To get fast and unrestricted internet access in China, my friend and I used an eSIM with VPN. There are a lot of good options available, but we decided to go with this award-winning 5G eSIM powered by China Mobile. It comes with a military-grade VPN (free for automatic renewals), mobile hotspot, and simple one-click setup. Book the same China eSIM here with our promo code TRAVLISTS and get 30% off on any data plans. (Alternatively, you can get this China eSIM with free VPN and unlimited data for iPhones. Get $3 off with our coupon code TRAVLISTS.)
In a nutshell
- Best China eSIM provider. BNESIM, voted five times as the World’s Best Travel SIM Provider since 2019, is our team’s top pick. Their China eSIM starts at around $3 and offers 5G connectivity. They also have a military-grade VPN for iPhones and Android phones that you can get for free when you purchase an eSIM here. (If you only want the military-grade VPN with no data, you can purchase a VPN subscription here.)
- China eSIMs with VPN. Prepaid eSIMs that will let you bypass internet restrictions in China include Yesim (free VPN for iOS, unlimited data plans, & 24/7 support), Klook, and this eSIM from the makers of NordVPN.
- Award-winning standalone VPN for travel. If you want to use a separate VPN service for multiple smartphones, laptops, and tablets, you can get this travel VPN for up to 10 devices. This premium VPN, which will work with any data eSIM of your choice, will let you access Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other sites that are forbidden in Mainland China.
- Do Airalo eSIMs have VPN? While not indicated on their website, our team has confirmed with an Airalo representative that their China eSIMs can bypass restricted websites and apps, except TikTok. Learn more and buy their China eSIM here with our 10% discount code TRAVLISTSALL. (New Airalo users can use the promo code TRAVLISTSNEW to get 15% off.)
Further reading: Get China’s T-Union Card: Transportation Pass for Beijing, Shanghai, & 300+ Cities
Quick Book
Featured Bestseller
China eSIM Data Plans with Promo Codes
5G China eSIM with VPN & Phone Number by BNESIM
• NETWORK: China Mobile
• FEATURES: Military-grade VPN for iOS and Android, one-click installation, mobile hotspot, optional international phone number, flexible activation, optional lifetime plans, cashback, referral rewards, & 24/7 support
• OTHER SERVICES: BNE Guard VPN (standalone VPN)
🏆 5x World’s Best Travel SIM Provider
5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Yesim
• NETWORK: China Unicom
• FEATURES: Free VPN for iPhones, one-tap installation, mobile hotspot, optional virtual phone number, flexible activation, guaranteed refund policy, cashback, referral program, & 24/7 customer service
♾️ Travlists’ Choice for Unlimited Data
5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Airalo
• NETWORK: China Unicom
• FEATURES: Built-in VPN for iOS and Android (able to bypass restricted websites like Google, Gmail, Facebook, etc.), multilingual app, mobile hotspot, tiered cashback program, referral program, & 24/7/365 customer service
🎁 For new Airalo users only: Get 15% off with coupon code TRAVLISTSNEW
4G/5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Klook
• NETWORK: China Unicom & China Telecom
• FEATURES: Built-in VPN (instant unrestricted internet access with no VPN connection required), mobile hotspot, easy in-app installation, & cashback (Klook Cash)
4G/5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Jetpac
• NETWORK: China Unicom & China Mobile
• FEATURES: Built-in VPN for iOS and Android, SmartDelay Program (free airport lounge access in case of flight delay), offline access to essential apps (Google Maps, WhatsApp, & Uber), & up to 40% discount on regular airport lounge passes
4G/5G China eSIM with VPN by Instabridge
• NETWORK: China Unicom & China Mobile
• FEATURES: Free VPN for Android smartphones, mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices, access to Instabridge’s data-saving browser, & access to 20 million global WiFi hotspots powered by Instabridge
5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Saily
• FEATURES: Free security tools (ad blocker, web protection, virtual location changer, malicious site blocker), mobile hotspot, cashback, reusable eSIM, & 24/7 live chat support
• OTHER SERVICES: NordVPN (easy VPN set-up for up to 10 devices)
🔒 From the makers of NordVPN
