Best eSIM for China (2026): Prices Compared
Short answer: GoSIM sells 10 GB / 30 days for mainland China for $10.99, against $17 at Nomad and $26.50 at Airalo. Data is routed through Hong Kong, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN. China is the one trip where your eSIM choice changes what works on your phone, so we checked five providers on the same day and put the plans side by side.
Oct. 2, 2026
Compare eSIM prices
Prices in USD. Badges compare matching data and validity checked within 45 days.
| Plan | GoSIM | Airalo | Nomad | Saily | GoSIM savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB for 7 days |
$1.99
Cheapest
View plan
|
—
|
$4.00
|
$4.49
|
50% less vs Nomad |
| 3 GB for 30 days |
$3.99
Cheapest
View plan
|
—
|
$9.00
|
$10.99
|
55% less vs Nomad |
| 10 GB for 30 days |
$10.99
Cheapest
View plan
|
$26.50
|
$17.00
|
$26.99
|
35% less vs Nomad |
| 20 GB for 30 days |
$16.99
Cheapest
View plan
|
$40.00
|
$25.00
|
$39.99
|
32% less vs Nomad |
1 GB for 7 days
Airalo
Nomad
$4.00
Saily
$4.49
3 GB for 30 days
Airalo
Nomad
$9.00
Saily
$10.99
10 GB for 30 days
Airalo
$26.50
Nomad
$17.00
Saily
$26.99
20 GB for 30 days
Airalo
$40.00
Nomad
$25.00
Saily
$39.99
What a normal trip costs
China is where the price gap between eSIM shops is widest. For 10 GB / 30 days, Airalo charges $26.50, Saily $26.99 and Nomad $17 (on sale, normally $22). GoSIM sells the same plan for $10.99. For a short city break, GoSIM’s 1 GB / 7 days is $1.99, against $4 at Nomad and $4.49 at Saily. In between, 3 GB / 30 days is $3.99 at GoSIM and $9 to $10.99 elsewhere.
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram without a VPN
This is the question everyone asks before a China trip. GoSIM’s standard China plans connect to China Mobile’s network but send your data out through Hong Kong, so Google, Gmail, Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and ChatGPT open the same way they do at home. You don’t need to install or pay for a VPN. Not every provider works this way: Saily’s own China FAQ says WhatsApp needs a VPN on its plan.
A few plans in the GoSIM list are marked “nonhkip”. Those use a mainland route instead, so blocked apps won’t open on them. Pick the standard plan unless you specifically need a mainland IP, for example for a Chinese banking app.
Heavy use and long stays
If you’re in China for work, or you upload a lot of photos and video, GoSIM’s 20 GB / 30 days costs $16.99. Airalo and Saily charge about $40 for the same, Nomad $25. Holafly sells unlimited China data at $27.50 for 7 days and $73.90 for 30 days, which only makes sense if you stream every day.
Hong Kong and Macao
The China mainland plans cover the mainland only. If your trip also includes Hong Kong or Macao, the China + Hong Kong + Macao plans cover all three on local networks (China Unicom and China Telecom, csl and SmarTone in Hong Kong, CTM in Macao), from $3.99 for 1 GB / 7 days.
Which one should you pick?
- A weekend in Shanghai or Beijing: 1 GB / 7 days for $1.99, or 3 GB if you use maps a lot.
- One to two weeks: 10 GB / 30 days for $10.99.
- Remote work or lots of hotspotting: 20 GB / 30 days for $16.99.
- Mainland plus Hong Kong or Macao: a China + HK + Macao plan.
Before you fly
Install the eSIM at home over Wi‑Fi and leave it off until you land. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your card before the trip too, since most shops and taxis in China expect them. The eSIM is data only, so keep your home SIM active as a second line for any verification texts.
New to eSIMs in China? Read our China eSIM guide for how the Great Firewall affects your apps.
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