If you’re wondering about how to stay connected while in China, here are some answers to common questions:
- eSIMs are digital SIM cards which allow you to connect to mobile networks. They offer you mobile data while you travel.
- VPNs are “virtual private networks” which allow users to bypass network restrictions. In China, the internet is controlled with the “Great Firewall,” so access western social media sites and many news outlets is blocked. To get around this, internet users can install a VPN on their phones and computers before connecting to the internet.
It’s possible, but it’s best to check with your phone company about rates and coverage in China. HOWEVER, if you need to access Google, Gmail or other blocked sites in China, YOU WILL STILL NEED A VPN.
Yes, you can. China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom are China’s main mobile service providers. As of this writing, they offer short-term use SIM cards for travellers.
| Pros | Cons |
| You will have a local Chinese number and will be able to use all apps | Will still need VPN to connect to western social media |
| Connectivity throughout China | Must apply in person at a shop and register with your passport (time consuming) |
| Relatively cost-effective | Must have an unlocked phone |
eSIMs provide users access to networks OUTSIDE of China while inside China. They are purchased online BEFORE you come to China, and must be activated BEFORE you come to China. Because eSIMs use networks outside of China, you can usually access western social media apps and news sites without needing a VPN.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be purchased online | Must be activated BEFORE arriving in China |
| Allows access to western social media sites | Might require some technical skill to implement |
| Allows access to Chinese applications such as WeChat and Alipay | Does not provide local Chinese phone number |
It depends.
If you’re going to be working on a laptop connected to Wi-Fi and needing to access Google related products, or western news sites, or social media, YES, you need a VPN.
If you need mostly reliable access to western social media, including Instagram and YouTube, YES, you need a VPN.
If you only need to use payment apps and want to check in on Instagram now and then, an eSIM is probably just fine.
Probably not. I STRONGLY recommend only using a paid VPN. The free ones don’t work well in China and you don’t want to get stuck without a VPN if you really need one.
Hm, this is hard to say because there are always new products, and old products falling out of favor. I’ve listed a few choices below, but I can’t guarantee any of them 100 percent. I recommend that you do a bit of research and see what recent travellers recommend, too.
OPTIONS FOR eSIMS
TRIP.COM
Trip.com now offers eSIMS and I’ve been hearing good things about it. They are very cost-effective and can be purchased for very short periods (the minimum being one day). You can also purchase eSIMs that work for Macau and Hong Kong, as well as Mainland China, so you can have uniterrupted network access as you travel the region.
Just be sure to activate the eSIM before you land in Mainland China.
Go to Trip.com’s China eSIM page here.
HOLAFLY
HolaFly one was recommended to me in an expat group. It’s also well-promoted online and in travel forums, and people say that it’s easy to set up. HolaFly also offers unlimited data, HOWEVER it’s important to note that many users found that the data starts to slow down after significant usage, making it unlimited, but with limits. This said, it still gets a lot of positive reviews.
You can check out Holafly’s eSIM features and buy one here. (You should be able to get a 5% discount with this link, or use the code: HOUSEOFYANG.)
AIRALO
Airalo is another eSIM provider that has a lot of visibility online. It seems to be a main competitor to HolaFly and a lot ofpeople seem to like it. Airalo offers unlimited data packages, as well as fixed data packages which can be topped up as you go.
SUPERALINK
Superalink is a new one I’ve been reading about, so I don’t have too much personal experience with it. However, I’m seeing a lot of good reviews and reading about good experiences, so maybe it’s worth trying. It’s a Korean start-up with several offices in Asia. Also, if you use the link below, you should be able to get a $5 discount on some of the packages.
If you try this one, please let me know how it works. I’m curious to see how this one develops.
You can check out Superalink here, and there should be a small discount if you go from this link.
OPTIONS FOR VPNs
As of May 2026, there have been many reports of users struggling to connect to the internet with several usually reliable VPNs. At the moment, there are only two I feel confident recommending.
ASTRILL
Astrill is the tried and true option for many users in China. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s usually pretty stable, and it’s been around for years and years.
12VPX
12vpx.com is a trooper. This one requires a bit of technical skill to install and set up, and it’s not the cheapest option out there, but it has successfully weathered quite a few Firewall storms. The phone apps seem to be quite good, too.
Have you tried using eSIMs or VPNs in China? What have your experiences been? Please let me know!
***Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.