5G China eSIM with VPN & Unlimited Data by Nomad
• NETWORK: China Unicom
• FEATURES: VPN for iOS and Android, one-tap installation, mobile hotspot, & responsive 24/7 customer service available via chat and email
5G China eSIM with Phone Number by aloSIM
• NETWORK: China Unicom
• FEATURES: Free international phone number, credit for calls and texts, 90-second installation, mobile hotspot, cashback, & 24/7 customer support
4G/5G China eSIM with Phone Number by Airhub
• NETWORK: China Unicom & China Mobile
• FEATURES: International phone number, mobile hotspot, family bundle discount (limited-time), advanced eSIM technology, & 24/7 customer service
5G China eSIM with Unlimited Data by Ubigi
• NETWORK: China Telecom
• FEATURES: Mobile hotspot, Smartstart, reusable eSIM, offline top-up, & referral rewards
4G/5G China eSIM with Unlimited Data by World eSIM
• NETWORK: China Mobile
• FEATURES: Simple installation ideal for first-time eSIM users & referral program
✅ From the Makers of Ninja WiFi, Japan’s No. 1 Rental Pocket WiFi
Best Overall eSIM Provider for Mainland China
Before taking our trip to Beijing and Shanghai, my friend and I downloaded the BNESIM app. This eSIM provider has affordable data plans that come with a military-grade VPN, which is what we were looking for to bypass the internet restrictions in the Mainland (or the “Great Wall”). We needed access to websites and services from Google (Gmail, Google Search, YouTube), Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), and more. Hence, this was an easy choice.
Before Travlists became a content partner of BNESIM, we were already avid fans of the brand. We like that they are a five-time World Travel SIM Provider awardee that offers the following great features for leisure and business travelers:
- Military-grade VPN (free for automatic renewals)
- One-click installation for iPhones & Android
- Mobile hotspot
- Optional international phone number with calls
- Optional lifetime data (non-expiring)
- Refer-a-friend program: Get up to 3 BNE Coins (worth €3) for every successful referral
- 5% cashback
- 24/7 customer support
What’s more, BNESIM offers a 30% discount to our readers. You can get this offer when you book their eSIM using our promo code TRAVLISTS below:
China eSIMs with Unlimited Data & VPN
Aside from BNESIM, there are other eSIM providers that offer VPN for travelers in China. These include:
| PROVIDER | PLAN | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Yesim | 1-30 days + free VPN for iPhones | Book from $6 ➜ |
| 2. Airalo | 3-30 days + built-in VPN for iOS & Android | Book from $11.5 ➜ |
| 3. BNESIM | 10 days + military-grade VPN (free for auto renewals) | Book from $34.2 ➜ |
| 4. Jetpac | 7-10 days + built-in VPN for iOS & Android | Book from $34.99 ➜ |
| 5. Klook | 3-15 days + built-in VPN for iOS & Android | Book from $10.65 ➜ |
| 6. Ubigi | 7 or 30 days | Book from $26 ➜ |
| 7. Nomad | 3-10 days | Book from $12 ➜ |
| 8. World eSIM | 1-30 days | Book from $6.9 ➜ |
| 9. Saily | 5-30 days + free VPN for iOS & Android | Book from $18.99 ➜ |
Among these options, we recommend Yesim. They are the first eSIM provider to offer both unlimited data eSIMs with free VPN. They also offer cashback, a guaranteed refund policy, and up to 65% discount with our Yesim promo code TRAVLISTS.)
Award-winning Standalone VPN from NordVPN
If you will be visiting China and need unrestricted internet connection for your smartphones, laptops, or tablets, you can get NordVPN instead. This standalone VPN product (not an eSIM) comes with high-speed VPN that can work simultaneously for up to 10 devices. The VPN service also includes these features:
- Data breach scanner
- Anti-malware protection
- Ad and tracker blocker
While NordVPN is an external VPN service and does not provide data, it can make sure that all your devices are able to connect freely to sites like Google, Meta, etc. NordVPN can also be paired with all data eSIMs listed on this blog, so you are sure to get the highest quality of internet connection while exploring China.
China eSIMs with Phone Number
Need to make calls while you travel in China? We recommend getting this travel eSIM with a free international phone number from aloSIM. While it does not come with a local China-based number (+86), you can still make calls and send texts locally and around the world. (You will also get a $1 credit for calls and texts.)
