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ChinaInsiderTrips · Travel preparation tools

China SIM, eSIM & roaming comparison

Filter real package snapshots by your trip and device, compare the conditions, and keep a fallback for phone calls and SMS.

Start with the connection route

Travel eSIM for mobile data

Compare the package snapshots below if your exact device is unlocked and compatible. Data-only packages do not replace an SMS-capable phone line.

  1. Confirm model, sales region, installation location and package compatibility.
  2. Check duration, fair use, hotspot, activation and refund conditions.
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Local physical SIM

A carrier service office can check passport registration, your phone and a local-number plan. No uniform tourist tariff or guaranteed stock is established here.

  1. Bring the passport to an official service office; confirm its ability to register foreign documents.
  2. Request written total cost, allowance, voice/SMS, cancellation, validity and hotspot terms; check SIM tray and unlock status.

Cost and capability need your carrier/venue’s actual quote. Not ranked as free or cheaper.

Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Roam with your home carrier

Can preserve your existing number if the carrier supports roaming in China. The included destinations, SMS, voice, data and day-pass charging rules depend on your own plan.

  1. Ask the carrier about China coverage, incoming SMS/OTP and voice/data charges before leaving.
  2. Confirm what triggers a chargeable day and whether a day is 24 hours or calendar-based; avoid unapproved data switching.

Cost and capability need your carrier/venue’s actual quote. Not ranked as free or cheaper.

Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Wi-Fi plus offline backup

Useful for installation and a fallback at a known venue. Availability, login/SMS requirements, cost and application access depend on that network; it is not continuous travel coverage.

  1. Confirm the venue’s login method and prepare a working SMS line if required.
  2. Download tickets, bilingual addresses, maps and translation resources before leaving connectivity.

Cost and capability need your carrier/venue’s actual quote. Not ranked as free or cheaper.

Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Your requirements

14 days and 5 GB are editable example inputs. Device and phone capabilities start unconfirmed. These are supplier statements, not team tests.

Trip, data and budget
All destinations to cover
Device and phone requirements
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Estimate your data use

Planning range: 7–21 GB

Planning range per device. Video quality, backups and hotspot use can change usage substantially. Check your own phone’s data history; do not count shared data twice.

Package results

Prices shown here are dated USD snapshots, not current checkout quotes. Store currencies, available packages and final taxes or fees may differ. Confirm the provider’s current checkout; no exchange-rate conversion is applied.

Matching candidates: 12 · Selected for comparison: 0/4

  • Supplier snapshots, not live stock, checkout totals, application guarantees or team tests.
  • Price sorting occurs only within matching currency, duration, data type and promotion conditions. Group order is not an overall cheapest ranking.

Same comparison basis: USD · 30-day validity · fixed data allowance · standard displayed price

Nomad

China 5 GB · 30 days

USD 13.50 · displayed price

5 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 0.96; per validity day: USD 0.45; per included GB: USD 2.70

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Usually starts on destination connection; some packages require manual activation. Activate within 60 days of purchase or the expiry timer starts automatically.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is supported. Its usage consumes the same total data allowance; device restrictions can apply.
Fair use / speed
Fixed allowance. The product page does not establish a guaranteed speed or a package-specific throttling policy; check plan details.
Top-up
Add-ons are advertised, but Nomad’s public China instructions conflict about in-China purchases. Confirm before departure; do not use top-up as your fallback.
Network
The page lists these networks; exact network depends on the package and local availability.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Request within 30 days. Uninstalled/unactivated fixed plans may be refundable; activated plans and discount codes have restrictions. See exceptions.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

TSimTech / MobiMatter

China 15 GB · 30 days

USD 10.99 · displayed price

15 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 0.79; per validity day: USD 0.37; per included GB: USD 0.73

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Validity begins with first data use. Activate within two months of purchase; calendar months are not treated as exactly 60 days.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is listed as available; sharing consumes the same fixed allowance.
Fair use / speed
Retailer states no daily cap or throttling within the allowance. This is a supplier statement, not a measured speed guarantee.
Top-up
No top-up for this package. Do not assume additional data is included.
Network
Networks can change without notice; 5G depends on location, device and settings.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Operator-specific conditions apply. After download/activation, qualifying technical faults require troubleshooting and unresolved support; fees/exclusions apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

TSimTech / MobiMatter

China 20 GB · 30 days

USD 13.99 · displayed price

20 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 1.00; per validity day: USD 0.47; per included GB: USD 0.70

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Validity begins with first data use. Activate within two months of purchase; calendar months are not treated as exactly 60 days.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is listed as available; sharing consumes the same fixed allowance.
Fair use / speed
Retailer states no daily cap or throttling within the allowance. This is a supplier statement, not a measured speed guarantee.
Top-up
No top-up for this package. Do not assume additional data is included.
Network
Networks can change without notice; 5G depends on location, device and settings.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Operator-specific conditions apply. After download/activation, qualifying technical faults require troubleshooting and unresolved support; fees/exclusions apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

TSimTech / MobiMatter

China 30 GB · 30 days

USD 19.99 · displayed price

30 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 1.43; per validity day: USD 0.67; per included GB: USD 0.67

