7 best eSIMs for China in 2026

Don’t want to rely on cash in mainland China? Get QR payments sorted before you go. Use Wise to scan Alipay+ QR codes and pay at food stalls, markets and smaller shops that don’t take cards.

*For product availability and more information, visit wi.se/pay-qr.

Mobile data is particularly important when travelling in China - for maps, transport, translation, payments and staying in touch. To stay seamlessly connected, you might consider buying a travel eSIM, roaming with an SG mobile plan, or picking up a local SIM. Roaming can be quite costly, and a local SIM adds hassle to your journey - which means a travel eSIM is a favourite for many Singaporeans.

Getting an eSIM for China is also a popular choice as it can be a neat way to bypass the Great Firewall of China without needing a separate VPN, as well as avoiding the risks of high roaming costs or the hassle of getting a local SIM. So - which eSIM is best for China and what do they cost? Let’s find out.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

For visas, arrival formalities and other preparations, read our guide to travelling to China from Singapore.

Best eSIM for China: quick comparison

There isn't one China eSIM that's best for every traveller. Global providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, Ubigi, Jetpac and aloSIM all offer China coverage, but they differ in data allowances, networks, hotspot rules and how internet traffic is routed.

To help you choose the best eSIM for China for your needs, here’s a side-by-side comparison of some strong options - with more on eSIMs for China travel coming right up.

*Details correct at time of writing, 8th September 2026. Pricing reflects live advertised costs which may include promotions - check the latest before you buy

7 best eSIMs for China in 2026

Here’s a closer look at each provider’s China plans, including who they may suit and what to check before buying.

Airalo China eSIM

Airalo offers fixed-data and unlimited China eSIMs. Its smallest package may suit a short trip if you mainly need data for maps, messages and occasional browsing.¹

• May suit: Short trips and lighter data use
• Listed network: China Unicom
• Plans: 1 GB–50 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 3–30 days
• Indicative price: 4 USD–69 USD, or about 5 SGD–87 SGD
• Calls and SMS: China plans are generally data-only

Check when the package’s validity begins and whether its unlimited plans have a daily high-speed-data limit.

Holafly China eSIM

Holafly’s China plans include unlimited data and allow you to select a validity period from 1 to 90 days. The daily price generally falls as the plan becomes longer.²

• May suit: Travellers who want unlimited data and a precise trip duration
• Listed network: CMCC
• Plans: Unlimited data
• Validity: 1–90 days
• Indicative price: From 2.09 SGD a day
• Calls and SMS: Not included

“Unlimited” doesn’t always mean unlimited high-speed use. Review the fair-use and hotspot policies for your chosen plan.

Nomad China eSIM

Nomad offers fixed-data and unlimited plans lasting up to 45 days. Its China packages list China Unicom and China Telecom, although the network available may depend on the specific plan and location.³

• May suit: Longer trips or travellers who prefer a plan listing two partner networks
• Listed networks: China Unicom and China Telecom
• Plans: 1 GB–50 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 3–45 days
• Indicative price: 4 USD–35 USD, or about 5 SGD–44 SGD
• Calls and SMS: Check the selected package

Having two listed networks doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted coverage. Signal quality still depends on your location, device and the network selected.

Saily China eSIM

Saily sells fixed-data and unlimited China packages through its website and app. Selected services may also offer an optional US number for calls or messages, although this isn’t a mainland Chinese number.⁴

• May suit: Travellers who want fixed or unlimited data with an optional number
• Listed network: Not specified
• Plans: 1 GB–20 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 5–30 days
• Indicative price: 4.49 USD–72.99 USD, or about 5.70 SGD–92.50 SGD
• Calls and SMS: An optional US number may be available at an additional cost

Check the plan page to confirm the network, number availability and any additional charges.

Ubigi China eSIM

Ubigi offers one-off China packages as well as a monthly option. The recurring plan may be useful for an extended stay, but check its renewal and cancellation terms before subscribing.⁵

• May suit: Longer stays requiring a recurring data allowance
• Listed network: China Telecom
• Plans: 1 GB–25 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 5–30 days or monthly
• Indicative price: 4 USD–69 USD, or about 5 SGD–87 SGD
• Calls and SMS: Not included

Make sure you understand whether a monthly package renews automatically.

