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Does Simify Work in China?

Yes for mobile data. Simify says its eSIMs have an in-built VPN, so blocked apps like Google work in China, but TikTok and ChatGPT may not.

Checked Oct 9, 2026 8 sources

Key facts

Routing in ChinaIn-built VPN; exit location not stated
Blocked apps without a VPNGets past the firewall
Built-in VPNYes
HotspotYes
Phone numberNo
RefundFull refund for changed plans if the eSIM isn't activated and was bought in the last 180 days; connection problems may get a partial or full refund

China plans

Unlimited (fair-use limit not published) · 1 day $4 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited (fair-use limit not published) · 7 days $27 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited (fair-use limit not published) · 30 days $81 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
5 GB (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) · 7 days $21 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
10 GB (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) · 30 days $35 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
100 GB (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) · 90 days $156 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source

Set up before you fly

  1. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Simify says many iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau don't support eSIM.
  2. Install the eSIM before you fly in the Simify app, over Wi-Fi. Installing doesn't start the plan; it starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in China.
  3. On arrival, turn the eSIM on for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it. Simify says to keep data roaming off on your home SIM and to turn off mobile data switching.
  4. Test with Wi-Fi off. Hotel Wi-Fi in China has the same blocks as other Chinese networks, so blocked apps won't load over it.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Simify says its in-built VPN lets most blocked apps work, with nothing to set up
  • Unlimited data from $4 for one day
  • The unlimited eSIM for China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan costs the same as China alone
  • Hotspot allowed

Cons

  • Simify says TikTok and ChatGPT may not work in China
  • No phone number, calls or SMS
  • Simify doesn't say where your data exits, and no one has published IP tests
  • Simify doesn't publish the fair-use limit on unlimited plans

On October 9, 2026, Simify’s China product pages offered 25% off a second eSIM, applied in the cart.

Alternatives

Airalo
Routes outside mainland China Says no VPN needed · 2 independent reports
Nomad
Routes outside mainland China Says no VPN needed · cheapest week
Holafly
Hong Kong or Singapore, per 2026 tests Unlimited data · says no VPN needed

FAQ

Does Simify work in China without a VPN?

Simify says yes for most apps. Its help center says every Simify eSIM has an in-built VPN, and that in China all apps except TikTok and ChatGPT should work normally. Bel Around The World, updated August 2026, says Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and ChatGPT work without a separate VPN; the author doesn't say they used Simify in China. Two Trustpilot customers wrote in July and August 2026 that Google worked in China without a VPN, and others wrote that they had no problems with restrictions. One wrote that they had huge trouble connecting in China and got their money back.

Does Simify include a VPN?

Yes. Simify says every eSIM includes an in-built VPN that runs in the background, with nothing to install or turn on. It says the VPN encrypts your connection but can't override app restrictions set by local network suppliers. It doesn't say which country your data exits in.

Will TikTok and ChatGPT work?

Not confirmed. Simify says TikTok and ChatGPT may be restricted or unavailable in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Japan, and that the network supplier enforces this. Bel Around The World lists ChatGPT as working on Simify.

Which network does it use?

Not confirmed. Simify's China pages don't name a network. They say the eSIM connects to the strongest local network and can switch networks in the background.

Is the unlimited plan really unlimited?

There's no data cap, but Simify says very heavy use in a short time can slow your speed for a while, usually until the next day. It doesn't publish the limit. Bel Around The World says speeds slow after about 1.5 GB a day; Simify hasn't confirmed that figure.

Does it cover Hong Kong too?

Not the China-only plan. Simify sells a separate unlimited eSIM for China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan at the same prices; on October 9, 2026, 7 days cost $27 on both. Its fixed-data plans for the same four places run from 5 GB for 7 days at $21 to 100 GB for 90 days at $156.

Can I get a refund?

Simify's refund policy gives a full refund if your plans change, the eSIM hasn't been activated, and you bought it on Simify's website in the last 180 days. If connection problems stop it working, Simify may give a partial or full refund, adjusted for data used. You need to contact support during your trip and let them troubleshoot first.

Add your report

With Simify, did blocked apps work without a VPN?

Sources

  1. Unlimited China eSIM (Simify), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  2. What is an in-built VPN and how does it work? (Simify help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  3. China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan eSIM (Simify), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  4. Unlimited China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan eSIM (Simify), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  5. Unlimited vs fixed plans: speed and fair usage (Simify help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  6. Money-back guarantee and refund policy (Simify help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  7. Best eSIM for China (Bel Around The World, affiliate links), August 2026
  8. Simify reviews mentioning China (Trustpilot, customer reviews), accessed Oct 9, 2026