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Validity begins with first data use. Activate within two months of purchase; calendar months are not treated as exactly 60 days.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is listed as available; sharing consumes the same fixed allowance.
Fair use / speed
Retailer states no daily cap or throttling within the allowance. This is a supplier statement, not a measured speed guarantee.
Top-up
No top-up for this package. Do not assume additional data is included.
Network
Networks can change without notice; 5G depends on location, device and settings.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Operator-specific conditions apply. After download/activation, qualifying technical faults require troubleshooting and unresolved support; fees/exclusions apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

TSimTech / MobiMatter

Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan · 30 GB / 30 days

USD 23.99 · displayed price

30 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 1.71; per validity day: USD 0.80; per included GB: USD 0.80

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as listed by the retailer.
Activation / start
Validity begins with first data use. Activate within two months of purchase; calendar months are not treated as exactly 60 days.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is listed as available; sharing consumes the same fixed allowance.
Fair use / speed
Retailer states no daily cap or throttling within the allowance. This is a supplier statement, not a measured speed guarantee.
Top-up
No top-up for this package. Do not assume additional data is included.
Network
Networks can change without notice; 5G depends on location, device and settings.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Operator-specific conditions apply. After download/activation, qualifying technical faults require troubleshooting and unresolved support; fees/exclusions apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Same comparison basis: USD · 30-day validity · fixed data allowance · sale eligibility unconfirmed

Nomad

China 10 GB · 30 days

USD 17.00 · displayed price · sale, eligibility unconfirmed

10 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 1.21; per validity day: USD 0.57; per included GB: USD 1.70

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • This sale price has unconfirmed eligibility/expiry; compare it separately from standard prices.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Usually starts on destination connection; some packages require manual activation. Activate within 60 days of purchase or the expiry timer starts automatically.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is supported. Its usage consumes the same total data allowance; device restrictions can apply.
Fair use / speed
Fixed allowance. The product page does not establish a guaranteed speed or a package-specific throttling policy; check plan details.
Top-up
Add-ons are advertised, but Nomad’s public China instructions conflict about in-China purchases. Confirm before departure; do not use top-up as your fallback.
Network
The page lists these networks; exact network depends on the package and local availability.
Price conditions
Public sale price; eligibility, expiry and final checkout total need confirmation. No coupon or cashback is deducted.
Refund
Request within 30 days. Uninstalled/unactivated fixed plans may be refundable; activated plans and discount codes have restrictions. See exceptions.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Nomad

China 20 GB · 30 days

USD 25.00 · displayed price · sale, eligibility unconfirmed

20 GB total · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 1.79; per validity day: USD 0.83; per included GB: USD 1.25

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • This sale price has unconfirmed eligibility/expiry; compare it separately from standard prices.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Usually starts on destination connection; some packages require manual activation. Activate within 60 days of purchase or the expiry timer starts automatically.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is supported. Its usage consumes the same total data allowance; device restrictions can apply.
Fair use / speed
Fixed allowance. The product page does not establish a guaranteed speed or a package-specific throttling policy; check plan details.
Top-up
Add-ons are advertised, but Nomad’s public China instructions conflict about in-China purchases. Confirm before departure; do not use top-up as your fallback.
Network
The page lists these networks; exact network depends on the package and local availability.
Price conditions
Public sale price; eligibility, expiry and final checkout total need confirmation. No coupon or cashback is deducted.
Refund
Request within 30 days. Uninstalled/unactivated fixed plans may be refundable; activated plans and discount codes have restrictions. See exceptions.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Same comparison basis: USD · 45-day validity · fixed data allowance · standard displayed price

Nomad

China 50 GB · 45 days

USD 35.00 · displayed price

50 GB total · 45 days

Per trip day: USD 2.50; per validity day: USD 0.78; per included GB: USD 0.70

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Usually starts on destination connection; some packages require manual activation. Activate within 60 days of purchase or the expiry timer starts automatically.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Hotspot is supported. Its usage consumes the same total data allowance; device restrictions can apply.
Fair use / speed
Fixed allowance. The product page does not establish a guaranteed speed or a package-specific throttling policy; check plan details.
Top-up
Add-ons are advertised, but Nomad’s public China instructions conflict about in-China purchases. Confirm before departure; do not use top-up as your fallback.
Network
The page lists these networks; exact network depends on the package and local availability.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Request within 30 days. Uninstalled/unactivated fixed plans may be refundable; activated plans and discount codes have restrictions. See exceptions.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Same comparison basis: USD · 15-day validity · unlimited with fair use · standard displayed price

Airalo

China unlimited · 15 days

USD 49.00 · displayed price

Unlimited with fair use; confirm this package’s daily allowance · 15 days

Per trip day: USD 3.50; per validity day: USD 3.27

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • Unlimited is not unlimited high-speed data. Confirm the exact daily fair-use threshold.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Install on stable internet. Validity starts when connecting in the covered destination; confirm the purchased package’s rule.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Tethering is allowed; shared usage counts toward the fair-use allowance. Device/APN restrictions still apply.
Fair use / speed
General Airalo guidance: 3 GB per 24 hours at up to 20 Mbps, then about 1 Mbps. Exact package terms take priority; no unlimited high-speed claim.
Top-up
Check the actual package for renewal/top-up options; availability in mainland China is not confirmed.
Network
China Unicom is listed; speed and application access have not been tested by us.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Refund eligibility depends on the current terms and the account’s refund flow; not an unconditional refund promise.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Holafly

