Key facts
| Routing in China | Not stated by GigSky; reports conflict |
|---|---|
| Blocked apps without a VPN | Mixed evidence |
| Built-in VPN | Not confirmed |
| Hotspot | Yes |
| Phone number | No |
| Refund | Terms say purchases aren't refundable, but GigSky's FAQ says refund requests are reviewed case by case |
China plans
| 1 GB · 7 days | $5.99 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
|---|---|
| 5 GB · 30 days | $23.99 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
| 20 GB · 90 days | $69.99 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
| Unlimited (500 kbps after 3.5 GB a day) · 1 day | $3.99 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
| Unlimited (500 kbps after 3.5 GB a day) · 7 days | $27.99 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
| Unlimited (500 kbps after 3.5 GB a day) · 30 days | $75.49 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source |
Set up before you fly
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier unlocked. GigSky says to check both if the eSIM won't connect.
- Install the eSIM at home in the GigSky app over Wi-Fi. GigSky gives you up to a year after buying a plan to install it.
- On arrival, turn on the GigSky eSIM and choose it for mobile data (on an iPhone, in Settings > Cellular). The plan starts when it connects to a network in China.
- Test with Wi-Fi off. Airport and hotel Wi-Fi in China is filtered, so WhatsApp won't work over it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 1 GB for 7 days costs $5.99
- Unlimited data from $3.99 for one day, for any length up to 30 days
- Free 100 MB trial plan for new customers
- Hotspot allowed with no limit
Cons
- GigSky doesn't say whether WhatsApp and Google work without a VPN
- No phone number, calls or SMS
- Unlimited plans slow to 500 kbps after 3.5 GB a day
- Terms say purchases aren't refundable
On October 9, 2026, GigSky’s China page showed 15% off every China plan.
Related guides
Alternatives
FAQ
Does GigSky work in China without a VPN?
Not confirmed. GigSky's China page, its China guide and its terms don't say where China traffic exits or whether WhatsApp and Google work. Gohub, which sells its own China eSIM, said in December 2025 that GigSky has no built-in firewall bypass and needs a VPN. Traveltomtom lists GigSky among reliable eSIM providers for China and says no VPN is needed with these eSIMs, but it doesn't describe using GigSky in China.
Does GigSky include a VPN?
Not confirmed. GigSky's China page and terms don't mention a VPN.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. GigSky offers new customers a free 100 MB plan, with no credit card needed. On the China page it shows as 100 MB for 7 days.
Is the unlimited plan really unlimited?
Data isn't cut off, but speed drops after 3.5 GB in each 24-hour window. GigSky's plan data lists the slower speed as 500 kbps. You choose the length, from 1 to 30 days.
Can I get a refund?
GigSky's terms, last updated April 21, 2026, say a SIM or top-up can't be returned once sold and unused data isn't refunded, even if it was never activated. GigSky's FAQ says refund requests are reviewed case by case. If the eSIM never works, there's no deadline to ask, and approved refunds take 5 to 7 business days.
Add your report
Sources
- China eSIM plans and FAQ (GigSky), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- China plan data in USD (GigSky), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- A user's guide to eSIM adoption in China (GigSky blog), April 2024, updated September 2026
- Terms of service: refunds and unlimited data plans (GigSky), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- eSIM for China (Gohub, sells its own China eSIM), December 2025
- Best eSIMs for China in 2026 (Traveltomtom, affiliate links), August 2026