Regional eSIMs: China + Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, & Japan
Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau? You can get this single eSIM that works well in these countries. However, if your stop includes South Korea and Japan, you can get this 3-in-1 data eSIM instead. It includes 1-20GB worth of high-speed data valid for 7-45 days — perfect for both short-term trips and extended stays.
Do China eSIMs from Airalo have VPN?
Yes! While not explicitly stated on their website, we have confirmed directly with a representative of Airalo that their China eSIMs allow travelers to browse restricted websites and apps in China (except for TikTok).
Bestselling eSIM for China on Klook
If you prefer to purchase your travel eSIM and other essentials on Klook, you’d be delighted to know that their eSIM for China allows unrestricted browsing. Klook’s innovative eSIM, which can be installed without scanning a QR code, does not need a VPN connection. However, you will be able to bypass the “Great Wall” instantly; simply activate your eSIM and browse safely and securely.
Get 3-5% off on Klook’s China eSIMs and other admission tickets, tours, transportation passes, and more when you book with our coupon code TRAVLISTS.
- Shanghai Airport Transfer (10k+ booked)
- Beijing Airport Transfer (10k+ booked)
- Mainland China Bus & Metro Card (4k+ booked)
- Oriental Pearl Tower (60k+ booked)
- Temple of Heaven (20k+ booked)
- The Old Summer Palace (4k+ booked)
- Shanghai Disneyland (1M+ booked)
- Universal Studios Beijing (300k+ booked)
- Beijing Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) (90k+ booked)
Top China eSIM Providers with Reviews
With so many eSIM options, we know how it can get difficult to choose the best one for your trip. You would want the best one at the most reasonable price. To help you decide which embedded SIM to get, we share quick information about the best providers of China eSIMs with VPN, unlimited data, and phone numbers below.
1. Jetpac
10% off promo code (applicable to plans worth $10 or more): TRAVLISTS10 • USE CODE ➜
Get Jetpac and enjoy a fast internet connection in China and complimentary airport lounge access in case of flight delays! What we like best about this eSIM provider is that they offer an economical $1-for-1GB data plan as well as flexible top-up options.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $4
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 3-10 days or 1-40GB for 4-30 days, built-in VPN for iOS and Android, free airport lounge access in case of flight delay, offline access to essential apps (Google Maps, WhatsApp, & Uber), discount on regular airport lounge passes, & nationwide coverage powered by China Unicom and China Mobile
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Huawei
- HOW TO USE: Follow the simple installation that you will receive via email.
- BEST REVIEW: “Good value for money; super helpful support,” says a Truspilot user named Laos about Jetpac.
2. BNESIM
30% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
Moving on to our preferred eSIM when traveling — BNESIM. They are a global eSIM provider that won the World’s Best Travel SIM Provider Award not just once but five times. Many prefer to use them for their affordable data plans, easy one-click installation, strong coverage, and referral program. Their virtual SIM card also seamlessly connects to major local networks, so you can expect to have a consistent and fast data connection whether you’re staying in a city or exploring the countryside. (BNESIM also has a military-grade VPN for both iPhones and Android smartphones that you can get for a minimal fee or FREE if you turn on auto-renewal for your eSIM.)
- PRICE: Book here starting at $2.94
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 10 days or 1-100GB for 30 days, free military-grade VPN for automatic renewals, one-click installation, optional lifetime plans, optional international phone number with voice plan, mobile hotspot (tethering), 5% cashback, referral rewards, flexible activation, 24/7 support, & nationwide coverage in China powered by China Mobile
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhones, iPads, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Motorola, Sharp, Vivo, Honor, and Nothing Phone. Select Windows laptops (Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface), as well as Doogee, Fairphone, Gemini, Hammer, Nokia, Nuu, OnePlus, Oukitel, Rakuten, Surface Duo, T-Mobile Revvl, TCL, and ZTE devices, are also supported.
- HOW TO USE: Buy a fixed or unlimited data plan here and install the eSIM on the app.
- BEST REVIEW: “…very good experience using your [eSIM],” reads a review by a user named Abioye on Trustpilot.
3. Yesim
$3 discount code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
Our next pick is Yesim, known for their Mainland China eSIM with VPN, unlimited data, and an optional virtual number. If you are a heavy internet user who uses an iPhone, then Yesim will get you covered in terms of high-speed data with no restrictions on site usage or visit.
