HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for China from £2.60 a day. Your e SIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land. Activate by QR code in under two minutes, with no shop visit required. Keep your EE, Vodafone, or Three number live on dual SIM while your e-sim handles data abroad.
- Mobile networks
212+- 5G support
5G- Setup
under two minutes
Last updated
Your eSIM in China with local network coverage
Cheap eSIM for China, starting from £2.60. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in China. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. A China data sim from HelloRoam starts at £2.60 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks. A HelloRoam sim for China activates by QR at home, connecting to local networks across Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guilin. Plans start from £2.60 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks with no physical SIM card to source before you fly from Heathrow or Manchester. No airport kiosk, no fuss.
China eSIM with fast 5G coverage
HelloRoam provides eSIM plans for China starting from £2.60. Get 5G data on China Unicom across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. Activate via QR code before your flight.
- Plans start at £2.60 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from China Unicom and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- China coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- £2.60
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in China
Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on iPhone or Android before your holiday. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no shop visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone for travel from the UK
Set up an eSIM on your Android for travel from the UK
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready on arrival
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Holiday changed? Not to worry, your money is safe.
Plans change. With HelloRoam, you can request a full refund on any unused eSIM plan within 180 days of purchase. No questions asked if the eSIM has not been activated.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam China eSIM vs EE, Vodafone and Three roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for China, HelloRoam wins on price. EE charges £6/day on their Roam Abroad Pass, Vodafone charges £6.85/day on Xtra roaming, and Three Go Roam applies fair-use data caps. Skip the airport SIM kiosk and get the cheapest eSIM deal from £2.60 with instant QR activation.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | UK carrier roaming add-on | Budget eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Round-the-clock live chat | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium China carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Is a China SIM card or a HelloRoam eSIM the smarter choice for British travellers?
A SIM card for China bought at the airport or in a city shop requires a passport registration and a lengthy queue. A HelloRoam eSIM delivers the same local network access from £2.60 by QR code, sorted entirely before you leave the UK.
A prepaid SIM card China from a street vendor comes with uncertain coverage and no guarantee. A HelloRoam eSIM runs on vetted China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks with a 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
A data sim card China option from an airport kiosk often locks you into a single city carrier. A HelloRoam plan covers Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guilin on one national plan from £2.60 with no swap needed.
The cheapest eSIM for China purchased on arrival means your first hours in the country are spent offline. A HelloRoam eSIM activates by QR days before you fly so your maps and hotel bookings work the moment you clear customs.
China travel sim from HelloRoam need no physical card at all. Your existing UK handset holds both SIMs at once on any dual-SIM eSIM-compatible phone, keeping your UK number active alongside your Chinese data plan.
An eSIMs China from HelloRoam is priced in GBP and purchased securely online. There are no currency conversion risks or unfamiliar payment apps involved, unlike buying locally in Beijing or Shanghai.
Why UK Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for China
Round-the-clock live chat support
HelloRoam support is available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, and email. A real person responds in under five minutes, whether you are setting up before a Heathrow flight or troubleshooting on holiday. That kind of round-the-clock access to mobile data help is hard to find from any other travel eSIM provider.
Best eSIM for China
Connect to local 4G/5G networks on local carriers the moment you land in China. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online without paying EE, Vodafone, or Three roaming fees. A prepaid data package for your destination costs a fraction of standard carrier daily charges.
Dual SIM ready
Keep your UK mobile number active for calls and texts on your main SIM. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone. No need to choose between your EE or Vodafone line and your holiday data. Your wireless connectivity abroad stays separate from your home plan, so there are no bill surprises when you return.
212+ carrier networks including China
HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone picks the strongest 4G/5G signal in China with no manual carrier selection needed. That breadth of network access means consistent cellular coverage whether you are in a city centre or a quieter coastal area.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam sends an alert when you reach 80% of your data allowance. Top up from your account dashboard in seconds. A pay as you go eSIM with no contracts and no surprise bills on holiday. Managing your internet abroad this way keeps costs clear and predictable from start to finish.
Local network speeds in China
HelloRoam eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks in China at local data prices. You get fast speeds for navigation, video calls, and streaming without paying EE or Vodafone daily roaming rates. Local network speeds through a travel eSIM are the same as what residents get, giving you a reliable connection throughout your trip.
Global and regional plans
Visiting more than one country? HelloRoam regional eSIMs cover the EU, Asia, the Americas, and 185+ destinations in a single purchase. Unlimited data plans work for longer holidays. One QR code, no border hassle. A single regional plan gives you mobile data and wireless connectivity across multiple countries without ever swapping a physical SIM card.
