Description
UK visitors head to mainland China for business in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, for the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an and the scenery around Guilin. Many British Chinese families also travel back to see relatives, especially around Chinese New Year.
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data for the trip without registering a local SIM on arrival. It is added beside your UK SIM, so you keep your UK number in the phone for bank texts, and use the eSIM for maps, translation, booking trains and keeping in touch.
Choose your China data plan
There are 16 plans for China. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £3.00 |
| 1GB – 1 day | £4.68 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £5.62 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £7.88 |
| Unlimited – 3 days | £8.62 |
| 3GB – 15 days | £11.61 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £11.62 |
| Unlimited – 5 days | £14.25 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £19.88 |
| Unlimited – 7 days | £20.25 |
| Unlimited – 10 days | £26.25 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £30.00 |
| Unlimited – 15 days | £36.75 |
| Unlimited – 30 days | £51.75 |
| 50GB – 90 days | £149.40 |
| 100GB – 180 days | £291.32 |
- Business trip of a few days: Unlimited for 3 days or unlimited for 5 days suits busy days of email and video calls.
- Ten days on a classic tour: 3GB for 15 days or 5GB for 30 days covers maps, translation and messages.
- Family visit over the New Year: 10GB or 20GB for 30 days leaves room for daily video calls and photos.
- Long stay: 50GB for 90 days or 100GB for 180 days suits extended stays and study.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in China.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in mainland China
Most flights from the UK arrive at Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong or Guangzhou Baiyun. Switch on the eSIM after landing to contact your hotel or host and check your route into the city.
Many day-to-day payments in China are made through mobile payment apps, and rail tickets are often booked online, so set up the apps you need at home. A translation app with offline language packs is useful. Some websites and apps that are common in the UK may be restricted in mainland China, so check before you travel which apps you rely on will work.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in China and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Mainland China only: this plan does not cover Hong Kong or Macau. We have a separate Hong Kong plan; ask us if your trip includes both.
- Unlimited plans: a fair-use policy can apply. Ask us if you expect very heavy use.
Questions
Will Google, WhatsApp and other UK apps work?
Access to some foreign apps and websites is restricted in mainland China, and we cannot promise any particular app will work. Ask us before ordering if a specific app is essential for your trip.
Can I use it on a side trip to Hong Kong?
No, the plan covers mainland China only. Add a Hong Kong plan for that part of the trip.
When should I buy my China eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
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