- PRICE: Book here from $0.54
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 1-30 days or 105MB-30GB for 1-30 days, free VPN for iOS, one-tap installation, mobile hotspot, optional virtual number, flexible activation, guaranteed refund, cashback, referral program, 24/7 customer service, & nationwide coverage provided by China Unicom
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: Yesim works with iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel, Huawei, Motorola, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, DOOGEE, Fairphone, Gemini, Sharp, Rakuten, myPhone, Hammer, Honor, Microsoft Surface Duo, Oppo, Nuu, Nokia, Nothing Phone, RealMe, ASUS, and Vivo devices.
- HOW TO USE: Simply follow the quick set-up guide that you will receive via email.
- BEST REVIEW: “I was very satisfied with using the Yesim app. I had excellent coverage… When I had a question [for] the Customer Service team, I was helped quickly and kindly. I can recommend Yesim to everyone,” reads a review for Yesim eSIM on TrustPilot.
4. Airalo
15% off promo code for new users: TRAVLISTSNEW • 10% off promo code for existing users: TRAVLISTSALL • USE CODE ➜
Our next suggested China eSIM provider is Airalo, the world’s first eSIM marketplace that offers prepaid local and global eSIMs for 200+ countries. If you want to enjoy easy eSIM activation, free internet usage (except no access to Tiktok), and instant connectivity, you can book Airalo’s eSIMs for China.
- PRICE: Book here from $4
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 3-30 days or 1-50GB worth of high-speed data valid for 3-30 days, mobile hotspot, VPN-like access, & nationwide coverage in Mainland China (powered by Chinacom)
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhones, iPads, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, Hammer, Honor, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Sharp, Sony, TCL, T-Mobile, Vivo, & Xiaomi.
- HOW TO USE: Simply install and activate your eSIM on the Airalo app.
- BEST REVIEW: “…I visited 4 countries last month, purchased 4 [eSIMs] using [Airalo,] and it couldn’t have been [cheaper] nor easier. The [online chat support] is totally efficient too,” reads a review for Airalo.
5. Klook
3-5% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
Our team at Travlists also likes Klook’s China eSIM as it comes with a built-in VPN. On Klook’s website, it says that “no VPN connection is required”. This does not mean that there’s no VPN provided — it just says that you won’t need to get a separate or standalone VPN. With Klook’s eSIM, you will be able to bypass any restricted or forbidden sites in the Mainland. (If you are looking for an eSIM that works in China, Hong Kong, and Macau, you can buy one here from $0.8!)
- PRICE: Book here from $0.8
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 3-15 days or 1-20GB for 7-30 days, mobile hotspot, simple in-app installation, built-in VPN (instant unrestricted internet access with no VPN connection required), cashback, & nationwide coverage powered by China Unicom and China Telecom
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iOS and Android smartphones
- HOW TO USE: Book a fixed or unlimited data plan here and install the eSIM on the Klook app. You can also scan the eSIM QR code to proceed with setup.
- BEST REVIEW: “…I used the 5G eSIM China from Klook during my trip… it worked perfectly across major [cities] like Shenzhen. Setup was easy,” reads a review on Klook.
6. Instabridge
20% off promo code: TRAV20 • USE CODE ➜
If Yesim offers eSIMs with a free VPN for iPhones, Instabridge has China eSIMs with VPN for Android smartphones. But that’s not all there is about Instabridge. Their eSIM can also connect up to 10 devices online at the same time via mobile hotspot — ideal if you have multiple devices that need connectivity or if your friends and family need internet connection.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $2.45
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Free VPN for Android smartphones, mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices, access to Instabridge’s data-saving browser, access to 20 million global WiFi hotspots powered by Instabridge, & nationwide coverage powered by China Mobile and China Unicom
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola, Sony, Sharp, Gemini, Fairphone, Doogee, Oneplus, Hammer, Nokia, myPhone, Vivo, Oukitel, & Nuu
- HOW TO USE: Install the China eSIM on the app.
- BEST REVIEW: “It [worked,] but it would be good if they offer unlimited data too…”
7. Saily
5% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
This high-speed and reliable eSIM brand from the makers of NordVPN not only offers low-cost data plans for China but also a location switcher (VPN) and ad-blocking tools. This gives their users an enhanced internet experience when traveling by providing access to forbidden websites in China. Our team at Travlists also recommends Saily for its simple-to-install embedded SIM cards, which are perfect for first-time users.
