Land in Beijing or Shanghai with working data before you clear immigration — no plastic SIM, no carrier roaming fees, no searching for WiFi.
For US travelers, the #1 friction in China isn’s the language — it’s being offline. Google Maps, WhatsApp, Gmail and most Western apps need data, and China’s networks + firewalls make a US carrier’s roaming plan both expensive and unreliable. A China eSIM fixes this: you install it before you fly, and it connects the moment you land.
Why a China eSIM beats the alternatives
- vs US carrier roaming: typical US roaming is $10–$15/day and throttles speed; an eSIM data plan is a fraction of that for far more data.
- vs a physical SIM: no swapping your US SIM, no losing iMessage/2FA texts, no finding a kiosk at the airport. Keep your number, add China data.
- vs pocket WiFi: nothing extra to rent, charge, or carry, and it won’t get lost.
Does your phone support an eSIM?
Most phones from ~2020 onward do: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Z models — as long as they’re unlocked. If you bought your phone on a US carrier payment plan, confirm it’s unlocked before travel. (Not sure? Tell us your model on WhatsApp and we’ll check in a minute.)
Plans & coverage
We sell prepaid China data eSIMs by amount and days — short daily packages (e.g. 1–3 GB/day for a few days) and fixed total-data plans (5–20 GB over 7–30 days) for longer trips. Live prices and current bundles are on the Travel eSIM page; every plan is instant-delivery with a QR you scan in under two minutes.
Tip: most US travelers use 1–2 GB/day in cities (maps + messaging + a little social). Add headroom if you’ll stream or hotspot a laptop.
How to install (3 steps, before you fly)
- Buy your plan and receive the eSIM QR by email.
- On your phone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan the QR. Label it “China” and keep your US line on.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the China line only. It connects automatically on arrival.
What to expect on Chinese networks
Apps that depend on blocked services (Google, WhatsApp voice, Instagram) may not load without a VPN — set one up before you leave. WeChat works and is worth installing for local payments and messaging. Your eSIM gives you the data connection; what you do with it is up to you.
FAQ
Do I keep my US number?
Yes. The eSIM adds China data; your US number stays active for calls and texts.
When should I install it?
Before you fly, while on WiFi. It only uses data once you land in China.
What if my phone isn’t eSIM-compatible?
We can arrange a physical SIM or a pocket WiFi instead — message us your model.
Can I top up mid-trip?
Yes, buy an additional plan and add it as a second eSIM or replace the data line.
Is it refundable if my phone doesn’t work?
Contact us before activation and we’ll help you sort it out.
Ready to stay connected? See China eSIM plans → · Ask us on WhatsApp · Plan your whole trip with AI