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Travelling to China? Avoid the roaming bill.

Compare eSIMs for China — instant activation before you fly, no shop visit, and your UK number keeps working for calls and texts.

See the best option for my trip →

How long are you going for?

We'll point you to the option that makes sense for your trip.

Airalo

Pay-as-you-go data plans sized for short trips — pick the data amount you need and nothing more. Plans from a few pounds, activated instantly from the app.

Get your China eSIM on Airalo →

Holafly

Unlimited data plans built for longer stays — one flat price for the whole trip, no need to track usage or top up.

Use code ADM for 5% off any plan, or 10% off your first 12 months

Get unlimited data on Holafly →

Why use an eSIM in China?

Covers mainland China nationwide

Usually bypasses the Great Firewall, unlike a local Chinese SIM

No shop visit or physical SIM swap needed

A fixed, known cost agreed before you travel — no surprise bill when you get home

Good to know about China eSIMs

Local networks in China include China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. This is one of the biggest reasons travellers choose an eSIM here: because it connects via international roaming rather than a domestic Chinese SIM, WhatsApp, Google and Instagram typically keep working without a VPN — something a local SIM won't give you.

Need to call home to the UK while you're away?

The free way to do it, how to dial a UK number directly, and the destinations where WhatsApp calls won't work.

See how to call home →

Need to call a local number in China?

We compare the cheapest ways to call China numbers from your UK phone too.

See calling options →

Common questions

Do I need to take my phone to a shop to get an eSIM for China?

No. An eSIM is installed digitally by scanning a QR code or tapping a link — there's no physical SIM card and no shop visit. Most plans activate within minutes, even after you've already landed.

Will my UK phone number still work in China if I use an eSIM?

Yes. Your eSIM handles data, while your normal UK SIM stays active for calls and texts (most phones from the last few years support two SIM profiles at once — known as Dual SIM or DSDS). You can still receive UK calls and use WhatsApp as normal.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most phones from 2019 onwards do — including iPhone XS and later, and most Android flagships from Samsung, Google and others. Check your phone's settings under Mobile/Cellular Data for an 'Add eSIM' option, or check the eSIM provider's compatibility list before buying.

Is an eSIM cheaper than my network's roaming charges?

It depends on your specific UK network and plan, so it's worth checking your provider's roaming rates for China before you travel. Most UK networks charge for data roaming outside a small set of included destinations, and an eSIM data plan is typically a fixed, predictable cost agreed upfront.