Travelers to China often find them struggling to access popular websites and applications as the country heavily censors the internet. However, an e-SIM can eliminate all the stress and let you browse fast and secure internet on the go. Want to know how? Read on to find out.
E-SIMs are smart, convenient, and easy-to-use mobile connections that can be installed directly into your device like software. These mobile connections are ideal for tourists who travel often to foreign countries and want to enjoy mobile connectivity without denting their wallets.
If you plan on visiting China and looking for reliable mediums to stay connected during your journey, then we have got you covered. This article will include everything you need to know about eSIM cards in China including the latest updated card plans, price comparisons, features, and credible places to make a purchase.
So scroll down and discover some of the best available eSIM cards in China that are not only reliable but light on the pocket too.
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Recommendations for Best Cheap eSIM Cards in China
Below, we have compiled a list of the most popular and sought-after eSIM cards in China to help you make an informed choice. Each connection is reviewed in detail and includes updated connection plans, features, and links to buy directly from the vendor.
Now let’s take a closer look and see which e-SIM best suits your travel and budget preferences.
- Nomad e-SIM Card for China
Cost: USD 21
Specifications
- 15 GB data volume
- data only e-SIM
- Does not come with a phone number
- Incoming and outgoing calls/text messages are not supported
- 5G ready connection
- 30 days validity
- Valid for use within China only
If you are interested in buying Nomad’s e-SIM for China, click here.
- Chinacom e-SIM Card for China By Airalo
Cost: USD 28
Specifications
- 10 GB data volume
- Data only e-SIM
- Does not come with a phone number
- Incoming and outgoing calls/text messages are not supported
- 4G/LTE connectivity
- 30 days validity
- Valid for use within China only
If you are interested in buying this e-SIM for China by Airalo, then click here.
The most cost-effective e-SIM card for China is the one by Nomad with a 15 GB data plan for just USD 21 USD, equating to just USD 1.4 per Gigabyte. They have many other e-SIMs for China which might charge you as low as USD 0.98 per GB.
Another big plus of Nomad’s China e-SIM is that it comes packed with 5G connectivity offering cutting-edge mobile coverage all across China. Nomad is by far the only mobile network provider offering 5G coverage in China as other similar networks like SimOptions and Airalo only offer 4G/LTE speed.
The second most recommended e-SIM card for China is Airalo’s Chinacom e-SIM offering a good amount of data at a fairly reasonable price. Their connections are a bit pricier than Nomad’s e-SIMs but offer reliable mobile connectivity all across the country.
Airalo and Nomad offer data-only eSIM cards in China and do not offer calling and texting support. These SIMs do not have a phone number and can only be used for browsing the internet on a mobile. These connections are valid only for China and won’t work in other countries.
If you plan on visiting multiple Asian countries other than China, then an Asian e-SIM card for tourists will be a more suitable choice.
2 Things to Remember When Purchasing eSIM Cards in China
If you are thinking of buying an e-SIM card for China, then there few things that you should bear in mind to avoid stress and inconvenience.
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e-SIMs Don’t Work in Locked Phones
e-SIMs are similar to software that has to be installed into the Phone’s system to work. These connections are made to function in unlocked phones only. Some smartphones are locked by carriers and the user can only use one mobile connection by default.
Smartphone manufacturers in Europe and America are often locked while those available in Asia and the Middle East are unlocked. If you are not sure whether your phone is unlocked, you may contact your mobile network operator for guidance,
In case your phone is locked, your local mobile service provider can help you get it unlocked. You might have to pay a little fee for it but it will save you money in the long run.
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e-SIMs function in Compatible Devices Only
e-SIMs feature smart technology that works only on compatible devices. Latest smartphones support e-SIM functionality but if you have an old model, then you might have to check if it’s compatible enough for the connection to work.
You can check the status of your device by doing a quick Google search. Just type in the model of your phone in the search bar and it will tell you if your device is capable enough of running an e-SIM.
