Asia · Local eSIM

China eSIM

Stay online in China with a Globbi travel eSIM. Choose from 62 data plans, from 1 GB up to unlimited data, on 4G LTE networks. Your QR code arrives instantly, you keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and there are no roaming fees.

Popular China eSIM plans

DataValidityPrice
1 GB7 days$1.39
3 GB30 days$2.89
5 GB30 days$4.19
10 GB30 days$7.49
20 GB30 days$13.99
30 GB30 days$19.79
50 GB30 days$30.29
Unlimited (1 GB/day at full speed)30 days$17.69
Unlimited (2 GB/day at full speed)30 days$30.59

See all 62 plans

Why get a China eSIM from Globbi?

4G LTE in China

Fast data on China's local networks, from the moment you land.

Instant QR code

Delivered the second you pay, with one-tap install on iPhone.

Hotspot on every plan

Share your data with your laptop or travel buddies.

Keep your number

Data only. Your home SIM stays on for calls and texts.

62 plans from $0.99 to $30.59 · China on 4G LTE · top up anytime

Staying online in China

The Great Wall, Shanghai’s skyline and the Terracotta Army: a China eSIM keeps maps, translation and payments working in a country where almost everything runs on your phone.

Mobile coverage

Coverage is excellent in cities, on high-speed trains and at major sights. Remote mountain and western regions can be patchier.

Main networks:China MobileChina UnicomChina Telecom

Your Globbi eSIM connects to a partner network in China. Coverage depends on location, like any mobile network.

Good to know in China

  • Many travel eSIM plans route data via Hong Kong, so services that are blocked in mainland China, like Google and WhatsApp, often still work. Check the details on your plan.
  • Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere, and both now accept many foreign cards. Set them up before you travel.
  • Download offline translations and maps before you go, as backup.

How to get online in China

1. Pick a plan

Choose your data and how long you need it. Checkout takes a minute.

2. Install on Wi-Fi

Scan the QR code before you fly. Here's our step-by-step install guide.

3. Land and connect

Turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you arrive, and you're online.

Do I need a visa for China?

Entry rules for common passports, checked by the Globbi team on 6 October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the National Immigration Administration of China before you travel. Other passports? Try our visa checker.

PassportEntryMax stay
United KingdomNo visa needed30 days
United StatesVisa needed
Visa-free transit may be possible if you're flying on to a third country.
–
CanadaNo visa needed30 days
AustraliaNo visa needed30 days
New ZealandNo visa needed30 days
IrelandNo visa needed30 days
GermanyNo visa needed30 days
FranceNo visa needed30 days
IndiaVisa needed–
South AfricaVisa needed–
  • China's visa-free entry for these passports is a temporary policy that runs until 31 December 2026, for stays up to 30 days.

China eSIM FAQs

How much does a China eSIM cost?

Globbi China eSIM plans start from $0.99. Prices depend on how much data you need and for how long. There are 62 plans to choose from, and no hidden fees or roaming charges.

Do I need a visa for China?

United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany and France passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. United States, India and South Africa passport holders need a visa before they travel. Rules change, so always confirm with the National Immigration Administration of China before you travel. Last checked by Globbi on 6 October 2026.

When does my China eSIM plan start?

Your plan starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network in China, so you can install it before you travel. Some plans also start automatically if unused for 30 days after purchase. The plan details show which.

Can I use hotspot with the China eSIM?

Yes. Hotspot/tethering is allowed on all China plans, so you can share data with your laptop or travel companions.

Is the unlimited China eSIM really unlimited?

Yes, there's no data cap. Each unlimited plan includes a daily amount of full-speed data (for example 1 GB or 2 GB a day). After that, speeds are reduced until the next day.

Do I get a phone number with the China eSIM?

No. Globbi eSIMs are data-only. Keep your regular SIM on for calls and texts, or use WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime over data.

Will my phone work with a China eSIM?

Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM, including iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM.

Will Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work in China with an eSIM?

With travel eSIMs that route data via Hong Kong, these apps usually work. Check the plan details, and download offline maps and translations as backup.

Can I use mobile payments in China as a visitor?

Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay accept many foreign cards. You need mobile data to use them, so get your eSIM working first.