Key facts
| Routing in China | Routes outside mainland China |
|---|---|
| Blocked apps without a VPN | Gets past the firewall |
| Built-in VPN | No |
| Hotspot | Yes |
| Phone number | No |
| Refund | Full refund possible within 30 days of purchase if the plan isn't activated; unlimited plans are non-refundable |
China plans
Set up before you fly
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to your carrier.
- Buy the plan and install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. Installing needs internet access.
- On arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
- 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 a week costs $4
- Says no VPN is needed
- Hotspot allowed
Cons
- Little independent testing of the China plan so far
- Unlimited plans slow to 1 Mbps after 2 GB a day
- No phone number
Related guides
Alternatives
FAQ
Does Nomad work in China without a VPN?
Nomad says yes, because the China eSIM connects through international servers instead of local Chinese ones. Independent evidence is thin so far, so check recent reader reports before you rely on it.
Does Nomad include a VPN?
No. Nomad says the eSIM gives VPN-like access to blocked apps but doesn't encrypt data the way a VPN does.
Which networks does it use?
China Unicom and China Telecom. The unlimited plans use China Unicom only.
Add your report
Sources
- Stay connected in China with Nomad eSIM (Nomad help center), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- China eSIM plans (Nomad), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- Nomad eSIM's refund policy (Nomad help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Nomad plan refund policy (Nomad), accessed Oct 9, 2026
- Nomad eSIM review (OHAYU, a competing eSIM seller), May 2026
- China eSIM guide (Unusual Nomad, tested the Asia-Pacific plan), September 2026