Phone data in China: travel eSIM vs roaming vs a local SIM
For most visitors, buy a travel eSIM online before you leave and install it at home. It costs far less than roaming (10GB is usually about US$17–27, depending on the brand), works the moment you land, and apps you use at home such as Google, WhatsApp and Instagram keep working on it. Keep your home SIM in the phone for bank text codes.
On this page
First: does your phone take a SIM card?
Some phones have no SIM tray and only take eSIMs. That includes US-model iPhones from the iPhone 14 onward. Chinese carriers' eSIMs generally require a Chinese ID card, so visitors usually can't get one. That's why some travelers buy a Chinese SIM at the airport and find it won't fit their phone.
Your three options
| Option | Good | Not so good | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM (buy online before you go) | Cheap. Works on landing. Your usual apps keep working. Keeps your home number | Usually data only, no Chinese number | Most visitors |
| Roaming with your home carrier | Nothing to buy or set up | Often expensive, roughly US$5–15 a day depending on carrier | 1–2 days, or emergencies |
| Chinese SIM card (buy after landing) | Cheapest for long stays. You get a Chinese number | Needs a phone with a SIM slot that isn't carrier-locked. Some apps from home won't work on it. No data until you buy it | Long stays, phones with a SIM slot |
How to set up a travel eSIM
- Check your phone supports eSIM (iPhones from 2018 onward do, as do many Android phones) and isn't locked to your carrier. Not sure? Dial
*#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. - Buy a plan that covers mainland China. About 10GB is plenty for 10 days.
- You'll get a QR code. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, not after you land.
- In Settings, set the eSIM as your line for mobile data.
- Keep your home line on, but turn data roaming off for it, so you don't pay roaming fees.
- When you land, turn on the eSIM's data. Some plans start counting days from first use.
What works on a travel eSIM
| Task | Works? |
|---|---|
| Google, WhatsApp, Instagram | Yes |
| WeChat messages, voice and video calls | Yes |
| DiDi taxis, maps, Trip.com, scan-to-pay | Yes |
| Bank text codes | Usually. They arrive on your home number |
| Calling Chinese phone numbers | Not directly. Use WeChat or WhatsApp calls, or ask your hotel or a local friend |
Why keep your home SIM in the phone
Your bank texts you codes when you link your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, and sometimes when you pay. Receiving texts abroad is usually free, but check with your carrier.
Want a local SIM anyway? See buying a SIM card in China.
Sources: China Guidelines on roaming, eSIM and local SIMs; why visitors can't get a Chinese eSIM.