China, with its futuristic megacities like Shanghai and Beijing, its ancient Great Wall, and fascinating culture, attracts millions of travelers every year. But staying connected in China presents a unique challenge: the Great Firewall blocks access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western services.
The solution? An eSIM with built-in VPN or VPN-compatible. After analyzing over 100 plans, here's our selection of the best eSIMs for China in 2026.
Quick Summary: Top 5 Best eSIMs for China in 2026
<BlogSummaryTable title="Best eSIMs China 2026" countryCode="CN" countrySlug="china" plans={[ { rank: 1, providerId: "airalo", data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$10", highlight: "VPN compatible + Reliable", promoCode: "ESIMP15", }, { rank: 2, providerId: "holafly", data: "Unlimited", duration: "5 days", price: "$19", highlight: "Unlimited data", }, { rank: 3, providerId: "saily", data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$9", highlight: "Built-in NordVPN", promoCode: "ESIMP", }, { rank: 4, providerId: "nomad", data: "5 GB", duration: "15 days", price: "$16", highlight: "Good coverage", }, { rank: 5, providerId: "ubigi", data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$16", highlight: "Reliable brand", promoCode: "ESIMP", }, ]} />
Top 5 Best eSIMs for China
1. Airalo - Most Reliable with VPN Compatible
Our rating: 9/10
Airalo is our #1 recommendation for China thanks to its proven reliability and VPN compatibility. With the code ESIMP15, get 15% off your first purchase.
Pros:
- VPN compatible (install your VPN before departure)
- China Unicom network (excellent coverage)
- 4G/LTE compatible
- Promo code ESIMP15: -15%
- Very intuitive app
Cons:
- Higher prices than some competitors
- VPN not included (install separately)
<BlogProviderPlans providerId="airalo" title="Airalo China Plans" promoCode="ESIMP15" promoDiscount="-15%" plans={[ { data: "1 GB", duration: "7 days", price: "$5.50", priceWithPromo: "$4.68", }, { data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$12", priceWithPromo: "$10.20", }, { data: "5 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$17", priceWithPromo: "$14.45", }, ]} />
Verdict: The safe choice for China. Install a VPN before leaving and you'll be connected without issues.
2. Holafly - Unlimited for Heavy Users
Our rating: 8.5/10
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for China, ideal if you stream, work remotely, or share your connection with family.
Pros:
- Unlimited data (no stress)
- VPN compatible
- Hotspot sharing available
- Customer support in multiple languages
Cons:
- Higher prices (but unlimited)
- No short-term plans
<BlogProviderPlans providerId="holafly" title="Holafly China Plans (Unlimited)" plans={[ { data: "Unlimited", duration: "5 days", price: "$19" }, { data: "Unlimited", duration: "10 days", price: "$34" }, { data: "Unlimited", duration: "15 days", price: "$47" }, ]} />
Verdict: Perfect if you stream, work remotely, or share your connection with family.
3. Saily - Built-in NordVPN
Our rating: 8.5/10
Saily, created by the NordVPN team, is THE solution for China because the VPN is built-in. No need to install anything else. With the code ESIMP, get 5% off.
Pros:
- Built-in NordVPN (access Google, WhatsApp, etc.)
- Maximum security
- Ultra-simple interface
- Promo code ESIMP: -5%
Cons:
- Slightly higher prices
- Fewer plan options
<BlogProviderPlans providerId="saily" title="Saily China Plans" promoCode="ESIMP" promoDiscount="-5%" plans={[ { data: "1 GB", duration: "7 days", price: "$5.29", priceWithPromo: "$5.03", }, { data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$9.49", priceWithPromo: "$9.02", }, { data: "5 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$14.79", priceWithPromo: "$14.05", }, ]} />
Verdict: The simplest solution to access all your favorite services in China.
4. Nomad eSIM - Good Coverage
Our rating: 7.5/10
Nomad offers reliable plans for China with good network coverage.
Pros:
- China Mobile network
- Good national coverage
- Flexible plans
Cons:
- No promo code available
- VPN must be installed separately
<BlogProviderPlans providerId="nomad" title="Nomad China Plans" plans={[ { data: "3 GB", duration: "15 days", price: "$13" }, { data: "5 GB", duration: "15 days", price: "$16" }, { data: "10 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$27" }, ]} />
Verdict: Solid option if other providers aren't available.
5. Ubigi - The Trusted Brand
Our rating: 7/10
Ubigi is a reliable European brand with the code ESIMP offering 10% off on first purchase.
Pros:
- Recognized and reliable brand
- Promo code ESIMP: -10%
- European customer support
Cons:
- Higher prices
- Fewer plans available
<BlogProviderPlans providerId="ubigi" title="Ubigi China Plans" promoCode="ESIMP" promoDiscount="-10%" plans={[ { data: "3 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$16", priceWithPromo: "$14.40", }, { data: "10 GB", duration: "30 days", price: "$38", priceWithPromo: "$34.20", }, ]} />
Verdict: For those who prefer an established European brand.
Which eSIM to Choose Based on Your Travel Profile?
How to Activate Your eSIM for China?
Before Departure (IMPORTANT)
All eSIM Promo Codes for China
<BlogPromoTable title="Verified Promo Codes - February 2026" countryCode="CN" countrySlug="china" promos={[ { providerId: "airalo", code: "ESIMP15", discount: "-15%", validity: "New customers", }, { providerId: "airalo", code: "ESIMP10", discount: "-10%", validity: "Existing customers", }, { providerId: "saily", code: "ESIMP", discount: "-5%", validity: "All plans", }, { providerId: "ubigi", code: "ESIMP", discount: "-10%", validity: "First purchase", }, ]} />
Network Coverage in China
China has excellent mobile infrastructure with three major operators:
China Mobile
- Coverage: Most extensive in the country
- 4G/5G: Excellent network, even in rural areas
China Unicom
- Coverage: Excellent in urban areas
- 4G/5G: Fast and reliable
- Used by: Airalo, Saily
China Telecom
- Coverage: Good national coverage
- 4G/5G: Expanding
FAQ: Common Questions About eSIM in China
Can I use WhatsApp and Google in China?
Yes, with an eSIM and a VPN. Without VPN, these services are blocked by the Great Firewall. Saily includes built-in NordVPN, otherwise install one before departure.
Which eSIM has the best VPN for China?
Saily is the only one that includes a built-in VPN (NordVPN). For others, install a VPN separately before your trip.
How much data do I need for China?
- Layover/Weekend: 1-2 GB
- 1-2 weeks: 3-5 GB
- Long stay: 10 GB or unlimited (Holafly)
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
For 2026, our ranking of best eSIMs for China:
- Airalo - Most reliable with VPN compatible (code ESIMP15)
- Holafly - Unlimited for heavy users
- Saily - Built-in VPN (code ESIMP -5%)
- Nomad - Good reliable alternative
- Ubigi - Trusted European brand (code ESIMP -10%)
Last updated: February 2026. Prices verified on 02/04/2026.