Hotspot and data sharing in China
Share your China eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone's mobile hotspot. No extra charges and no separate setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones with data sharing enabled. It is a practical way to keep a travel companion or work device running on the same prepaid data package at no added cost.
eSIM Prices for China
HelloRoam, the best eSIM China. Compare plans from 1 to 30 days and pick the right data for your trip.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | £2.60 |
| 3 days | £7.40 |
| 7 days | £15.99 |
| 15 days | £31.14 |
| 22 days | £42.25 |
| 30 days | £52.94 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for China
HelloRoam eSIM reviews from UK travellers highlight the 180-day refund policy, no activation fees, and round-the-clock live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your China holiday.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium China carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in China
An eSIM card is a digital SIM built into your phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to open. Scan a QR code to activate your e SIM in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid international data plan for China travel with no airport SIM shop queue, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Mobile data through an eSIM connects to local in-country networks, giving you the same wireless connectivity as a resident rather than a roaming tourist. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Heathrow, Gatwick, or any UK airport. guide
Mobile connectivity guide for China
China has 5G mobile coverage across its main cities and tourist areas. China Unicom provides 5G and 4G LTE in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, and across major tourist sites.
Note that many Western apps including Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook are blocked in China, so download offline maps and any VPN before you fly.
A HelloRoam eSIM connects British business travellers and tourists from the moment they land, whether heading for the Great Wall, Shanghai's Bund, or the Terracotta Army at Xi'an.
- HelloRoam connects to China Unicom 5G, China Telecom 5G in China
- 5G coverage across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu
- Connect on China Unicom
- Activate via QR code before your flight from the UK
eSIM Travel Tips for China
Install your eSIM before your flight to China
Set up your HelloRoam eSIM profile at home before heading to the airport. Switch it on when you land and you will have mobile data straight away. No hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.
Save offline maps before you go
Download offline maps of Beijing, Shanghai, and every city on your route before departure. Google Maps is blocked in China, so save what you need in advance or install Baidu Maps or Amap, the local apps Chinese residents use for directions.
Check FCDO travel advice
The FCDO advises normal precautions in mainland China. Check gov.uk for advice on specific regions. Be aware of internet and app restrictions.
Keep your UK number active for calls
Use your dual SIM settings to keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts while routing all data through your HelloRoam eSIM. You stay reachable on your usual number without paying EE, Three, or Vodafone UK international charges.
Currency in China
China uses the yuan, also called renminbi (CNY). Mobile payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate in cities, and both apps let you link an international Visa or Mastercard. Keep some cash as a backup, since foreign bank cards are not widely accepted in shops.
Mobile networks in China: what British travellers need to know
China's main mobile operators are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. HelloRoam connects on China Unicom, which provides 5G across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, with 4G LTE more widely. Your eSIM selects the best available signal automatically.
- China Unicom
- 5G
- China Telecom
- 5G
HelloRoam eSIM vs UK carrier charges for British travellers in China
A straight comparison of your mobile data options for a city break, business trip, or cultural tour in China.
| Category | HelloRoam eSIM Recommended | Local SIM card in China | UK carrier roaming (EE, Three, Vodafone UK, O2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From £2.62 total | £10.44–£20.88 total | £7.46–£14.91/day |
| Details | Plans start at £2.60. Buy before your flight, install via QR code at home, and land in China already connected on China Unicom. No UK carrier international charges, no local SIM hassle. | Local SIM cards are available in China but require time to purchase and set up on arrival. Tourist SIMs may require ID or local address. Any leftover data is lost when the plan expires. | China sits outside every UK carrier's European roaming zone. EE, Vodafone UK, O2, and Three all charge daily international data rates or require international add-ons. A week of carrier roaming can add significant charges to your monthly bill. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best time to visit China from the UK
China is a major destination for British business travellers and tourists visiting the Great Wall, Shanghai's Bund, and ancient temples. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal in Beijing and Shanghai with temperatures of 15°C to 25°C. Summer is hot and rainy in the south. Winter is cold in the north.
Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team
Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team
Top Destinations in China
Beijing
HelloRoam works across Beijing, China. Pick your data plan and connect the moment you arrive.
China Mobile and Unicom run 5G in Beijing. Note that many foreign apps need a VPN to function in China.
Shanghai
HelloRoam keeps you connected in Shanghai with fast mobile data. Browse our Shanghai eSIM plans for China.
China Mobile 5G blankets Shanghai. Activate your eSIM before landing and have your VPN ready at Pudong Airport.
Chengdu
HelloRoam provides reliable data coverage in Chengdu, China for travelers on the go.
China Mobile 5G covers Chengdu well. The metro has excellent signal, but bring a VPN for standard apps.
Guangzhou
HelloRoam delivers mobile data in Guangzhou, keeping you online throughout China.
China Mobile 5G covers Guangzhou and the metro network. Use a VPN to access apps like Google and WhatsApp.
Shenzhen
HelloRoam connects you in Shenzhen via China Mobile and China Unicom 5G networks. Coverage is strong at Bao'an International Airport and across the Futian CBD. A china esim plan works from the moment you cross the border from Hong Kong.
Turn on your HelloRoam eSIM before crossing from Hong Kong at Futian or Luohu checkpoints to stay online without a gap.
Suzhou
Arrive in Suzhou ready to connect. HelloRoam covers all of China with fast data.
Suzhou near Shanghai has China Unicom 5G. The high-speed train from Shanghai has consistent signal.
Zhengzhou
Stay connected in Zhengzhou with HelloRoam eSIM data plans that work across China.
