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eSIMs for China

What matters is where the eSIM sends your data. If it leaves mainland China first, WhatsApp and Google usually work without a VPN. If it uses a mainland connection, they don't.

Chinese SIM or Wi-Fi
  1. Your phone
  2. Chinese network
  3. Great Firewall
  4. Google, WhatsApp: blocked
Roaming eSIM
  1. Your phone
  2. Chinese network
  3. Gateway outside mainland China
  4. Google, WhatsApp: work
A roaming eSIM still uses a Chinese network, but your data leaves mainland China before it's filtered. Plans that use a mainland gateway don't get this benefit.

China plans compared

Ordered by how well the routing claim is supported, then price per GB.

ProviderBlocked apps without a VPNRoutingFromPer GBHotspotPhone numberBuilt-in VPN
Yesim Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 9 Singapore and Hong Kong, per Yesim $3.361 GB, 30 days $1.5230 GB, 30 days Yes No Yes
Simify Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 9 In-built VPN; exit location not stated $4Unlimited (fair-use limit not published), 1 day $1.56100 GB (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan), 90 days Yes No Yes
Nomad Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 8 Routes outside mainland China $41 GB, 7 days $33 GB, 30 days Yes No No
Airalo Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 8 Routes outside mainland China $41 GB, 3 days $3.503 GB, 7 days Yes No No
Holafly Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 9 Hong Kong or Singapore, per 2026 tests $11.90Unlimited, 3 days – Yes No –
Maya Mobile Gets past the firewallChecked Oct 9 Exits in Singapore, per one 2026 test $9.99Unlimited (165+ countries incl. China), 3 days – Yes No –
Trip.com eSIM Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Varies by listing; one lists Singapore IPs $0.180.5 GB (mainland China only), 1 day $0.360.5 GB (mainland China only), 1 day Yes No –
MobiMatter Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Varies by plan; most plan pages list it $3.992 GB, 15 days $0.6050 GB, 30 days Yes No –
Jetpac Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Unclear; Jetpac's own guides conflict $71 GB, 4 days $0.8740 GB, 30 days Yes No –
Ubigi Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Unclear from Ubigi's own pages $41 GB, 7 days $1.3225 GB, 30 days Yes No No
GigSky Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Not stated by GigSky; reports conflict $3.99Unlimited (500 kbps after 3.5 GB a day), 1 day $3.5020 GB, 90 days Yes No –
Saily Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 8 Unclear from Saily's own pages $4.491 GB, 7 days $3.663 GB, 30 days Yes No No
3HK Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Exits via Hong Kong, per a 2026 test Not checked – Yes Yes –
Eskimo Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Exits via Singapore, per a 2026 review $5Unlimited (1 Mbps after 3 GB a day), 1 day – Yes No –
Klook eSIM Mixed evidenceChecked Oct 9 Via Singtel, per Klook; varies by listing Not checked – Yes No No
CUniq Not confirmedChecked Oct 9 Not stated by CUniq; no published IP tests Not checked – – No –

Routing can differ between a provider's plans. Per GB is the lowest price per GB among a provider's fixed-data plans; unlimited and daily-allowance plans are left out. Each provider page links to the source we checked.

eSIM guides

Airalo vs Holafly for China: Plans, Routing and Hotspot

Both say WhatsApp works on their China eSIMs without a VPN. Airalo costs less and sells small plans. Holafly is unlimited, with 1 GB hotspot a day.

Does AT&T International Day Pass Work in China?

AT&T International Day Pass covers mainland China for $12 a day, up to 10 fees a bill period. Whether Google and WhatsApp work on it is not confirmed.

Does EE Roaming Work in China?

EE roaming works in mainland China: £6 for 24 hours or £30 for 7 days on pay monthly. Most EE forum reports say blocked apps work; EE doesn't say.

eSIM for China and Hong Kong: Plans That Cover Both

Holafly sells one eSIM for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, with 3 days for $11.90. Airalo, Nomad and Saily cover all three only in wider regional plans.

Does Google Fi Work in China?

Google Fi works in China on Flexible and Unlimited Premium. Older reports found Google working without a VPN, but Fi doesn't confirm it. Costs vs eSIMs.

Does Optus Roaming Work in China?

Optus roaming works in mainland China: Daily Roaming is A$5 per 24 hours for 5GB. Users say Google and WhatsApp work; Optus doesn't say.

Does T-Mobile Work in China?

T-Mobile covers China on Experience plans or with an International Pass from $10 a day. One traveler reports Google and WhatsApp working; T-Mobile doesn't say.

Does Telstra Roaming Work in China?

Telstra roaming works in mainland China: A$10 a day for 2GB on Day Pass, or Pre-Paid packs from A$10. Forum users say blocked apps work; Telstra doesn't say.

Does Verizon TravelPass Work in China?

Verizon TravelPass covers mainland China for $12 a day, with 5 GB of high-speed data a day. Whether Google and WhatsApp work on it is not confirmed.

Does Vodafone UK Roaming Work in China?

Vodafone UK roaming works in mainland China for £8 a day on pay monthly plans bought since 11 August 2021. Whether WhatsApp and Google work is not confirmed.

eSIM or VPN for China? How to Choose

When a roaming eSIM is enough in China, when you still need a VPN, and why many travelers set up both before they fly.