China unlimited · 15 days

USD 50.50 · displayed price

Unlimited; fair-use threshold not published here · 15 days

Per trip day: USD 3.61; per validity day: USD 3.37

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • Unlimited is not unlimited high-speed data. Confirm the exact daily fair-use threshold.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Install on stable internet before travel; start by enabling the eSIM and its data roaming at the destination. Not transferable/reinstallable after installation.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Supplier limit: 1 GB of hotspot sharing per day. This is separate from the unlimited phone-data claim.
Fair use / speed
The supplier says the network may reduce speed under fair use until the next day. No numeric high-speed quota or reduced speed is established here.
Top-up
This product is sold for a chosen number of days without top-ups. Confirm a new plan if your trip changes.
Network
CMCC is listed. Rural/mountain coverage and specific application access are not guaranteed or tested by us.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Up to six months to request, with usage/activation and evidence conditions. Connection issues require contact during the trip; fees can apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Same comparison basis: USD · 30-day validity · unlimited with fair use · standard displayed price

Airalo

China unlimited · 30 days

USD 69.00 · displayed price

Unlimited with fair use; confirm this package’s daily allowance · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 4.93; per validity day: USD 2.30

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • Unlimited is not unlimited high-speed data. Confirm the exact daily fair-use threshold.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Install on stable internet. Validity starts when connecting in the covered destination; confirm the purchased package’s rule.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Tethering is allowed; shared usage counts toward the fair-use allowance. Device/APN restrictions still apply.
Fair use / speed
General Airalo guidance: 3 GB per 24 hours at up to 20 Mbps, then about 1 Mbps. Exact package terms take priority; no unlimited high-speed claim.
Top-up
Check the actual package for renewal/top-up options; availability in mainland China is not confirmed.
Network
China Unicom is listed; speed and application access have not been tested by us.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Refund eligibility depends on the current terms and the account’s refund flow; not an unconditional refund promise.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Holafly

China unlimited · 30 days

USD 73.90 · displayed price

Unlimited; fair-use threshold not published here · 30 days

Per trip day: USD 5.28; per validity day: USD 2.46

Price checked: 2026-10-04 · Final checkout total unknown

  • Confirm eSIM support for the exact model and sales region before purchase.
  • Confirm carrier unlock status; not knowing is not proof of support.
  • Unlimited is not unlimited high-speed data. Confirm the exact daily fair-use threshold.
All package conditions
Coverage
Mainland China. Coverage is a supplier claim and can vary locally.
Activation / start
Install on stable internet before travel; start by enabling the eSIM and its data roaming at the destination. Not transferable/reinstallable after installation.
Voice / number / SMS
Data only; no local phone number, carrier voice calls or SMS. App messages use data.
Hotspot
Supplier limit: 1 GB of hotspot sharing per day. This is separate from the unlimited phone-data claim.
Fair use / speed
The supplier says the network may reduce speed under fair use until the next day. No numeric high-speed quota or reduced speed is established here.
Top-up
This product is sold for a chosen number of days without top-ups. Confirm a new plan if your trip changes.
Network
CMCC is listed. Rural/mountain coverage and specific application access are not guaranteed or tested by us.
Price conditions
Public displayed price, not a live quote. Confirm final taxes/fees and currency at checkout.
Refund
Up to six months to request, with usage/activation and evidence conditions. Connection issues require contact during the trip; fees can apply.
Official package details
Sources and check date · 2026-10-04

Why other packages were excluded (6)

Nomad · China 1 GB · 7 days

  • One package covers 7 days, shorter than this trip. No unpriced extra package is assumed.
  • The fixed allowance is below your total requirement, one peak day or minimum hotspot usage; top-up price is not included.

Nomad · China 3 GB · 30 days

  • The fixed allowance is below your total requirement, one peak day or minimum hotspot usage; top-up price is not included.

Airalo · China unlimited · 3 days

  • One package covers 3 days, shorter than this trip. No unpriced extra package is assumed.

Airalo · China unlimited · 7 days

  • One package covers 7 days, shorter than this trip. No unpriced extra package is assumed.

Holafly · China unlimited · 3 days

  • One package covers 3 days, shorter than this trip. No unpriced extra package is assumed.

Holafly · China unlimited · 7 days

  • One package covers 7 days, shorter than this trip. No unpriced extra package is assumed.

Side-by-side comparison

Prices shown here are dated USD snapshots, not current checkout quotes. Store currencies, available packages and final taxes or fees may differ. Confirm the provider’s current checkout; no exchange-rate conversion is applied.

Select 2–4 packages from the results. A saved selection is not an order.

Continue with installation, original-number and app preparation

Review your trip and offline copyRead the full preparation guides