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In China, connectivity can't be improvised. Pour contourner les restrictions et garantir un accès sécurisé à Internet, choisissez une eSIM équipée de VPN et d’outils de protection avancés. Dans ce guide vous trouverez les meilleurs fournisseurs eSIM pour avoir internet en Chine.

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Angebot entdecken

Present in over 200 destinations
From €2.90
Android, iOS compatible

4.9

Present in 193 destinations
From €2.84
Android, iOS compatible

4.9

Present in 147 countries
From €0.50
Android, iOS compatible

4.8

1 - Ubigi

screenshot of ubigi home page

Les caractéristiques de l’eSIM de Ubigi

🌐 Compatible networks : 3G, 4G, 5G
📱 Calls and SMS : Not included, only to dedicated messaging platforms (VOiP)
📈 GO available : 1GO, 3GO, 5GO, 10GO, 20GO, 24GO, 25GO, 50GO, Unlimited
Package duration : 1 day, 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, 180 days
⭐ User notes : 4.6/5 according to App Store on 4,700+ user reviews

Ubigi offers a prepaid eSIM for Chinaideal for staying connected from the moment you arrive, without the need for a physical SIM card or roaming charges. Activation is instant via QR code, with packages such as 1 GB for 7 days at €5, 3 GB for 30 days at €11, 10 GB for 7 days at €21or 25 GB for 30 days at €48.

Compatible with eSIM smartphones, Ubigi uses the local network China Unicom for reliable 4G/5G coverage. Connection sharing is enabled, and the SmartStart enables automatic activation on landing. Reusable in over 200 destinations, the Ubigi eSIM is a simple, secure and cost-effective solution for exploring China connected.

2 - Saily

screenshot saily home page

Les caractéristiques de l’eSIM de Saily

🌐 Compatible networks : 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
📱 Calls and SMS : Not included, only to dedicated messaging platforms (VOiP)
📈 GO available : 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 100GB
Package duration : 7 days, 30 days, 180 days
⭐ User notes : 4.8/5 according to Google Play out of 25,000+ user reviews

Saily offers a prepaid eSIM for Chinaideal for staying connected without a physical SIM card or roaming charges. Activation is entirely digital via QR code, with packages starting from 4.49 $ for 1 GB (7 days), 10.99 $ for 3 GB (30 days)up to 20 GB for 30 days at 45.59 $.

Compatible with most eSIM smartphones, Saily offers a reliable connection on the best local 4G/5G networks, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu. eSIM includes a Integrated VPNenables unlimited connection sharingand is easily installed via the mobile application. It is also reusable in over 200 destinationswith safety features such as ad blocker and the protection against malicious sites - a modern, secure and cost-effective solution for exploring China connected.

3 - Yesim

screenshot yesim home page

Les caractéristiques de l’eSIM de Yesim

🌐Compatible networks : 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
📱 Calls and SMS : Not included, only to dedicated messaging platforms (VOiP)
📈 GO available : 500MB to Unlimited
Package duration : 1 day to 30 days
💰 Price : From €0.50
⭐ User notes : 4.5/5 according to Google Play out of 4,500+ user reviews

Yesim offers a prepaid eSIM for Chinaideal for staying connected without a physical SIM card or roaming charges. Activation is entirely digital via QR code, with flexible packages such as 3 GB for 7 days at 16.80 $, 10 GB for 30 days at 34.80 $or unlimited for 1 day at 8.40 $ and up to 30 days to 114 $.

Compatible with most eSIM smartphones, Yesim offers a stable connection via China Unicom in 5Gwith automatic switching to the best available network, Free VPN on iOS, connection sharing authorizedand one-click installation. The same eSIM can be used in over 200 destinations - a modern, secure and cost-effective solution for exploring China connected.

How do you install a China eSIM on your smartphone?

screenshot download saily app

Step 1: Check your smartphone's compatibility.

Make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology before starting the installation process.

Step 2: Get your eSIM profile for China.

Retrieve the QR code or manual configuration information provided by your eSIM operator, specifically designed for use in China.

Step 3: Access your smartphone's settings.

Open your phone's "Settings" application, then navigate to the "Cellular data" or "Mobile network" section.

Step 4: Add a new cell phone plan.

Select the "Add Cellular Package", "Add Data Package" or similar option to initiate eSIM installation.

Step 5: Activate eSIM by scanning or entering information.

Use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code provided by your operator, or enter the activation details manually if requested, then follow the final on-screen instructions to finalize the installation of your eSIM for use in China.

Internet access in China

internet access in china when traveling

There are several options for getting Internet access in China, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It's crucial to consider the impact of Great Firewall of China (Great Firewall) on your online experience, as it blocks access to many Western sites and applications (such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) if you don't use a solution to bypass it.

1. Buy a local SIM card

This is the most common option for visitors. The main operators are China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.

  • For : Extensive, stable coverage in most urban and rural areas, generally competitive mobile data rates. Ideal for local and international calls.
  • Against : Requires an unlocked phone. Activation can sometimes be a little complex for non-native speakers. Above all, the SIM card alone doesn't bypass the Great Firewall; you'll still need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access blocked services.

2. Use public and private Wi-Fi

Many places in China offer Wi-Fi access.

  • For : Often free of charge in hotels, cafés, airports, stations and shopping centers. Convenient for occasional use at no extra cost.
  • Against : The security of public Wi-Fi networks is often weak, and the connection may be unstable or slow. Many public Wi-Fi networks require verification via a Chinese phone number, which can be an obstacle for tourists. And of course, the Great Firewall also applies to these connections.

3. Rent a portable Wi-Fi box (Pocket Wi-Fi)

These small devices create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot to which you can connect several devices.

  • For : Handy for groups or if you have several devices (phone, tablet, laptop) to connect. Generally stable connection. Prevents rapid discharge of your own phone's battery.
  • Against : Daily rental costs that can accumulate over a long period. It's an extra device to carry and charge. The Great Firewall is always present, so a VPN is still necessary.

4. Using an eSIM (digital SIM card)

For téléphones compatibles, l’eSIM est une option de plus en plus populaire, permettant d’activer un forfait de données sans avoir besoin d’une carte physique.

  • For : Easy remote activation even before arriving in China. No physical card handling. Keep your main SIM card for calls and SMS.
  • Against : Not compatible with all phone models. Prices may sometimes be higher than traditional local SIM cards. Unless otherwise specified by the eSIM provider, the Great Firewall also applies to this connection.

Very important note about VPN:

Whichever option you choose for Internet access in China, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the ideal solution. strongly recommended if you want to access services such as Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or simply browse the internet freely. It's imperative to download and configure your VPN *before* arriving in China, as VPN providers' sites are themselves blocked once there. Opt for a VPN with a reputation for reliability in China (such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Astrill VPN), as many are regularly detected and blocked by the Great Firewall.

Author profile

Joël Travel eSIM

Founder of meilleure-e-sim.fr

The story of Meilleure-e-sim.fr began with a frustration: finding a reliable internet connection abroad without blowing the budget. As a digital nomad, I tested dozens of eSIMs on my travels, from Asia to South America, to stay connected. I soon realized that what was missing was a comprehensive comparison based on real tests and real opinions. That's how this site was born. Our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect eSIM for your travel needs, to save you money and simplify your life.

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