The easiest way to stay connected in China
An international eSIM gets you online the moment you land. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube — they all work. No VPN needed. Plans from $5.
International eSIMs bypass China's app restrictions — legally.
When you use a roaming eSIM in China, your traffic routes through the issuing carrier's network, not the local Chinese network. That means Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Gmail, and Maps all work as if you were at home.
This is the boring truth that nine out of ten travel blogs miss: you don't need a VPN. You just need to keep using your eSIM data (not the hotel Wi-Fi) for the apps you care about.
Read the full explanation →Three plans we sell
Greater China coverage (mainland + Hong Kong + Macau). Pay with card, activation code delivered in minutes — automatically from our pool.
Perfect for a short Shanghai trip.
- ✓Mainland China + HK + Macau
- ✓China Telecom network
- ✓Activation code in minutes (automated)
- ✓Google · WhatsApp · Instagram — all work, no VPN
Most popular — covers a 1-2 week trip.
- ✓Mainland China + HK + Macau
- ✓China Telecom network
- ✓Activation code in minutes (automated)
- ✓Google · WhatsApp · Instagram — all work, no VPN
For heavy users and long stays.
- ✓Mainland China + HK + Macau
- ✓China Telecom network
- ✓Activation code in minutes (automated)
- ✓Google · WhatsApp · Instagram — all work, no VPN
How to set up an eSIM (5 minutes)
- 1. Check your phone. eSIM works on iPhone XS and newer, Pixel 3 and newer, most Samsung S20+ models. If your phone is older, you'll need a physical travel SIM instead.
- 2. Buy the eSIM before you fly. Activation code is delivered to your email within minutes (and also available in your /my-orders page). Buy 1–2 days before departure so you have time to ask support questions.
- 3. Install but don't activate. Add the eSIM profile to your phone (Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan QR). Most plans let you choose when to start the countdown.
- 4. Activate on arrival in China. Switch your phone to the new eSIM after landing. Test it works at the airport before getting on the train into the city.
- 5. Keep mobile data on, not Wi-Fi. When you connect to hotel Wi-Fi, you're back on China's local network and the restrictions return. Use your eSIM data for anything that needs Google, WhatsApp, etc.
Will my apps work? Deep dives
Detailed guides for the apps foreign travelers ask about most.
FAQ
+Does an eSIM really replace a VPN in China?
For travelers, yes — for the apps most people care about. Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Western news sites all work over an international eSIM connection. Read the full article for the details.
+What if I want to use Chinese apps too?
Most Chinese apps (Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Meituan) work fine over the international eSIM as well — they don't care which carrier you're on.
+Can I use my home SIM with roaming instead?
You can, but international roaming from a US/UK/EU carrier is typically 5–10x more expensive than a dedicated travel eSIM. For a 2-week trip, you'll save $50–200 by buying a travel eSIM.
+How fast do I get my activation code?
Usually within minutes — our activation codes are delivered automatically from a pre-loaded pool. You'll receive the QR by email and can also access it any time from your /my-orders page. If our pool needs replenishing, allow up to 24 hours.
+What if my eSIM runs out of data?
All plans above let you top up online. The unlimited plan also resets the throttle daily.
+Do I need to do anything when I leave China?
No. The eSIM just stops working when you cross out of China (or the validity period ends). Your home SIM is still on the phone — switch back to it.
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