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HelloRoam's China eSIM starts from €2.90 and taps into 199+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Scan the QR code and you're online in under two minutes, on any eSIM compatible phone. Your Three Ireland, Vodafone IE, or Eir number keeps running on dual SIM.
210+
local networks
5G
5G support
2 minutes
to activate
![China [[networkType]] network speeds](/icons/figma-2026/stats-speedometer.svg){kind=icon}
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China data plans from Beijing to Shanghai on local networks
Cheap eSIM for China, starting from €2.90. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in China. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Local SIM registration in China requires documentation and can take time at arrival airports. An e SIM China from HelloRoam starts at €2.90 and covers Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and main national networks. Activate by QR code at home before flying from Dublin. No registration queue, no roaming charges, no contract. GDPR-compliant checkout, 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
China eSIM with fast 5G coverage
HelloRoam offers eSIM plans for China from €2.90. Connect on China Unicom 5G networks in Beijing, Shanghai, and major cities. A smart data option for Irish travellers visiting China.
- Plans start at €2.90 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
- €2.90
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in China
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout online.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM instantly.
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates the moment you land.
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Pick a data plan for your destination and complete checkout online.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM instantly.
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates the moment you land.
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Trip changed? No bother, we have got you sorted.
Travel plans shift, and that's grand. HelloRoam refunds unactivated, unscanned eSIMs in full for up to 180 days after purchase, no drama.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam China eSIM vs Three Ireland, Vodafone IE and Eir roaming
Comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for China? Eir charges up to €5.99/day for Worldwide Roaming, Vodafone IE up to €6.99/day for Global Roaming, and Three Ireland applies daily charges outside its Go Roam zone. Skip the airport SIM counter at Dublin Terminal 1 and get a prepaid eSIM from €2.90 with instant QR activation and a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
| Feature |  | Irish carrier roaming add-on | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  |  | |
| 24/7 live chat support | |  | |
| €0 activation fees | | | |
| Free hotspot and data sharing | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | |
| Premium China carrier networks | | | |
Why Travellers from Ireland Use HelloRoam e-sim for China
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for China
eSIM provider reviews from Irish travellers consistently highlight the 180-day refund policy, zero activation fees, and 24/7 live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers on the things that matter most for your China holiday.
| Feature comparison | | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | | | | | | |
| 24/7 live chat support | | | | | | |
| €0 activation fees | | | | | | |
| Free hotspot and data sharing | | | | | | |
| No data overage charges | | | | | | |
| Instant QR code delivery | | | | | | |
| Premium China carrier networks | | | | | | |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | | | | | | |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in China
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone: no plastic chip, no SIM tray. Scan a QR code to activate in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for China travel with no airport SIM counter, no physical SIM card, and no carrier contract. Sort everything at home before you head to Dublin Airport, Shannon, Cork, or Knock and you are ready to go the moment you land. guide
Mobile connectivity guide for China
China has 5G mobile coverage in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. China Unicom is the core network partner for HelloRoam plans. For Irish visitors, China is outside the EU, so Irish carrier EU roaming does not apply. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.
90 is typically far cheaper than international daily roaming add-ons. Activate before you leave Dublin and arrive in Beijing already connected.
- HelloRoam connects to China Unicom 5G, China Telecom 4G in China
- 5G coverage across Beijing and major cities
- Connect on China Unicom
- Activate before your Dublin departure
eSIM Travel Tips for China
Sort your data before your flight from Dublin
Buy your HelloRoam eSIM for China at home, activate it over Wi-Fi, and enable data when you land in Beijing. You skip the airport telecom queues entirely and step off the plane already connected.
Keep your Irish number active
On a dual SIM phone, keep your Eir, Three IE, or Vodafone IE SIM for calls and texts while using HelloRoam for data in China. Family and colleagues back in Ireland can still reach you on your regular Irish number.
Offline maps save data on city breaks
Download Google Maps or Maps.me for Beijing offline before you leave Ireland. Offline navigation saves data and works even in indoor areas with weaker signal. China cities are generally well covered but rural areas can be patchy.
Travel insurance and emergency numbers
Bring your EHIC or travel insurance details. The emergency number in most countries is 112 or local equivalents. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps emergency apps, insurance portals, and the Irish embassy contact details accessible throughout your China trip.
Currency and card acceptance
Notify your Irish bank before travelling to China. Card acceptance is generally good in Beijing but carry some local currency for smaller vendors and public transport. Currency conversion apps work well on a HelloRoam data connection.
Mobile networks in China: what Irish visitors need to know
HelloRoam connects on China Unicom in China. China Unicom is one of the country's three major operators with strong 5G coverage in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. Your eSIM automatically selects the best available signal.
- China Unicom
- 5G
- China Telecom
- 4G
HelloRoam eSIM vs Irish carrier roaming in China
Your connectivity options for a China trip from Ireland.
