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China · CN

China eSIM plans and coverage

from $1.65 per GB

Use data for maps, taxi booking and messages across China, from Beijing city breaks to island stays and inland day trips.

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50 GB · 30 days for $82.30. Catalog checked 2026-09-10; confirm the total before paying.

  • No plastic SIM
  • Price before payment
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What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM you add to your phone over the internet. No plastic card and no visit to a shop.

Use Letisim for maps, taxis and messages while keeping your usual number.

Check my phone

Calls and texts on your home SIM follow your operator’s rates.

Your SIMCalls and texts
LetisimInternet for your trip

eSIM plans for China

Compare data, duration and when validity begins. A top-up label means more data can be added to that package.

Prices checked 2026-09-10. The live catalog is authoritative at checkout.

Open all current plans

All published plans for China

Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GBChina Mobile5GReloadable7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$2.80$2.80Choose plan
1 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$10.26$10.26Choose plan
3 GBChina Mobile5GReloadable15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$7.60$2.54Choose plan
3 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$7.80$2.60Choose plan
5 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$11.84$2.37Choose plan
10 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$23.40$2.34Choose plan
20 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$41.00$2.05Choose plan
50 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$82.30$1.65Choose plan
50 GBChina Mobile5GReloadable180 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$128.00$2.56Choose plan
100 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$164.63$1.65Choose plan
UnlimitedChina Telecom · China Unicom5G1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$7.14—Choose plan
UnlimitedChina Telecom · China Unicom5G3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$21.42—Choose plan
UnlimitedChina Telecom · China Unicom5G7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$49.98—Choose plan
UnlimitedChina Telecom · China Unicom5G14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$99.96—Choose plan
UnlimitedChina Telecom · China Unicom5G30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$214.20—Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Alternative uses of the same allowance
DataPhotos · 5 MB1-minute clips · 63 MBHD video · 3 GB/hrStandard video · 0.7 GB/hrVideo calls · 720p
1 GB≈ 200 photos≈ 15 clips≈ 20 min≈ 1 hr 25 min≈ 55 min
3 GB≈ 600 photos≈ 47 clips≈ 1 hr≈ 4 hr 17 min≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB≈ 1,000 photos≈ 79 clips≈ 1 hr 40 min≈ 7 hr 8 min≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB≈ 2,000 photos≈ 158 clips≈ 3 hr 20 min≈ 14 hr 17 min≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB≈ 4,000 photos≈ 317 clips≈ 6 hr 40 min≈ 28 hr 34 min≈ 18 hr 31 min
Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

  1. 5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
  2. 63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
  3. Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
  4. The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to install an eSIM in China

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

  1. 01

    Open your eSIM installation

    Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

    The app or email on this phone

    In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.

    Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

    A QR code on another screen

    Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

    Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

    The button or camera did not open setup?

    You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next

    Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM

    Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download

    Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up

    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
  2. 02

    Confirm installation on your phone

    The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.

    Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download

    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code.Enlarge screen ↗
    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
  3. 03

    Give the new line a clear name

    For example, “Letisim China”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name

    Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.

    Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.

    Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.

    OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.

    OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.

    Line name: Letisim China
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

  1. 04

    Choose the eSIM for mobile data

    Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim

    Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.

    Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.

    Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

    OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.

    OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.

    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls.Enlarge screen ↗
    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
  2. 05

    Check roaming in your package guide

    If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming

    Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming

    Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.

    Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.

    Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.

    OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.

    OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.

    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
  3. 06

    Check your connection

    Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.

    Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected

    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data.Enlarge screen ↗
    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗
No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in China

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

This comparison covers China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. Check which network is listed in your chosen eSIM package, then compare coverage for the places on your itinerary.

China Mobile

The city lookup can help you check whether China Mobile lists service in a destination city or county. It does not replace a live field test at your exact hotel, road or attraction. [1] [3] [4]

Check coverage ↗

China Unicom

Ask China Unicom about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1] [2] [2]

Official website ↗

China Telecom

Ask China Telecom about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1] [5]

Official website ↗

China Broadnet

Ask China Broadnet about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1] [11]

Official website ↗

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across China

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇨🇳 China
  1. Beijing
  2. Hainan
  3. Chengdu
  4. Great Wall of China corridor

Beijing

Beijing is the place to expect the easiest first-day setup: airport arrival, metro rides and central sightseeing usually work best once your eSIM is active and data roaming is on. For museums and the Great Wall, download maps before leaving central districts so navigation still works if signal changes along the route. [6] [9] [4]

