Get Online in China
eSIM you can buy before you leave, and where to find a physical SIM card when you land. Everything you need to stay connected.
Most travellers buy a data plan before they arrive and never visit a SIM counter. But knowing where the counters are — just in case — makes the arrival anxiety disappear.
eSIM — Set up before you fly
Buy online, activate on arrival. No need to find a shop or swap your home SIM.
📱 Which phones support eSIM in China?
- ✓ iPhone: XS and newer (except China mainland models which have no eSIM)
- ✓ Google Pixel: 3 and newer (except Japan models)
- ✓ Samsung Galaxy: S20 and newer, Z Fold/Flip series
- ✓ Huawei: P40, Mate 40 Pro and newer (some models eSIM-only)
- ✓ Others: OnePlus 11+, Oppo Find X5+, Xiaomi 13+ (regional variants vary)
⚠️ Important: If you bought your iPhone 14 or newer in mainland China, it does not have eSIM. You'll need a physical SIM card (see next section).
eSIM Provider Comparison
Prices are approximate and change frequently. Check each provider for current rates.
| Provider | Data | Duration | Price | Top-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | $5–37 | ✓ |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 5–90 days | $19–99 | ✗ |
| Nomad | 1–50 GB | 5–30 days | $6–45 | ✓ |
| Ubigi | 1–30 GB | 7–30 days | $8–36 | ✓ |
| AloSIM | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | $7–35 | ✓ |
📥 How to set up an eSIM
- Buy a plan from your chosen provider (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — all have apps)
- You'll receive a QR code or installation link via email
- Add the eSIM to your phone before you leave (Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM)
- Label it "China Data" in your settings
- Turn off your home SIM or set it as the voice-only line
- When you land in China, turn on data roaming for the China eSIM → you're online
✅ Why eSIM
- Set up at home, no queue at airport
- Keep your home SIM active
- No passport needed
⚠️ Considerations
- Phone must support eSIM
- Chinese iPhones have no eSIM
- Data only — no local phone number
- Troubleshooting from abroad can be hard
Airport SIM Card — Buy when you land
If your phone doesn't support eSIM, or you prefer a local number, buy a physical SIM card right after you clear customs.
🛂 What you need
- ✓ Passport — mandatory for all SIM purchases in China
- ✓ Cash or card — most airport counters accept Visa/Mastercard
- ✓ Unlocked phone — your phone must be carrier-unlocked
Where to find SIM counters at major airports
Beijing Capital PEK
Arrival hall T3 — China Mobile & Unicom counters near Exit B
Beijing Daxing PKX
Arrival hall (GTC) — Ground Transportation Centre, ground floor
Shanghai Pudong PVG
T1 & T2 arrival halls — All three operators, open 7am–11pm
Shanghai Hongqiao SHA
Arrival hall — Counter near the HSR connection corridor
Guangzhou Baiyun CAN
Arrival hall T1 & T2 — Visible right after baggage claim
Shenzhen Bao'an SZX
Arrival hall — China Mobile directly across from Exit 11
Chengdu Tianfu TFU
Arrival hall T1 — Counter near the central information desk
Xi'an Xianyang XIY
Arrival hall T3 — Between Exits 7 and 8
Kunming Changshui KMG
Arrival hall — China Unicom counter near the WHSmith
Guilin Liangjiang KWL
Arrival hall — Small counter near the exit door
Carrier Travel Plan Comparison
| Operator | Plan | Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | Travel SIM | 20–50 GB | 7–30 days | ¥100–300 |
| China Unicom | Foreign Tourist SIM | 15–40 GB | 7–30 days | ¥88–258 |
| China Telecom | Welcome Card | 20–30 GB | 10–30 days | ¥100–200 |
💡 Tip: All three operators work on the same networks in major cities. Don't overthink which one to choose. China Mobile has the widest coverage in remote areas.
✅ Why physical SIM
- Works on any unlocked phone
- You get a Chinese phone number
- Easier to use for Didi / Meituan / other local apps
- Staff help you set it up on the spot
⚠️ Considerations
- Need to queue at the counter
- Must show your passport
- Registering can take 5–15 minutes
eSIM vs Airport SIM: Which one for you?
A quick decision guide.
| eSIM | Airport SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Buy before arrival | ✓ | ✗ |
| Works on Chinese iPhones | ✗ | ✓ |
| Chinese phone number | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price (7 days, ~5 GB) | $7–15 | ¥100–150 (~$14–21) |
| Setup time | 2 mins (before trip) | 10–15 mins (at airport) |
Not sure if your phone works in China? → Check compatibility
Getting from the airport to your hotel? → Airport transport guide