- PRICE: Book here starting at only $4.99
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: 1-20GB for 7-30 days, FREE powerful security features (ad blocker, tracker blocker, web protection, location changer, malicious site blocker, and more), mobile hotspot, 24/7 support, referral program, & nationwide coverage in China
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhones, Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Sony, Nokia, Rakuten, Nuu, Sharp, Surface, Honor, Fairphone, OnePlus, Hammer, Vivo, T-Mobile, & TCL
- HOW TO USE: Purchase your data plan here, install the eSIM on your iOS or Android device, and activate upon arrival.
- BEST REVIEW: “Simple to set up… worked seamlessly…”
8. Nomad
5% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
Travelers choose Nomad not just for their affordable eSIM data plans with 4G/5G speeds, but also for their solid VPN feature and world-class customer support. With so many China eSIM options available, you’d definitely want a provider that can help you bypass restricted sites in China and one that you can reach out if you need to troubleshoot your eSIM. In addition, there are two other things to love about Nomad: they have a smart and lightweight app where eSIM installation is a breeze, and topping up is very simple. (If you’re looking for an eSIM that works with iPads, Samsung Galaxy books, and other laptops and tablets, you can use Nomad, which supports a wide range of devices.)
- PRICE: Book here from $4
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 3-10 days or 1-50GB for 7-30 days, VPN, 24/7 customer service, mobile hotspot, & nationwide connection powered by China Unicom & China Mobile
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: The China eSIM from Nomad works well with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, Sony, Nokia, Rakuten, Nuu, Sharp, Surface, Doogee, Fairphone, Gemini, Hammer, Honor, and OnePlus.
- HOW TO USE: Install the eSIM via app.
- BEST REVIEW: “I bought a 30-day eSIM for my trip to China and made sure to set it up and enable data roaming before arriving. It worked flawlessly in Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, and Chengdu. I had no issues accessing all my usual…sites, including Google. I’ll definitely use Nomad again for my next trip,” reads a review for Nomad eSIM for China on TrustPilot.
9. Ubigi
10% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
Up next is Ubigi, another major eSIM provider that’s well loved by travelers! Getting Ubigi is recommended if you want to stay connected with blazing fast speeds during your holiday or business trip in Mainland China. With Ubigi, you can also enjoy an instant and reliable internet connection and the ability to share your data with others. Moreover, Ubigi’s eSIM can be reused across more than 200 countries (with 50+ countries supporting 5G speeds)!
- PRICE: Book here from $4
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data for 7-30 days or 1-25GB for 7-30 days, mobile hotspot (share your data!), reusabile eSIM in 200+ countries, instant set-up, offline top-up, SmartStart, & nationwide coverage powered by China Telecom
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy, Crosscall, Doogee, Fairphone, Gemini, Google Pixel, Hammer, Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, Nuu, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Sharp, Surface, Sony, Xiaomi, Vivo, ASUS, TCL, T-Mobile, & MyPhone
- HOW TO USE: Buy a data plan here, and install the eSIM on the official app.
- BEST REVIEW: “Easy to use. Worked as advertised. Definitely a better option than roaming,” reads a review for Ubigi eSIM on TrustPilot.
10. aloSIM
15% off promo code: TRAVLISTS • USE CODE ➜
While aloSIM does not have a VPN, their China eSIM is the perfect option if you need an eSIM with a phone number. With this provider, you can get a free international phone number that you can use for calling and texting local or overseas numbers. I like that their data plans also come with unlimited data — another great choice for heavy internet users like me.
- PRICE: Book here from $4.5
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 10 days or 1-20GB for 7-30 days, 90-second installation, mobile hotspot, free international phone number, credit for calls and texts, cashback, 24/7 customer support, & up to 5G coverage powered by China Unicom
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: Acer, Apple, ASUS, Dell, Fairphone, Gemini, Google, Hammer, HP, Honor, Huawei, Lenovo, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Nuu, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Xiaomi, T-Mobile, & TCL
- HOW TO USE: Install the eSIM on the app.
- BEST REVIEW: “Easy to… install on my phone… and activate for use.”
