Esim Nomads

Best eSIM for China in 2025

May 12, 2025, by Katie D.

Traveling to China presents unique challenges for staying connected due to internet restrictions and the Great Firewall.

eSIM technology offers a convenient solution, allowing travelers to access mobile data without the need for physical SIM cards. In this guide, we explore the 6 best eSIM providers for China, highlighting their offerings to help you choose the most suitable option for your journey.

1. Holafly

Holafly is renowned for its unlimited data plans, making it an excellent choice for travelers who require constant connectivity. Their eSIMs provide seamless access to China's major networks, ensuring reliable coverage across the country. With instant activation via QR code and 24/7 customer support, Holafly offers a hassle-free experience for users.

However, it's important to note that Holafly's eSIMs do not support tethering beyond 500MB/day, which may be a limitation for users needing to share their connection. Additionally, while their pricing is slightly higher, the convenience and unlimited data can justify the cost for many travelers.


Pricing:

  • 1 Day – $6.90
  • 7 Days – $29.90
  • 10 Days – $36.90
  • 15 Days – $50.90
  • 20 Days – $61.90
  • 30 Days – $74.90
  • 60 Days – $106.90
  • 90 Days – $139.90


Key Features:

  • Unlimited data
  • Instant activation via QR code
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Compatible with most eSIM-enabled devices


Pros:

  • True unlimited data
  • Easy setup and activation
  • Excellent customer support


Cons:

  • No support for tethering beyond 500MB/day
  • Slightly higher price point

2. Airalo

Airalo offers affordable eSIM plans for China, catering to travelers with varying data needs. Their user-friendly app simplifies the process of purchasing and managing eSIMs. Airalo's eSIMs provide coverage via local Chinese networks, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the country.

While Airalo's plans are competitively priced, they do not offer unlimited data options. Additionally, customer support options are limited, which may be a consideration for users who prioritize responsive assistance.

Pricing:

3 GB / 30 Days – $11.50


Key Features:

  • Coverage via local Chinese networks
  • User-friendly app for eSIM management
  • Instant activation


Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Flexible data options
  • Easy to use app interface


Cons:

  • No unlimited data plans
  • Limited customer support options

3. Yesim

Yesim provides a variety of eSIM plans for China, including options with unlimited data. Their service is designed for travelers who need reliable internet access throughout their stay. With instant activation via QR code and 24/7 customer support, Yesim ensures a smooth user experience.

However, unlimited plans are more expensive, and the variety of plans may be limited compared to other providers. Users should assess their data needs and budget to determine if Yesim's offerings align with their requirements.

Pricing:

  • 3 GB / 7 Days – $7.92
  • 20 GB / 30 Days – $55.20
  • Unlimited Data – $112.00


Key Features:

  • Multiple data plan options
  • Instant activation via QR code
  • 24/7 customer support


Pros:

  • Offers unlimited data plans
  • Competitive pricing
  • Easy activation process


Cons:

  • Unlimited plans are more expensive
  • Limited plan variety

4. Nomad

Nomad provides a seamless app experience for purchasing and managing eSIM plans. Their China eSIMs offer high-speed data with flexible options, suitable for digital nomads and frequent travelers. Nomad's eSIMs connect to local Chinese networks, ensuring reliable coverage across the country.

While Nomad offers a wide range of data options at competitive prices, they do not provide unlimited data plans. Additionally, customer support channels may be limited, which could be a consideration for users requiring prompt assistance.

Pricing:

  • 1 GB / 7 Days – $2.50
  • 3 GB / 30 Days – $7.50
  • 5 GB / 30 Days – $12.50
  • 10 GB / 30 Days – $18.00
  • 20 GB / 30 Days – $26.00


Key Features:

  • Coverage via local Chinese networks
  • Intuitive app for eSIM management
  • Instant activation


Pros:

  • Wide range of data options
  • User-friendly app
  • Competitive pricing


Cons:

  • No unlimited data plans
  • Limited customer support channels

5. MobiMatter

MobiMatter offers reliable eSIM plans suitable for business travelers who need consistent internet access across multiple devices. Their plans are compatible with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, providing flexibility for professionals on the go. MobiMatter's eSIMs connect to local Chinese networks, ensuring dependable coverage.

However, MobiMatter does not offer unlimited data options, and the variety of plans may be limited. Users should evaluate their specific data needs and device compatibility when considering MobiMatter's offerings.

Pricing:

  • 1 GB / 7 Days – $4.49
  • 3 GB / 30 Days – $7.50
  • 5 GB / 30 Days – $11.50
  • 10 GB / 30 Days – $18.00
  • 20 GB / 30 Days – $26.00


Key Features:

  • Coverage via local Chinese networks
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices
  • App for monitoring usage and top-ups


Pros:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Supports multiple device types
  • Easy to manage through the MobiMatter app


Cons:

  • No unlimited data options
  • Limited plan variety

6. Saily

Saily provides some of the most affordable eSIM plans for China, making it ideal for travelers on a tight budget. Their plans offer varying data allowances with flexible validity periods. Saily's eSIMs connect to major Chinese carriers, ensuring reliable coverage throughout the country.

While Saily's pricing is attractive, the plans may have limited features, and they may not be ideal for high-data users. Travelers should assess their data consumption patterns to determine if Saily's offerings meet their connectivity needs.

Pricing:

  • 1 GB / 7 Days – $4.49
  • 3 GB / 30 Days – $10.99
  • 5 GB / 30 Days – $15.99
  • 10 GB / 30 Days – $26.99
  • 20 GB / 30 Days – $47.99


Key Features:

  • Instant activation via QR code
  • Affordable pricing
  • Coverage via major Chinese carriers


Pros:

  • Extremely cheap starter plans
  • Great as a backup option
  • Good urban coverage


Cons:

  • Limited plan features
  • Not ideal for high-data use

Best eSIM for China: How to Choose?

Choosing the best eSIM for China depends on your travel style and data habits. If you're planning to use your phone heavily for streaming, maps, work, and social media, then Holafly is your best choice thanks to its true unlimited data. It's the most stress-free option for staying connected.

Budget-conscious travelers or those staying only a few days should consider Saily or Nomad, which offer excellent short-term plans with low entry costs. Yesim is a good pick for medium- to heavy-use travelers who don't need unlimited data but want quality service and large data options.

If you're traveling with a laptop or need to share data with other devices, MobiMatter and Yesim both support tethering and are ideal for remote work.

So, which is the best eSIM for China in 2025?

Holafly is the best eSIM for China in 2025.

It offers true unlimited data, connects to the best networks in China, has fast activation, and provides top-tier customer support. For travelers who want a simple, reliable, and hassle-free solution, Holafly stands out as the top recommendation.

Whether you're navigating with Google Maps, attending remote meetings, or just uploading travel content, Holafly makes sure you're always connected without having to worry about limits.