Hainan

For Hainan, plan around hotel check-in, beach transfers and day trips rather than assuming one fixed experience for the whole island. If you expect coastal driving or long resort-to-resort rides, install your eSIM and offline maps before you leave the airport so you can keep directions and messaging available without hunting for Wi‑Fi. [1] [3]

Chengdu

Chengdu is a practical base for city stays and side trips to Sichuan sights. If your plans include early departures, railway connections or a full day outside the centre, keep your QR codes, ride-hailing app and maps ready before you leave the hotel, because you may switch between transit, taxi and walking several times a day. [1] [3] [8]

Great Wall of China corridor

For the Great Wall, coverage is best treated as route dependent: transport legs, cable-car areas and walking sections can feel very different from one another. Download your route, tickets and messaging apps in advance, and do not rely on having the same data experience on the wall itself as you had in central Beijing. [4] [6] [9]

China · eSIM

Overview

China’s mobile market includes four licensed public mobile operators identified by MIIT: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. For travellers, that means coverage checks are best done operator by operator, because a plan, a city lookup and an actual road trip can lead to different real-world experiences.

Public operator tools can help you see whether service is listed for a destination, but they do not guarantee identical performance at every hotel, station or scenic area. For a smoother trip, install your eSIM before arrival, keep offline maps ready and compare your route with the operator information that matters for the places you will actually visit.

Useful apps and travel tools

DiDi China ↗

Ride-hailing app with English support, international mobile number login and in-app bilingual communication, useful for airport transfers and city rides in China. [8]

GO BEIJING ↗

Multilingual visitor platform for Beijing that combines navigation, ride-hailing, ticket booking and other practical services for newcomers. [6] [9]

Before you buy

What to expect from coverage checks

Operator tools help you confirm whether a network is advertised or searchable in a place, but they do not guarantee the same result at every hotel room, roadside stop or attraction. For trips with several cities, the safest habit is to compare the operator list, your route and an offline map before departure. [1] [4] [5]

Arrival platforms that help visitors

Beijing’s GO BEIJING platform brings together multilingual navigation, ride-hailing, ticketing and other visitor services. That makes it useful right after landing, when you want maps, taxi booking and local basics in one place instead of switching between separate apps. [6] [8]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in China

Which operators can a traveller expect in China?

MIIT identifies four licensed public mobile operators in mainland China: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China Broadnet. For a trip, the useful next step is not to assume the same result everywhere, but to check whether the operator you are considering is listed for the city or route you will use most. [1] [2]

Can I rely on one coverage map for the whole trip?

No single map should be treated as a promise for every street, hotel or attraction. Operator pages can tell you whether service is advertised in a place, but local conditions still vary, so it is smarter to pair the map with offline navigation and a second connection option if your itinerary is busy. [4] [5] [6]

What is the most practical setup order after landing?

Install the eSIM before departure if possible, then turn on the line, enable data roaming for that eSIM and test maps and messaging as soon as you arrive. That way you are ready for airport pickup, metro directions and ride-hailing without depending on airport Wi‑Fi. [6] [8] [9]

Do I need a different approach for Beijing and Hainan?

Yes. Beijing is usually the easiest place to start, because transport and city services are straightforward to set up there. Hainan is better handled with offline maps and a downloaded plan for the transfer from the airport to your hotel or resort, since many travellers move between beaches, hotels and day trips. [6] [9] [3]

Which apps are most useful with an eSIM in China?

For Beijing, DiDi China helps with taxis, the Beijing Subway app with metro travel, and GO BEIJING with visitor services. Download and set up the apps before departure, then check whether registration or payment requires anything beyond a data connection. [6] [7] [8]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08
  1. MIIT: licensed public mobile communication frequency bands for four operators · Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
  2. MIIT: 2025 communications industry statistical bulletin · Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
  3. China Mobile official website · China Mobile
  4. China Mobile city coverage/service search page · China Mobile
  5. China Telecom official website · China Telecom
  6. Beijing launches GO BEIJING for inbound visitors · Beijing Municipal Government
  7. Beijing Subway official app · Apple App Store
  8. DiDi China: Ride Hailing app · Google Play
  9. Beijing subway basic information · Beijing Municipal Government
  10. Letisim public catalog · Letisim
  11. China Broadnet official consumer website · China Broadnet