In case your device isn’t compatible, you would have to get a new phone to use an e-SIM. As an alternative, you can purchase a physical prepaid tourist SIM for China. It might not be as cheap as an e-SIM but will help you save on those high international roaming charges on your local mobile connection.
3 Best e-SIM Card Providers for China
It’s important to note that purchasing an e-SIM card upon arrival in China is not possible. All mobile internet providers in the country exclusively offer physical prepaid SIM cards for tourists; eSIM cards are not available for purchase in mobile stores.
Luckily, there are many well-esteemed mobile network operators offering eSIM cards in China. These SIMs can be bought from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks. No documentation or ID verification is required for purchasing these connections online.
Some of the top e-SIM provider companies selling e-SIMs for China include SimOptions, Nomad, and Airalo. All these companies offer a wide range of e-SIMs for travelers heading to China for either work or holiday trips.
Some connections support calling and texting while others are purely data-only e-SIMs. Let’s take a look at some of the best eSIM cards these companies provide for China so that you can make a wise and informed purchase.
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SimOptions eSIM Cards in China
SimOptions needs no introduction as it’s by far the most popular vendor selling cost-effective e-SIMs for almost every part of the world. Their service is consistent, robust, and affordable allowing travelers to consume data and make calls at budget-friendly rates.
SimOptions e-SIM Plans for China
Here are some of the best e-SIM cards for China available at SimOptions’ website.
- 1 GB data volume valid for 7 days at the price of USD 7.90
- 3 GB data volume valid for 5 days at the price of USD 9.90
- 5 GB data volume valid for 7 days at the price of USD 14.90
- 10 GB data volume valid for 15 days at the price of USD 21.90
- 20 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 34.90
To purchase any of the above-mentioned e-SIM cards for China by SimOptions, you may click here.
The e-SIMs for China by SimOptions offer data-only connectivity and are valid for use within China only. SimOptions does not specify the network it uses in China for operating these SIMs but offers good and consistent coverage all across the country.
There is no phone number available with these connections to make and receive calls/texts. You will only have to rely on mobile data to communicate with family and friends via social media apps.
SimOptions e-SIMs remain valid for a year from the date of purchase and the credit validity starts immediately upon installing the connection in the phone.
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Airalo e-SIMs for China
Another popular e-SIM provider in China is Airalo. The company is a well-celebrated name in the e-SIM industry and offers budget-friendly SIMs for tourists traveling to China. Their service is consistent and of high quality. They have some of the cheapest eSIM cards in China available in the market.
Airalo offers similar SIM card deals like SimOptions but with longer validity times. With their smart and convenient network, you can browse the internet and access apps without any restriction. Even the sites restricted in China work well using Airalo’s mobile data.
Given these features, Airalo’s e-SIM plans for China are some of the most recommended SIM connections for tourists and travelers.
Latest Updated e-SIM Plans for China
Here are some of the best eSIM cards in China available on Airalo’s website:
- 1 GB data valid for 7 days at the price of USD 5
- 2 GB data valid for 15 days at the price of USD 8.5
- 3 GB data valid for 30 days at the price of USD 11.5
- 5 GB data valid for 30 days at the price of USD 16.5
- 10 GB data valid for 30 days at the price of USD 28
- 20 GB data valid for 30 days at the price of USD 49
To purchase any of the above-mentioned e-SIM cards for China by Airalo, you may click here.
The 10 GB data pack offered by Airalo for USD 28 is a bit pricier than SimOptions but offers a generous validity period i.e. 30 days. Airalo overall offers longer validity times which might be helpful for travelers who intend to stay in China for a few weeks.
China e-SIMs by Airalo are powered by Chinacom and operate on China Unicom’s 4G/LTE network. It might come as bad news but these e-SIMs do not offer 5G coverage and you would rely on the 4G speed for browsing internet on your phone.
Airalo e-SIMs for China also do not feature a phone number. This means that incoming and outgoing calls/text messages are not supported. However, you can always your mobile data to make VOIP calls and text messages via social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.
