Airalo
1GB · 7 days
32k$9 AUD
The best eSIM for China
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Instant data, no physical SIM required. This is the key decision for a China trip. A local SIM sits behind the Great Firewall. An international roaming eSIM usually routes your traffic through a gateway outside China, which means Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail keep working. Check the provider explicitly states this before you buy.
10 esim options for China, compared
Saily Cheapest 10GB
10GB · 15 days
6k$15.50 AUD
Airalo Recommended
10GB · 15 days
32k$17.50 AUD
Airalo
20GB · 30 days
32k$29.50 AUD
Klook
SIM, eSIM or pocket wifi
40kVaries by plan
Yesim
Country and regional plans
4kVaries by plan
Ubigi Best for long trips
5GB · 30 days
8k$16 AUD
Compare only
Nomad
10GB · 15 days
12k$20.50 AUD
Compare only
Holafly Unlimited data
Unlimited · 15 days
28k$29.50 AUD
Compare only
Nomad
20GB · 30 days
12k$35 AUD
Compare only
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
Compared side by side
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price (AUD) | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo Partner | 1GB | 7 days | $9 | $9 |
| Saily Partner | 10GB | 15 days | $15.50 | $1.55 |
| Airalo Partner | 10GB | 15 days | $17.50 | $1.75 |
| Airalo Partner | 20GB | 30 days | $29.50 | $1.48 |
| Klook Partner | Several plans | Choose on booking | Varies by plan | - |
| Yesim Partner | Several plans | Choose on booking | Varies by plan | - |
| Ubigi | 5GB | 30 days | $16 | $3.20 |
| Nomad | 10GB | 15 days | $20.50 | $2.05 |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 15 days | $29.50 | - |
| Nomad | 20GB | 30 days | $35 | $1.75 |
Getting online in China
What is mobile coverage like in China?
Excellent everywhere, including on high-speed rail and in the metro.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in China?
This is the key decision for a China trip. A local SIM sits behind the Great Firewall. An international roaming eSIM usually routes your traffic through a gateway outside China, which means Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail keep working. Check the provider explicitly states this before you buy.
Whether your handset takes an eSIM, and what happens to your Australian number, are the same answers everywhere - covered once on the eSIM hub.
More China essentials
China visa and entry rules
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Flights to China
Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip.
China travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers.
China money and cards
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
China airport transfers
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Driving in China
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
China travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do in China
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Further reading: eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM: what Australians should actually buy
How these comparisons are made
Every plan listed can be bought with an Australian account and is priced in AUD, with a per-GB column so a 1GB and a 20GB plan can be compared honestly. Jamie has personally bought and used eSIMs from the providers in these tables on real trips - being usable by an actual Australian traveller, not just cheap on paper, is the bar for inclusion. Prices are indicative and re-checked against provider pricing; the provider's checkout is always authoritative. Read the full editorial policy.
China connectivity FAQs
Will my phone work in China?
It will connect, but Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are blocked on Chinese networks. An international roaming eSIM usually routes traffic through a gateway outside China so those services keep working - check the provider says so explicitly. A local Chinese SIM won't.
Planning China?
We will send you the China guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.