartphone settings and choose the cell data. Here, select “Add new plan”. You’ll need to copy and paste Nomad’s technical information into settings and activate the plan individually. 

After that, everything works seamlessly. Don’t forget to turn the roaming on once you’re in China. Don’t worry – you won’t pay roaming fees. This is just an essential technical detail.

Unique Features

Nomad is a classy option with no specific perks. All plans allow using VPN and unlimited hotspots. If you run out of data within your plan, buy the top-up pack. You won’t need to buy a totally new plan and reinstall it, which is convenient. 

SimOptions

Consider SimOptions with its regular discounts. The company doesn’t offer special features and perks, but gets really beneficial when plans are discounted. See how it works in China. 

Coverage and Speed

The company doesn’t mention particular providers, but claims to support 4G and 5G speed.

Pricing

All offers for China are prepaid and consist of 1–20 GB. While the standard price is similar to other providers, discounted plans are beneficial. Buy 20 GB at $34, 10 GB at $22, etc. The only visible inconvenience is plans’ duration. Only the 20 GB offer lasts for 30 days, while other plans expire in a week, 5 days, or 15 days. 

Customer Reviews 

Users are generally content with connection speed and quality in China. If some issues happen, contact customer support and receive quick help. Yet, be ready to use a VPN, as most websites are blocked. 

Activation

Activate the SimOptions offers with a QR code. After you purchase the plan, the company sends you a message with a code and instructions. The process may differ for iOS and Android devices, so follow the precise instructions by SimOptions. You can also activate your data in the app. 

Unique Features

SimOptions allow you to activate and spend the plan within 365 days. Use this opportunity to purchase discounted options while they are available, and activate later. Additionally, the provider automatically turns your plan on once you’re in China. Install the eSIM in advance, and it will be activated once you’re in the destination. 

Jetpac

Jetpac is an expensive option, full of perks and discounts for its clients. For example, the service collaborates with Express VPN. Every client, who purchases an eSIM by Jetpac, receives 30 days of Express VPN subscription for free.

Coverage and Speed

Jetpac uses cell data by China Unicom and grants 4G or 5G speed. The speed may be a little lower if you’re far from cities. The Chinese data plan, surprisingly, covers 15 neighboring countries and regions, including Taiwan and Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong is a part of China, Hong Kong has its own providers. 

Pricing

The price for 1 GB varies from $2 to $4. All plans are prepaid and contain only mobile data without phone calls and SMS. Additionally, new customers can buy their first gigabyte at only $1. This is a one-time offer. 

Customer Reviews

Almost all reviews about Jetpac’s connection in Asia are positive. The provider is reliable, fast, and offers great customer support. The speed varies from 5G to 4G even if you’re using VPN. There are almost no negative reviews about services in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Activation

The company emails you with an activation QR code:

1. Open the message and scan the QR code with your device’s camera. 
2. Wait for data installation. 
3. Navigate to your smartphone settings. 
4. Choose the cell data settings. 
5. Select your new eSIM plan as the main one.
6. Turn the data roaming on. 

Once you land in China, Jetpac will be automatically activated. If you are not connected, wait to contact customer support. 

Unique Features

Jetpac is more expensive but offers interesting perks and features:

• Buy data for someone else. When placing an order, mention the recipient’s name and device. This way, you can buy eSIM plans for your kids, elderly parents, and friends.
• Receive smart delay in airports. If your flight is delayed, register your tickets in the Jetpac application. You can add yourself and 5 other people. Jetpac will immediately send you a LoungeKey voucher for access to premium lounge zones in the airport. 
• Fast pass. You can buy an easy airport check up with a discount by using Jetpac’s app/website. 

Those features don’t contribute to your eSIM experience directly. However, it is a new marketing tool to make your overall travel experience better. 

Compare the Best Options for Your China Trip

The best eSIMs for China	Yesim	Nomad	SimOpions	Jetpac
Coverage	China Unicom, 5G	China Unicom, China Telecom, 5G/4G	Providers are not mentioned, 4G/5G	China Unicom, 4G/5G/LTE
Activation	QR code or application	QR code or manually	QR code through the email address	Application or QR code
Price	From $2.2 to $5.4 for 1 GB	From $1 to $7 for 1 GB	From $2.25 to $4.5 for 1 GB	From $4 to $1.8
Unlimited connection	Available (from $7.70 to $2.79 per day)	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Unique features	activate the plan within 365 days;invite friends to get bonuses (Ycoins);Buy a virtual number for China.	The price depends on Internet speed and cell data provider.	Top-ups are available once you run out of data.	New users can buy 1 GB for 1 dollar;Discounted lounges in airports;30 days of free ExpressVPN.
The best eSIM plans for…	30-day trips with unlimited connection.	Stable connection in all regions of China	Tourism in China with any duration.	Traveling with convenience and luxury.

Final Thoughts

Among providers, each offers high-speed internet and seamless connectivity in China. To select one, focus on your priorities. While Jetpac offers fast connection and exclusive perks, this is an expensive provider. For people who need only maps and chatting, this is unnecessary. Yesim presents a good ratio of quality and price. Plus, this is the only option with an unlimited Internet connection. Nomad is a great opportunity to purchase regional plans and visit several countries. Finally, use SimOptions in case the company offers discounts. 

The choice depends on what’s important for you. Feel free to ask any questions, or share your opinion with the Chinese mobile Internet below. Don’t forget to share this selection of the best eSIM for China travel!