Key facts
| Routing in China | Via Singtel, per Klook; varies by listing |
|---|---|
| Blocked apps without a VPN | Mixed evidence |
| Built-in VPN | No |
| Hotspot | Yes |
| Phone number | No |
| Refund | Full refund if you cancel before the eSIM connects; after activation, refunds for problems depend on data used and are at Klook's discretion |
Set up before you fly
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to a carrier. Klook says most phones bought in mainland China and Hong Kong don't support eSIM.
- Buy the plan and install the eSIM before you fly in the Klook app or by scanning the QR code, while online.
- On arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line. Klook says the plan's validity starts when the eSIM first connects in China.
- Test with Wi-Fi off. Hotel, café and airport Wi-Fi in China is filtered, so WhatsApp won't work over it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Klook says its mainland China eSIM routes through Singtel, so no VPN is needed
- Plans from 500 MB to unlimited, for 1 to 30 days
- Unlimited plans keep full speed for the first 15 GB each day
- Hotspot allowed
Cons
- Networks and routing differ between Klook's China listings
- No phone number, calls or SMS
- Reviewers haven't published tests from China
Related guides
Alternatives
FAQ
Does Klook eSIM work in China without a VPN?
Klook says yes for its 5G eSIM China listing. It says data routes through Singtel, an international upstream network, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and AI chat tools work without a VPN. MyChinaGuide lists the same routing but doesn't describe using the eSIM in China. Luft warns that not every China eSIM sold on Klook gets around the blocks, so check that the listing says so before you buy.
Which network and seller does it use?
Klook sells the eSIM on its booking site and app, and Klook decides refunds. The mainland-only 5G eSIM China listing connects to China Unicom or China Telecom 5G, with Singtel as the upstream network. The listing doesn't name the company that supplies the eSIM; for connection problems it tells you to contact the merchant through your Klook order. The China, Hong Kong and Macau listing doesn't confirm its mainland network or routing. A November 2025 review of Klook's free travel eSIM, tested in Australia, traced it to RedteaGO with a Hong Kong home network.
Does Klook include a VPN?
No. Klook says its mainland China eSIM doesn't need one because data routes through Singtel.
What happens on unlimited plans?
Klook says unlimited plans run at full speed up to 15 GB a day, then slow to 1 Mbps for the rest of that day.
How much does it cost?
On October 9, 2026, Klook's eSIM page priced its 5G eSIM China from US$1.05. Klook prices each package separately, from 500 MB to unlimited and from 1 to 30 days. The price of each package is not confirmed, so check the listing before you buy.
Can I get a refund?
Klook's listing says you get a full refund if you cancel before the eSIM connects. After activation, if the eSIM has problems, low usage qualifies for a full refund and higher usage may get a partial refund plus 10% extra in KlookCash. Klook decides all refunds.
Add your report
Sources
- 5G eSIM China | China Unicom listing (Klook China site, in Chinese), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau 5G eSIM listing (Klook China site, in Chinese), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- eSIMs and travel SIM cards (Klook), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Can I exchange text messages or calls with the eSIM? (Klook FAQ), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- What devices are compatible with eSIM? (Klook FAQ), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Should I turn on data roaming when I'm using the eSIM? (Klook FAQ), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Best eSIM for China 2026: Compared, No VPN Needed (MyChinaGuide), September 2026
- Klook China eSIM guide (Luft, in Japanese, promotional), July 2026
- Review: Klook Travel eSIM (RedteaGO) (Gough Lui), November 2025