Jetpac China eSIM

Jetpac sells mainland China plans as well as packages covering Greater China or other regional destinations. Its own guidance should be checked carefully if access to restricted international services is important to you.⁶

• May suit: Travellers combining mainland China with nearby destinations
• Listed network: Not specified
• Plans: 3 GB–40 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 1–30 days
• Indicative price: 8.50 USD–90 USD, or about 11 SGD–114 SGD
• Calls and SMS: Not included

Compare a mainland-only package with Greater China and regional plans before paying.

aloSIM China eSIM

aloSIM offers fixed-data and unlimited packages for mainland China. Some customers may also receive access to a separate number through aloSIM’s association with Hushed, but this won’t necessarily be a mainland Chinese number.⁷

• May suit: Travellers who want a choice of fixed or unlimited packages
• Listed network: China Unicom
• Plans: 1 GB–20 GB or unlimited
• Validity: 3–30 days
• Indicative price: 4.50 USD–72.50 USD, or about 5.70 SGD–92 SGD
• Calls and SMS: A separate Hushed number may be available

Check whether you’ll need another method to access restricted international websites and apps.

What to know before using an eSIM in China

Before choosing a plan, check your phone, existing roaming benefits and the type of connectivity you’ll need during your trip.

Does your phone support eSIM?

Before buying, confirm that your phone:

• Supports eSIM
• Isn’t locked to your Singapore mobile provider
• Supports the network bands required by the chosen plan
• Has space for another installed eSIM

A provider’s compatibility checker is the safest place to confirm whether your exact phone model will work.

Do you need a China eSIM if your Singapore plan includes roaming?

You may not need another eSIM if your Singapore mobile plan already includes enough China roaming data.

Before deciding, check:

• Whether mainland China is included
• The available data allowance
• The roaming period
• Whether hotspot use is allowed
• The cost of exceeding the allowance
• Whether restricted international services remain accessible

Compare the complete roaming cost with a travel eSIM rather than looking only at the advertised starting price.

Do China eSIMs work without a VPN?

Some travel eSIMs route mobile traffic outside mainland China and advertise access to services that may be restricted on local connections. Depending on the provider, this could include services such as Google, WhatsApp and other international platforms.

This isn’t guaranteed across every China eSIM. Check the provider’s current guidance before buying, particularly if access to a particular app is essential.

International routing also isn’t necessarily the same as having a standalone VPN. Performance and access can change, so save essential travel information offline as a backup.

Can you get a China eSIM with a phone number?

Most travel eSIMs for China are data-only and don’t include a mainland Chinese phone number.

Saily and aloSIM may offer optional numbers through separate services, but these are generally international numbers rather than Chinese +86 numbers. Check whether the number supports incoming calls, outgoing calls, SMS and verification messages.

If you need a +86 number for local calls or account verification, a SIM from a Chinese mobile network may be more suitable.

China travel eSIM vs local SIM

Does a China eSIM work in Hong Kong and Macau?

Mainland China plans don't automatically include Hong Kong and Macau. Check the destination list on the exact package you’re buying if what you actually need is a China, Hong Kong and Macau eSIM.

Regional Asia plans may be better for multi-stop trips, although some providers like Holafly have specific packages covering Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, which might be a cheaper option compared to a regional package.

How to choose the best eSIM for China

Here are a few final things to think about when you choose the best eSIM for China:

• Check coverage and compatibility before buying - eSIM providers have listings of devices that can use their eSIMs for peace of mind
• Be realistic about your data usage to help you choose the right fixed or unlimited data plan. Fixed data is cheaper, but only if you stay within your limits
• Look at how much high-speed data you can get daily if buying an unlimited plan, as speeds often slow after a certain limit
• Check hotspot rules if you want to share your data, as some may cap the amount of tethering allowed

How to set up an eSIM for China

The exact route to buy and activate your eSIM can vary based on the provider and phone type you have. However, most eSIM companies allow QR installation, which is simple and usually works in the same way:

1. Buy the package you prefer and receive your QR for installation
2. Go to your phone’s Settings page and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
3. Select Add Cellular Plan (or Add Data Plan)
4. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts to install the plan
5. On arrival at your destination turn on roaming to activate

Once you have mobile data, you can use maps, translation services and supported payment apps while travelling. You may also want to learn how to link your Wise card to Alipay and WeChat Pay before you leave Singapore.

Pay in China by QR code or card with Wise

You can use the Wise app to scan supported Alipay+ QR codes and pay from an available Wise balance. Availability depends on your account country, currency and the type of QR code, so check the eligible countries and QR payment requirements before travelling.

You can also use a Wise card to pay for transport, meals, shopping and accommodation.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

💳 Get your Wise card

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Sources:

1. Airalo China eSIM
2. Holafly China eSIM
3. Nomad China eSIM
4. Saily China eSIM
5. Ubigi China eSIM
6. Jetpac China eSIM
7. aloSIM China eSIM