App Store
An eSIM for Greater China from HelloRoam starts at £2.98 across 199+ carrier networks in 185+ countries. Activate via QR code in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible phone. Keep your EE, Vodafone, or Three number active through dual SIM.
199+
Mobile networks
4G
5G support
under two minutes
Setup
![4G 5G [[networkType]] speed](/icons/figma-2026/stats-speedometer.svg){kind=icon}
Last updated
Your eSIM in China plan with local network coverage
Cheap eSIM for Greater China, starting from £2.98. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in Greater China. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. A China data sim from HelloRoam starts at £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Many UK phone plans do not cover Chinese networks, and local SIM registration requires a passport and a Chinese phone number. HelloRoam sidesteps both problems. Plans start from £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks with QR activation before your Heathrow flight. Data is live when you land at PVG or PEK.
How to Set Up an eSIM in Greater China
Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
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 Greater China eSIM vs EE, Vodafone and Three roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Greater 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 £2.98 with instant QR activation.
| Feature |  | UK carrier roaming add-on | Budget eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  |  | |
| Round-the-clock live chat | |  | |
| £0 activation fees | | | |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | |
| Premium Greater China carrier networks | | | |
Is a China SIM card better value than a HelloRoam eSIM?
A SIM card for China requires foreign visitors to register with a passport at the carrier counter, a process that can take 30 minutes in a busy Shanghai Pudong or Beijing Capital arrivals hall. An eSIM China from HelloRoam activates by QR before your Heathrow departure on Local network provider 4G/5G from £2.98, with zero registration hassle.
A prepaid SIM card China from a local operator costs roughly CNY 100-200 but most UK phone plans do not roam on Chinese networks, so a local swap is the only alternative. HelloRoam's eSIM China plans start from £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G with instant QR delivery and no paperwork at the airport.
A data sim card China from HelloRoam covers Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and rural corridors on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from £2.98. Local SIM cards may restrict foreign passport holders to limited data tiers. HelloRoam gives a fixed data plan at full local network speeds and a 180-day refund guarantee for unactivated eSIMs.
The cheapest eSIM for China from HelloRoam keeps your UK number active in your phone's second slot throughout your trip. A physical Chinese SIM card requires a full swap, cutting off your UK number while you are away. Plans start from £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G with instant QR delivery and no contract.
A China travel sim from HelloRoam works on any unlocked dual-SIM iPhone or Android device, activating before your flight with no counter visit. Local prepaid SIM cards are not always compatible with iPhone models sold in the UK. Plans from £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G include a 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
eSIMs China from HelloRoam deliver data across the full Great Wall corridor, the Yangtze River region, and all major cities on Local network provider 4G/5G from £2.98. No Chinese bureaucracy, no physical SIM to lose, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs. Activate before your Heathrow departure and land in China already connected.
Why UK Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for Greater China
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Greater 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 Greater China holiday.
| Feature comparison | | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | | | | | | |
| 24/7 live chat support | | | | | | |
| £0 activation fees | | | | | | |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | | | | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | | | | |
| Premium Greater China carrier networks | | | | | | |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | | | | | | |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in Greater 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 Greater 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
Common Questions About Greater China eSIM
A travel eSIM China from HelloRoam starts at £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Every eSIM China plan activates by QR before you fly and your data is ready at Shanghai Pudong or Beijing Capital the moment you clear customs. No physical SIM card, no registration paperwork, and no UK roaming charges.
The cheapest eSIM China from HelloRoam activates by QR code before your flight, giving instant local data on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from £2.98. Every eSIM China plan includes instant QR delivery and no contract. A 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs applies to every HelloRoam order.
A HelloRoam best SIM for China plan connects to Local network provider 4G/5G networks and provides data access from £2.98, but China's Great Firewall blocks WhatsApp, Google Maps, and most Western apps. British visitors should install a reputable VPN on their device before entering China to access familiar apps and services.
China Mobile and China Unicom counters at Shanghai Pudong and Beijing Capital require passport registration and can take significant time after a long flight. A HelloRoam best SIM card for China plan activates by QR at home for £2.98 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Land at Pudong or Daxing already sorted and skip the registration desk entirely.
