We share the best eSIM for China, tried and tested by us from Beijing to Shanghai
I almost changed my mind about going to China. It had been on my bucket list for a long time, but nothing was easy in the lead-up to my trip. As a Brit, I have one of the most powerful passports in the world and can visit a whopping 190 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Alas, China is not one of them. The visa process was convoluted and involved piles of paperwork and two physical trips to the visa office.
Other hurdles followed: I had to download AliPay because foreign tourists can’t pay by credit card in China. I had to call Air China’s Beijing Office to request a vegetarian meal as I couldn’t do so online. I had to buy a VPN as I couldn’t browse freely in China. I had to order local currency as the Post Office didn’t stock it as standard. I couldn’t check in online so had to go to the airport earlier than I usually would.
On landing, I was fairly certain that my eSIM wouldn’t work. Surely, it wouldn’t be that easy! As I waited in immigration (which took two hours to clear) I was delighted to discover that I was indeed connected. In fact, I didn’t even need my VPN. As I would later discover, I had chosen the best eSIM for China.
My connection proved stable and consistent across a large swathe of China, from Beijing to Shanghai, via Xi’an, Emei Shan, Chengdu and Yangshuo
Over the course of my 15-day trip to China, most of my fellow travellers had problems connecting. They were often unable to pay with credit card (via AliPay or WeChat) or navigate using Google Maps. Meanwhile, my connection proved stable and consistent across a large swathe of the country, from Beijing to Shanghai, via Xi’an, Emei Shan, Chengdu and Yangshuo. To ease the pain of future travellers, I share below the best eSIM for China.
What is the best eSIM for China
Based on my group’s first-hand experience, the best eSIM for China is Holafly eSIM. Holafly comes highly rated on Trustpilot and covers 170 destinations worldwide with unlimited data available in 122 countries, including China.
I have used Holafly in several countries including Mexico, Panama and much of Europe, and have found it consistently reliable, which is especially important in China where you need a connection to pay by credit card (via Alipay or WeChat).
What’s more, as my Holafly eSIM was based outside of China, I was able to access blocked sites such as Gmail, Facebook and Instagram without my VPN. Of course, you may wish to keep your VPN on for security.
Atlas & Boots can offer our readers 5% off all Holafly purchases. Simply use the code ATLASANDBOOTS at checkout.
Unlimited data packages for China
Holafly has numerous eSIM data packages for China, ranging from one to 90 days, all of which include unlimited data. Sample prices are shown below. We can offer our readers 5% off all Holafly purchases. Simply use the code ATLASANDBOOTS at checkout. We can offer our readers 5% off all Holafly purchases.
Sample prices (USD):
- Unlimited data, 5 days: $21
- Unlimited data, 7 days: $29
- Unlimited data, 10 days: $37
- Unlimited data, 15 days: $51
- Unlimited data, 20 days: $62
- Unlimited data, 30 days: $75
- Unlimited data, 60 days: $107
- Unlimited data, 90 days: $140
Get the app
The Holafly app makes the installation process extra easy. It helps you buy and track your data plans, and provides the option to top up after your plan expires. It also automatically checks that your phone is eSIM-compatible before the purchase. Alternatively, you can check on Holafly’s eSIM-supported phones list.
24-hour support
Holafly eSIMs also come with 24-hour support in several languages so if you are experiencing technical issues you can reach Holafly by email, on the app or via WhatsApp.
If you have any questions about the best eSIM for China, please reach out on Instagram and we would be happy to help.
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