🧳 Best eSIM for China in 2025: Stay Connected Effortlessly

As China continues to attract tourists, business travelers, students, and digital nomads in 2025, staying connected while navigating the Great Firewall and strict SIM card regulations has become more critical than ever. The good news? eSIM technology makes mobile connectivity simple, fast, and borderless — no local SIM card, no paperwork, no hassle.

But which eSIM provider works well in China, considering the internet restrictions, coverage issues, and your need for reliable data?

Here’s a complete guide to the best eSIMs for China 2025, based on coverage, speed, ease of use, pricing, and real-world performance. Learn how to use eSIM in China.

🌍 What Makes a Good eSIM for China?

Before we dive into the best options, here’s what you should look for in an eSIM for China:

• ✅ Strong local coverage (usually via China Unicom or China Mobile)

• ✅ Bypasses the Great Firewall (or can be used with a VPN)

• ✅ Fast data speeds for navigation, social media, and streaming

• ✅ Simple activation — ideally via QR code or app

• ✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

🥇 1. Airalo – Best Overall eSIM for China

Airalo is one of the world’s leading eSIM platforms and a top choice for travelers heading to China. Their “Ni Hao” plan connects to China Unicom, offering reliable coverage across major cities and tourist hotspots.

Highlights:

• Data plans: From 1GB (7 days) to 20GB (30 days)

• Price: Starts at $4.50

• Activation: Instant via app or QR code

• Speed: 4G/LTE in most areas

• Tethering: Allowed

Why it’s best: Airalo combines affordability, reliability, and ease of use. It’s perfect for short-term or long-term stays with consistent performance.

🥈 2. Nomad – Flexible Plans for Multi-Destination Travelers

Nomad offers data-only eSIMs that work seamlessly in China and throughout Asia. If you're traveling to multiple countries (e.g., China + Japan or Korea), Nomad is a smart pick.

Highlights:

• Data plans: 1GB to 50GB (7 to 45 days)

• Price: From $4 for 1GB

• Activation: Quick via app

• Speed: Fast and stable

• VPN needed: Yes, for certain websites in China

Why it’s great: Nomad offers regional eSIMs and high data limits for remote workers, frequent travelers, or content creators.

🥉 3. Saily – Affordable, Local-Focused Connection

Saily is a newer eSIM provider that’s quickly gaining popularity due to its balance of price and performance. It uses major Chinese networks and supports hotspot functionality.

Highlights:

• Data plans: 1GB to 20GB (7 to 30 days)

• Price: Starts at $4.49

• Activation: Instant, with no ID required

• Tethering: Allowed

Why it’s popular: Saily is perfect for travelers who want a no-frills, budget-friendly connection that just works in China.

🆕 4. Jetpac – Best for Short Stays & Travel Perks

Jetpac is ideal for budget travelers and short-term visitors. Starting at just $1 for 1GB, it offers simple and cheap plans — plus access to airport lounges for premium users.

Highlights:

• Data plans: 1GB to 5GB (4 to 15 days)

• Price: From $1

• Extras: Lounge access with selected plans

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and quick trips to China.

🏅 5. MicroEsim – Continuous Connectivity After Data Cap

MicroEsim provides data plans that continue working even after you hit the limit — at reduced speed. It also covers Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.

Highlights:

• Data plans: From 1GB/day to 30-day bundles

• Price: Starts at $2.40

• After data cap: Continues at 128kbps

Why it’s unique: You’ll never lose connection, even if your data runs out — useful for staying on maps, chat, or email.

❗ What About Holafly?

While Holafly advertises unlimited data for China, many users report speed throttling after moderate use. It may work fine for light browsing but isn't recommended for heavy users or streaming.

📊 Comparison Table – Best eSIMs for China in 2025

ProviderStarting PriceData RangeTetheringStrengthsAiralo$4.501–20 GB✅Reliable, great app, easy to useNomad$41–50 GB✅Regional plans, flexibleSaily$4.491–20 GB✅Affordable, works well in ChinaJetpac$11–5 GB❓Cheapest option, short-termMicroEsim$2.401–30 GB✅Continues at low speed after usage

🔐 Do I Need a VPN in China?

Yes. Even with a good eSIM, you’ll need a VPN to access blocked services like Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube. Use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN for uninterrupted access.

✅ Final Verdict: Which eSIM Is Right for You?

• Best Overall: 👉 Airalo — perfect mix of price, reliability, and ease of use.

• Best for Multi-Country Travel: 👉 Nomad

• Best on a Budget: 👉 Jetpac

• Best Long-Term/Heavy Use: 👉 Saily or MicroEsim

• Avoid for heavy use: ❌ Holafly (due to inconsistent unlimited data)