The Best China eSIM for 2025: A Singaporean Traveller's Guide

Arriving in China can be a shock for many Singaporeans — WhatsApp doesn’t work, Google Maps is blocked, and roaming charges are painfully high. Hunting for a local SIM card in a new city doesn’t help either. That’s where the best eSIM for China comes in. It’s convenient, flexible, and great value for money — exactly what travellers need. Here’s everything you need to know about using an eSIM in China.

Looking for eSIM/Sim Card in China?

If you plan to use apps like Meituan (美团) for food delivery, need local private hire drivers to contact you easily, or want to register for certain Chinese services that require SMS verification, you'll want a physical local SIM card from the airport or a China Mobile (中国移动)/China Unicom (中国联通) store. However, if you're comfortable sticking to tourist-friendly apps like Didi (滴滴出行) and using data-only connectivity for navigation and communication through WeChat, an eSIM is your perfect solution for seamless, affordable internet access.

For most tourists, an eSIM is the ideal choice. An eSIM eliminates these headaches by giving you instant access to China's networks at tourist-friendly prices, often with built-in solutions for accessing your favourite apps – all without needing a local phone number.

🔥Save More with an Extra 5% Off – New Users Only!!!

Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off (up to S$4) on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours!

• ⏳ Redeem within 3 days of claiming

Why Your Regular Roaming Plan is a Bad Idea in China?

Before diving into eSIM, let's address why your usual roaming plan won't cut it in China. First, there's the Great Firewall – the internet filtering system that blocks access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many other services. Second, the cost. Roaming charges from Singaporean carriers are effectively around S$2 to S$10 per GB. For a week-long trip, that's easily S$100 to S$200 just for basic connectivity.

At Trip.com, based on our cheapest offering, our cost per GB is around S$0.36. For a week trip in China, that comes to just S$10 to S$20 instead of S$100 to S$200.

China Roaming Plan Comparison (Daily vs Per-GB Cost)

How to Use China eSIM - 5 Steps to Get Connected

Before setting up: Check whether your phone can use eSIM

Mobile phones vary from country to country. Please make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM before purchasing. This ensures a seamless experience when activating and managing your eSIM, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without any compatibility issues.

Check the compatible models below. 👇

Step 1: Choose the best eSIM plan

Step 2: Select the data package

Step 3: Receive activation email

You’ll receive the eSIM activation email and a QR code with installation instructions. You must have a network to install eSIM. Please ensure that there is available WiFi or mobile data before installation.

Step 4: Add your eSIM

Set as the instructions: System - Settings - Cellular (iOS) / SIM Card Management (Andriod) - add a Cellular Plan (iOS) / SIM Card (Android) - agree to download Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android), and then scan the QR code for activation (or enter SM-DP +Address and Activation Code manually).

Step 5: Connect the Internet

1. After the download is successful, close the primary card if you already have. Enable the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android).
2. We recommend that you disable eSIM until you reach your destination. After arriving at the destination, please open your eSIM, turn on roaming to connect to the network and then surf the Internet normally.

How to close?

Open the open Cellular (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android), and click to turn off the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android) (the steps of enabling and disabling are the same).

Note

1. If there is no network after enabling, please turn on the airplane mode and then turn off or restart the phone.
2. The eSIM can only be installed one time by one phone or one device. If removed, it cannot be added again and must be purchased again.
3. If there are problems such as activation failure, please contact Customer Service without deleting the eSIM.

You can now connect to the Internet and enjoy the convenience of eSIM as per your selected plan.

How to Choose the Right China eSIM?

Most travellers overestimate their data needs. Here's a realistic breakdown for a typical China trip:

• Light user (1-2GB/day): Checking messages, basic navigation, occasional social media
• Moderate user (2-3GB/day): Regular social media, photo uploads, video calls, music streaming
• Heavy user (>3GB/day): Video streaming, hotspot sharing, work calls

👍Pro Tip: The safest choice is to get a 2GB/day or 3GB/day plan. Also, avoid timing your plan to end exactly on the day you fly home. Extend it one extra day to stay connected at the airport before departure.

The VPN Question: Do You Need One with Your eSIM?

Most tourist eSIMs from Trip.com already work for accessing international services when you're on mobile data. However, hotel WiFi in China usually requires a VPN if you want to use Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Our recommendation: Get a reliable eSIM first (like Trip.com's plans), then add a VPN app if you need consistent access to blocked services.

Choosing a Network Provider: China Unicom (中国联通) vs China Mobile (中国移动)

Both networks offer excellent coverage in major cities, but there are differences:

• China Unicom (中国联通): Generally faster 4G/5G in cities, good international connections, used by most tourist eSIM providers.
• China Mobile (中国移动): Largest network with the best rural coverage, slightly slower in cities but more consistent in remote areas.

For most tourist itineraries focusing on major cities, either will work well.

What are the Differences Among eSIM, SIM and WIFI?

You can find the comparison below to gain a comprehensive understanding of eSIM, SIM and WIFI to make informed decisions about which option best suits your needs!

Beyond Connectivity: Must-Have China Apps

Having the right apps for China travel can make all the difference. With restrictions on apps like Google Maps and WhatsApp, local apps become essential for navigation, communication, and services. Additionally, China payment methods, like Alipay and WeChat Pay, might feel unfamiliar to Singaporean travelers. Downloading and familiarizing yourself with these apps before your trip ensures you’ll stay connected, easily navigate, and enjoy local services without any hassle.

💡 Pro tip for using Apps in China

Many of China’s apps are in Chinese, so setting the language to English in the app settings (where available) can make navigation easier. Alipay and WeChat Pay require linking a Chinese bank account or payment method, but you can also use international cards in some cases. Make sure to download all necessary apps before your trip and activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive to stay connected throughout your travels.

The Best China eSIM is on Trip.com

Source: Trip Moments

Trip.com is a one-stop travel service provider with a huge selection of hotels, flights, and attractions across the globe.

Multiple plans to satisfy your needs

Here on Trip.com, you can have multiple plans for your needs, including data package, validity period, quantity and more. What you can choose is flexible and customisable!

Good reviews and recommendations

Users’ voice is our voice. Check what people who used Trip.com's China eSIM say.

"Esim was great! Easy to configure and good reception everywhere I went in China!"

"Purchased esim or internet service from Trip.com. got very excellent service."

"It was available immediately if you roamed on, very convenient."

"Very easy to use! Use again!"

Worry-free with reliable support

Trip.com always prioritises your satisfaction and responds to any queries or concerns promptly. Whether you have questions about activation, plan options, or troubleshooting, count on us for reliable support that puts your needs first.

Click below and find your ultimate China eSIM solution now!