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Does Ubigi Work in China?

Ubigi's China eSIM runs on China Telecom. Its own China guide contradicts itself on whether WhatsApp and Google need a VPN. Plans, prices and reports.

Checked Oct 9, 2026 8 sources

Key facts

Routing in ChinaUnclear from Ubigi's own pages
Blocked apps without a VPNMixed evidence
Built-in VPNNo
HotspotYes
Phone numberNo
RefundRefund within 14 business days of purchase if none of the plan's data has been used

China plans

1 GB · 7 days $4 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
10 GB · 7 days $14 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
25 GB · 30 days $33 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited (2 Mbps after 5 GB a day) · 7 days $24 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited (2 Mbps after 5 GB a day) · 15 days $48 Checked Oct 9, 2026 · source
Unlimited (2 Mbps after 5 GB a day) · 30 days $69 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. The plan's days start when you arrive in China.
  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

  • 1 GB for a week costs $4
  • Top up in the app without Wi-Fi or data
  • Hotspot allowed on every China plan

Cons

  • Ubigi's own China guide contradicts itself on whether you need a VPN
  • No phone number
  • Unlimited plans slow to 2 Mbps after 5 GB a day

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 Ubigi work in China without a VPN?

Sources disagree. Ubigi's July 2026 China guide says Ubigi routes data outside mainland China, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram can work without a VPN. The same guide's FAQ says they stay blocked and you need a VPN. Gizmodo found every app working without a VPN in a 2026 test, while Jetpac, a competing seller, cites customer reports of Google failing in some regions.

Does Ubigi include a VPN?

No. Ubigi's China guide says to install and test your own VPN before you enter China if you need blocked services. Ubigi's free IP location feature gives residents of 10 countries, including the US and UK, an IP address from home. Ubigi says the feature works in every country it covers, but doesn't say whether it gets around blocks in China.

Which network does it use?

China Telecom, on every China plan. Gizmodo's 2026 test ran mostly on 4G, with 5G about 30% of the time.

Add your report

With Ubigi, did blocked apps work without a VPN?

Sources

  1. Internet and eSIM data plans for China (Ubigi), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  2. Best eSIM for China: top plans, prices, and tips for travelers (Ubigi blog), July 2026
  3. China unlimited 7-day plan and fair use policy (Ubigi), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  4. I did not use my Ubigi data plan, can I get a refund? (Ubigi help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  5. Can I tether my Ubigi connection? (Ubigi help center), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  6. IP location (Ubigi), accessed Oct 9, 2026
  7. Best eSIM for China (Gizmodo, affiliate links), July 2026
  8. Best eSIM for China travel in 2026 (Jetpac, a competing eSIM seller), June 2026