Zhengzhou has China Mobile 5G in the city and around Zhengzhou East high-speed rail station.
Showing slide 1 of 7
Reviews
HelloRoam eSIM Reviews from UK Travellers
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Last updated
Common Questions About China eSIM
How do I get a SIM card for China without queuing at Beijing airport?
A travel eSIM China from HelloRoam starts at £2.60 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks. Every eSIM China plan is delivered by email as a QR code and you are online the moment you land in Beijing or Shanghai.
Which e SIM China plan covers cities and the main tourist corridors?
The cheapest eSIM China from HelloRoam activates by QR code before your flight, giving instant local data on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks from £2.60. Each eSIM China plan includes a 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs and no contract. Navigation apps work from the moment you clear customs.
Does a HelloRoam e SIM China plan bypass the Great Firewall for British visitors?
A HelloRoam e SIM China plan provides mobile data on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks in China. Access to services like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram in China is subject to local regulatory restrictions, which apply to all data connections including eSIM plans. Many British visitors use a VPN alongside their data plan; check current UK government guidance before travelling.
Which SIM card for China from HelloRoam works best for a UK traveller visiting Shanghai and Chengdu?
A HelloRoam SIM card for China connects to China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks in Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and the main tourist cities without queuing at an airport counter. Plans start from £2.60 and install via QR code before departure from the UK. No local registration or passport scan at the kiosk is required on arrival.
What is the best eSIM for China?
HelloRoam is a strong eSIM choice for British travellers visiting China, connecting on China Unicom with 5G coverage across Beijing, Shanghai, and major cities. Plans start from £2.60. Install via QR code before your flight and arrive already connected.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in China?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM plans work in China on China Unicom. Buy online, scan the QR code at home, and you are connected when you arrive. Note that many Western apps are restricted in China.
Which networks does HelloRoam use in China?
HelloRoam connects on China Unicom in China. China Unicom provides 5G across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, covering tourist attractions, airports, and city centres. Your phone connects automatically, so you stay online without manual network switching.
How do I set up an eSIM for China?
Purchase your plan on helloroam.com, scan the QR code in your phone settings, and activate data when you arrive in China. The process takes around five minutes and is best done at home before you travel.
How much does a HelloRoam eSIM for China cost?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for China start at £2.60, with the price depending on data size and duration. Larger allowances suit longer stays or heavy use of maps, streaming, and video calls. The cost is fixed upfront, with no surprise charges on your UK bill.
Are Google Maps and WhatsApp blocked in China?
Yes, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download offline maps before departure and use Baidu Maps or Amap for local navigation. A VPN downloaded before arrival may help restore some app access.
How much data do I need for a trip to China?
4 to 8 GB suits a city trip to China. Note that internet restrictions mean data usage patterns differ from other destinations. Download offline maps before arrival and use local Chinese apps where possible to make the most of your data allowance.
Is a HelloRoam eSIM cheaper than EE or Vodafone UK roaming in China?
In most cases, yes. UK carriers charge daily international fees for using data in China. A HelloRoam eSIM from £2.60 gives you a fixed data cost with no surprise charges.
Does HelloRoam eSIM include calls and texts in China?
HelloRoam plans are data-only. Use WeChat, the dominant messaging app in China, for calls and messages; WhatsApp and FaceTime are blocked unless you set up a VPN before arrival. Keep your UK SIM active in your dual SIM phone to receive calls and texts on your regular number. Emergency calls work on any network.
Does HelloRoam work on the Great Wall of China?
The main Great Wall sections accessible to tourists, Mutianyu and Badaling near Beijing, have reasonable 5G coverage. More remote and unrestored sections may have limited signal. Download your maps before leaving your Beijing hotel.
Does HelloRoam work in Shanghai?
Yes, HelloRoam works throughout Shanghai on China Unicom including the Bund, French Concession, Pudong, and the maglev train routes. Coverage is excellent across China's most international city.
What to Know Before You Buy
eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before purchasing.
Most travel eSIM plans provide data only. Your existing phone number stays active for calls and texts on your primary SIM.
Coverage quality varies by location within China. Urban areas typically have strong 4G/5G coverage, while rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.
Install your eSIM before departure. Activation requires an internet connection, which may not be available at your destination airport.
Transparency Notice
- Service Provider Name (SPN)
- HelloRoam appears as the carrier name on your phone's status bar through the SPN, a standardized field in the eSIM profile. Unlike most travel eSIM resellers, HelloRoam provisions its own Service Provider Name.
- Public Network Name (PNN)
- The PNN is the network name field in your eSIM profile, defined in 3GPP TS 31.102 (EF_PNN). Your phone can read it to display the name of the network you are connected to.
- Access Point Name (APN)
- HelloRoam eSIMs auto-configure their Access Point Name during installation. Your device connects to the strongest local network infrastructure without manual settings.
Prices are our retail rates across 185+ countries. Plan recommendations use real traveller feedback and network performance data. Every purchase includes a 180-day refund window if the eSIM has not been activated.
Future Syncs Limited 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UK +44 203 916 6249 help@helloroam.com Reg. No. 15950168