All e-SIMs must be installed within a month from the date of their purchase. The credit validity will begin only after the SIM connects to a supported network in China. For more details on activation and pricing, we recommend you visit Airalo’s official website or contact their customer support team for further assistance.
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Nomad e-SIM Cards for China
Nomad is by far the only mobile service provider selling the cheapest e-SIM cards for China. Their SIMs offer 5G coverage and offer good-quality mobile connectivity for savvy travelers.
While big contenders like SimOptions and Airalo offer only 4G/LTE connectivity, Nomad is the only company providing 5G coverage in China.
Latest Updated e-SIM Plans for China
Here are some of the best e-SIM cards for China available at Nomad’s website
- 1 GB data volume valid for 7 days at the price of USD 4
- 3 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 7
- 5 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 10
- 10 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 13
- 15 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 21
- 20 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 23
- 30 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 35
- 40 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 40
- 50 GB data volume valid for 30 days at the price of USD 49
To purchase any of the above-mentioned e-SIM cards for China by Nomad, you may click here.
All Nomad e-SIM cards for China are powered by eSIM Go and offer data-only services through the China Unicom network. Their SIMs do not have a phone number, thus incoming and outgoing calls/text messages are not supported.
However, despite these limitations, Nomad stands out for offering the most budget-friendly e-SIM cards for China, with rates plunging as low as USD 0.98 per Gigabyte.
Installation of Nomad’s China e-SIM cards must be completed within 30 days, and their validity begins upon the initial connection to a supported network in China—typically upon arrival. For further details, please refer to the Nomad official website.
What is the Cheapest e-SIM Card for China?
If you’re looking for the most economical e-SIM, the Nomad e-SIM card is the cheapest choice for China, priced at just USD 4. With this plan, you’ll receive 1 GB of data valid for 7 days. Interestingly, Airalo offers a similar plan but at a slightly higher price of USD 5.
It’s important to note that both these e-SIM cards are exclusively valid within China and do not support calling or texting services.
Where to Order an e-SIM for China?
e-SIM cards for China can be purchased online seamlessly through reliable sources mentioned in the article above. SimOptions, Nomad, and Airalo are three popular mobile service providers offering budget-friendly e-SIMs for tourists traveling to China.
These SIMs can be purchased from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks. No documentation, registration, or ID verification is required to make a purchase. All you need to do is select a suitable plan, provide a valid e-mail address, and make payment online.
An email will be sent to your mailbox with a QR code. You can scan the code with your mobile phone to install the connection on your device. And that’s it. Your e-SIM will be ready to use. The connection will start functioning as soon as you land in China allowing you to go online and perform a myriad of essential activities without any hassle.
If you are thinking of buying an e-SIM after you arrive in China, then know that it won’t be possible. None of the mobile service operators sell e-SIMs for tourists. You cannot purchase an e-SIM in China as no such service is available in the country.
You can purchase physical prepaid SIMs for tourists but you will have to locate nearby stores to purchase in person. This will obviously take time and the connection plan might also be expensive.
Your safest bet would be to buy an e-SIM before your arrival in the country to save time and money. This will also save you from unnecessary hassle and last-minute stress.
Why Purchase an e-SIM for China?
An e-SIM card for China presents numerous advantages for travelers. Firstly, it offers unparalleled convenience by eliminating the need to physically swap SIM cards in your device, allowing for seamless activation remotely.
Moreover, with China’s stringent internet censorship, using an e-SIM enables bypassing these restrictions without relying on a VPN, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential online services.
Additionally, opting for an e-SIM often translates to significant cost savings compared to traditional roaming or purchasing local SIM cards upon arrival, thanks to competitive rates and customizable data plans.
The flexibility inherent in e-SIM technology allows travelers to choose suitable data plans and durations before embarking on their journey and easily switch between providers if necessary.
For those seeking top-notch connectivity, some e-SIM cards offer 5G support, providing faster data speeds and an enhanced online experience in China’s tech-savvy environment.
Overall, ordering an e-SIM card for China promises hassle-free, cost-effective, and unrestricted mobile data connectivity tailored to the needs of modern travelers.
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