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Does Holafly Work in China?

Holafly says WhatsApp and Google work on its unlimited China eSIM without a separate VPN, crediting a VPN in the plan. Plans, prices and reviews.

Checked Oct 9, 2026 8 sources

Key facts

Routing in ChinaHong Kong or Singapore, per 2026 tests
Blocked apps without a VPNGets past the firewall
Built-in VPNNot confirmed
HotspotYes
Phone numberNo
RefundFull refund within 6 months of purchase if the eSIM is not activated

China plans

Unlimited · 3 days $11.90 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited · 7 days $27.50 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited · 15 days $51.50 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited · 30 days $76.50 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source

Set up before you fly

  1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to your carrier.
  2. Buy the plan and install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. Installing needs internet access.
  3. On arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
  4. 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

  • Unlimited data on every plan
  • Says no separate VPN is needed
  • Plans from a single day

Cons

  • Hotspot capped at 1 GB a day
  • Its own pages disagree on whether a VPN is included
  • Costs more than capped plans for a week

Alternatives

Airalo
Routes outside mainland China Says no VPN needed · 2 independent reports
Nomad
Routes outside mainland China Says no VPN needed · cheapest week
Saily
Unclear from Saily's own pages Saily's pages disagree on WhatsApp

FAQ

Does Holafly work in China without a VPN?

Holafly's China page says WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work without installing a separate VPN, and credits a VPN included in the plan. Two 2026 tests found blocked apps working, with the data exiting through Singapore in one and Hong Kong in the other.

Does Holafly include a VPN?

Its China page says a VPN is included at no extra cost, but its general privacy FAQ says Holafly does not offer a built-in VPN. We list it as not confirmed.

Can I share data with my laptop?

Yes, up to 1 GB a day.

Add your report

With Holafly, did blocked apps work without a VPN?

Sources

  1. China eSIM (Holafly), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  2. Traffic routing FAQ (Holafly), accessed Oct 8, 2026
  3. Refund policy (Holafly), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  4. How do you request a Holafly refund? (Holafly FAQ), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  5. Holafly eSIM in China review (International Traveller; eSIM supplied by Holafly), February 2026
  6. Best eSIM for China (Gizmodo, affiliate links), July 2026
  7. Airalo vs. Holafly in China: eSIMs to conquer the Great Firewall (WhistleOut, affiliate links), August 2026
  8. Best eSIM for China: test results (Find Your eSIM, affiliate links), April 2026