RecommendedFrom €3.04 total
Plans from €2.90. Buy before your flight from Dublin, activate at home, and arrive in Beijing already on local 5G data.
€12.10–€24.20 total
Available at Beijing airport but requires setup time after a long flight. Prepaid tourist SIMs involve passport registration and unused data is typically forfeited on return.
€8.64–€17.29/day
Outside the EU, Irish carrier international roaming can be expensive. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.90 is far cheaper for data throughout your China trip.
| Category | Recommended | Local China SIM card | Eir, Three IE, or Vodafone IE roaming in China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From €3.04 total | €12.10–€24.20 total | €8.64–€17.29/day |
| Details | Plans from €2.90. Buy before your flight from Dublin, activate at home, and arrive in Beijing already on local 5G data. | Available at Beijing airport but requires setup time after a long flight. Prepaid tourist SIMs involve passport registration and unused data is typically forfeited on return. | Outside the EU, Irish carrier international roaming can be expensive. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.90 is far cheaper for data throughout your China trip. |
Best time to visit China from Ireland
China is a popular destination for Irish holidaymakers and those visiting family or friends. The ideal season to visit Beijing depends on the local climate cycle.
Reviewed by HelloRoam Editorial TeamPrices verified:
Your China eSIM Questions Answered
An e-sim China plan from HelloRoam gives you local Chinese network coverage across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from €2.90, activated at home before flying. No registration queue on arrival, no roaming charges from your Irish provider, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs on every order.
A HelloRoam China e SIM card plan gives you local data across Beijing, Shanghai, and main Chinese cities from €2.90. Activate at home via QR before flying from Dublin so data is running on arrival. No contract, no registration hassle, no roaming fees, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs included.
HelloRoam is a top-rated eSIM for travellers from Ireland visiting China. Plans start from €2.90 and connect through our worldwide network of 199+ carriers, giving you local 4G/5G speeds in China. Activate via QR code in under two minutes, keep your Three Ireland, Vodafone IE, or Eir number on dual SIM, and enjoy a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs. No daily roaming charge and no carrier contract.
A China eSIM starts from €2.90. Fixed data plans run from 1GB to 20GB. Unlimited daily plans suit longer trips. All plans include local 4G/5G access with no overage charges and no carrier contract. That is far less than what Eir charges for non-EU Worldwide Roaming or Vodafone IE for Global Roaming.
eSIM in China connects to local 4G/5G networks. Your phone picks the strongest available signal automatically on arrival, no manual carrier selection needed. Coverage spans major cities, airports, main roads, and most rural areas. You get the same local network speeds as residents of China, not the premium daily rates Eir or Vodafone IE charge for international roaming.
Getting your eSIM for China takes three steps. First, choose your plan at helloroam.com and pay in EUR. Second, scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. Third, your e-sim installs in under two minutes and activates when you land. Do everything at home before you head to Dublin Airport, Shannon, Cork, or Knock. No shop visit, no physical SIM swap, no queue.
Yes. iPhone XS and all newer models support your eSIM for China. Go to Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email. Your Irish number stays active on your main SIM through dual SIM while HelloRoam handles all travel data on the eSIM line. iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only with no SIM tray needed.
HelloRoam is a top eSIM choice for China, connecting on China Unicom 5G networks. Plans start at €2.90. Buy before your Aer Lingus or Ryanair flight, scan a QR code at home in Dublin, and arrive in Beijing already on fast local data.
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM works in China on China Unicom 5G networks. Activate at home before your flight and connect the moment you land at Beijing airport.
China is outside the EU, so Irish carrier EU roaming does not apply. A HelloRoam eSIM from €2.90 is typically far cheaper than international daily roaming add-ons and gives you local 5G data without any daily add-on charges.
HelloRoam eSIM for China connects on China Unicom. Your phone automatically selects the strongest 5G signal as you travel around Beijing and China.
HelloRoam eSIM plans for China start at €2.90. Larger plans are available for longer stays or data-heavy trips.
A week in Beijing using maps, messaging, and social media typically uses 3 to 6 GB. Streaming in your hotel evenings or making video calls back to Ireland adds more. Choose a 5 or 10 GB plan for a comfortable buffer.
HelloRoam eSIM plans for China last from 12 to 30 days depending on the data size you pick. China has 5G coverage via China Unicom. A longer plan suits Irish travellers on extended holidays or working holidays abroad. Select your plan, scan the QR code at home in Ireland, and connect from the moment you land.
Yes, China has 5G coverage through China Unicom. HelloRoam eSIM plans connect on the best available 5G signal across China. Buy your plan before your flight from Dublin and connect straightaway on landing.
What to Know Before You Buy
eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before you buy.
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 network 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)
- HelloRoam holds a registered Public Network Name, the official carrier identity filed with telecommunications authorities. HelloRoam is recognized as a licensed service provider, not a white-label reseller.
- 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. Unactivated eSIMs qualify for a 180-day refund.
