Yes
Single eSIM
504 Mbps (Belgium)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
424 Mbps (UK)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
797 Mbps (Portugal)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
424 Mbps (UK)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Yes
803 Mbps (UAE)
Yes
50 Mbps
47.6 Mbps
528 Mbps (Macau)
🥉 3rd in Malaysia
Network Speeds
No personally tested speed data is available for China. You can check Speedtest.net for general averages.
Cheapest & Average Price
| Data Amount | Average Price | Cheapest Price | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB data | $11.75 | $0.75 | |
| 3 GB data | $12.72 | $0.99 | |
| 5 GB data | $8.71 | $1.66 | |
| 10 GB data | $14.05 | $4.17 | |
| 20 GB data | $23.51 | $7.06 | |
| 30 GB data | $23.14 | $7.59 | |
| 50 GB data | $32.94 | $13.99 |
Country Affordability
China is cheaper than
98%
Of all countries
Affordability Rating (higher is better)
10
Out of 10
China is very cheap when compared with other countries around the world. You're getting great value.
Networks in China
China Mobile | China Unicom | China Telecom
Review Scores
Data Calculator
Compatibility Checker
Exclusive Coupons
Real Life Insights in China
Staying Connected in China Without the Stress
Many of the apps you probably use every day are blocked in mainland China. That includes Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Threads, and Reddit. Even Gmail and Google Maps can stop working completely.
The good news is that most travel eSIMs bypass these blocks because their internet traffic is routed through other countries. That means you can often use the internet normally, without needing a VPN at all. But performance varies, so it’s smart to have a VPN ready as a backup. Download it before you arrive because most VPN sites are blocked inside China.
Baidu Translate is a handy tool that works without a VPN and handles menus, signs, and basic conversations. It’s worth installing in advance too.
You can usually hotspot from your phone without any issues. If you’re travelling with others, one good connection can cover everyone’s devices.
Getting Around China Like You Know What You’re Doing
Didi is the main ride-hailing app. You can open it from inside Alipay without downloading anything else. It’s reliable for short trips and airport runs.
For intercity trains, Trip.com is your best friend. It lets you book in English and supports international cards. If you’re planning iconic journeys like Beijing to Xi’an or Shanghai to Guilin, reserve hard sleeper tickets in advance. They sell out quickly.
Bike sharing is common in cities. Hello Ride and Anywheel both work inside Alipay or WeChat. Scan, unlock, ride.
Ordering Food Without Guesswork
Hotel reception staff can help you enter your delivery address correctly if the app struggles with it.
Grocery delivery is quick and easy through apps like Meituan and JD 24h. You’ll find snacks, drinks, and essentials delivered within minutes in most cities.
Google Translate’s photo scan tool also works well for printed menus and signs, but it’s worth downloading Baidu Translate as a backup since it doesn’t require a VPN.
Essential Travel Tips Most Guides Miss
Carry your passport or a photocopy at all times. It’s required at hotels and occasionally requested during ID checks.
Validate your transport tickets. Skipping that step can lead to fines, especially outside the main stations.
Taxis and ride-hailing are great in city centres but less reliable in the suburbs. Drivers may reject long-distance requests or avoid certain areas altogether.
Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.
How to Handle the Great Firewall
- Google Search and Gmail
- Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
- YouTube and Reddit
- Threads, X, and most news sites
In rare cases, your phone may not connect to the internet in China even if the eSIM is active. Check your provider’s instructions for a custom ‘APN’ setting. Entering this manually in your phone’s cellular settings often solves the problem instantly.
