HelloRoam sells eSIM data plans for Beijing from NZ$5.97. It partners with 212+ mobile networks worldwide. Your eSIM connects to local 5G networks the moment you land. Scan a QR code and you're set up in under two minutes, with no SIM swap. Your Spark, One NZ or 2degrees number stays active while the eSIM handles data. Unactivated eSIMs qualify for a refund, and live support runs 24/7.
- network coverage
212+- network type
5G- to activate
2 minutes
Last updated
eSIM China data plans from HelloRoam
Sorted for less: eSIM plans for Beijing start from NZ$5.97, with 5G mobile data on local partner networks. Speeds depend on the local network. Works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. Pay in NZD. Beijing Capital airport SIM kiosks require registration paperwork that Kiwis don't want after a long-haul from Auckland. An eSIM China from HelloRoam starts at NZ$5.97 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks. Covers Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and the Great Wall corridor.
Beijing eSIM with 5G coverage
HelloRoam eSIM for Beijing: instant 4G and 5G data for Kiwi travellers in China. Set up your eSIM before your flight.
- Plans start at NZ$5.97 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from China Unicom and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs
- Beijing coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- NZ$5.97
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Refund
- 180 days if unactivated
How to Set Up an eSIM in Beijing
Follow these steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone or Android.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Pick a mobile data plan for your destination and pay securely in NZD.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready when you land
Your eSIM activates when you arrive at your destination. No SIM swap, no queues, no airport kiosk.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage your eSIMs in one spot.
Plans changed? No dramas. You're covered.
Travel plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, unactivated and unscanned eSIMs qualify for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No dramas.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Beijing eSIM vs a travel SIM card or Spark, One NZ and 2degrees roaming
Comparing an eSIM with a travel SIM card, or with Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ roaming, for Beijing? Carrier roaming adds daily fees. Skip the airport SIM shop and get a prepaid eSIM for Beijing from NZ$5.97, with local network speeds and a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days.
Why Kiwi Travellers Pick HelloRoam for Their Beijing Trip
24/7 live support
Need help from Tokyo at midnight or London at 2am? HelloRoam support is on 24/7. Message us by live chat, WhatsApp, or email at help@helloroam.com. Mobile data problems don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Best eSIM for Beijing
Get data at 5G speeds the moment you land in Beijing. Skip roaming fees from Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees. HelloRoam connects you to local carrier networks in minutes, whether you're on holiday or working. You're online before you clear customs.
Dual SIM: keep your NZ number
Keep your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM phone and handles all your data in Beijing. Family and friends ring your NZ number as normal, while your data runs on a local network for one prepaid HelloRoam price.
212+ networks worldwide
HelloRoam eSIMs connect to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone joins a local partner 5G network automatically when you land, with no manual carrier selection needed. Speeds depend on the local network.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low on a fixed plan, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time. Where your plan allows it, top up from the app without reinstalling your eSIM or visiting a store. Adding a fresh prepaid data package takes under a minute from your account dashboard.
Local 5G speeds in Beijing
Connect to local 5G networks in Beijing. Your phone joins a HelloRoam partner network for maps, streaming and video calls while you travel. Speeds depend on the local network and your location.
Regional plans for multi-country trips
Heading to Japan, Thailand, or the UK after Beijing? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover many countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and more on one QR code. No SIM swapping between stops. One prepaid regional plan can cover several stops in its region, so you spend less time worrying about connectivity and more time exploring.
Hotspot tethering in Beijing included
Share your eSIM data with a laptop or tablet via hotspot. No extra fees, no fiddly setup. Works on all eSIM compatible phones including iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. Useful for keeping a travel partner connected or getting a work laptop online when hotel Wi-Fi isn't up to scratch.
Best eSIM Prices for Beijing
Compare eSIM plans for Beijing and save versus Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees international roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | NZ$5.97 |
| 3 days | NZ$17.03 |
| 7 days | NZ$36.80 |
| 15 days | NZ$71.69 |
| 22 days | NZ$97.25 |
| 30 days | NZ$121.86 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Beijing
See how HelloRoam compares with Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily and Ubigi for Beijing. The table covers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, data overage charges and instant QR code delivery.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |  Feature available |  Feature not available |  Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work in Beijing?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your mobile. No plastic chip, no SIM tray to fiddle with. Scan a QR code to install it on any eSIM compatible phone and you're connected in under 2 minutes. It works as a prepaid mobile data plan for Beijing travel with no airport SIM counter queue, no replacement SIM, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide and you'll be sorted well before your flight from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. guide
Mobile Coverage in Beijing
Beijing has strong 4G and 5G coverage across the city centre, Sanlitun, Chaoyang, the Forbidden City area, Wangfujing, and Houhai. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all run networks.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) both have 4G and 5G. The Beijing Subway has 4G at all stations. China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook and WhatsApp on local Wi-Fi and Chinese SIM cards, but they open on HelloRoam data without a VPN.
- HelloRoam connects to China Unicom 5G, China Telecom 5G in Beijing
eSIM Travel Tips for Beijing
Download All Your Apps Before Arriving in China
On hotel Wi-Fi and Chinese SIM cards, China's Great Firewall blocks Google Maps, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. HelloRoam data connects to the internet outside mainland China, so these apps open on your eSIM without a VPN. Download offline maps from Apple Maps or MAPS.ME before landing. Use WeChat for messaging in China. A VPN is still handy on hotel and cafe Wi-Fi, where those apps stay blocked.
Keep a VPN for Hotel Wi-Fi
Google and WhatsApp work on HelloRoam data without a VPN, but they stay blocked on hotel and cafe Wi-Fi, so set up a VPN before you arrive if you'll rely on Wi-Fi. You only need it on Wi-Fi, because Google and WhatsApp open on HelloRoam data without a VPN. Note that VPN use is technically restricted in China. Use at your own discretion.
Book Forbidden City Tickets Online Well in Advance
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has a daily visitor cap and books out weeks in advance. Book on the official Palace Museum website before your trip. Save your confirmation. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps the QR code accessible at the gate.
Use the Subway: It Has 4G and Is Excellent
Beijing Subway has 4G at all stations and covers all major tourist sites. The Express train from PEK Airport to Dongzhimen has 4G. The Airport Line from Daxing Airport connects to the city directly. Download maps and subway apps before losing access to Google.
Know the Emergency Number in China
China's police number is 110 and ambulance is 120. For a fire, dial 119. Save these before visiting the Great Wall, climbing Wudang mountains, or taking night trains. Your phone can call 110 or 120 on any available network. Your HelloRoam eSIM is for data only.
Network Coverage in Beijing
Beijing has 5G across the central urban area and expanding into all six inner-city ring road zones. The Tiananmen Square area, Wangfujing shopping street, Sanlitun bar and shopping district, and the CBD (Central Business District) along the East Third Ring Road all have dense 5G from China Mobile. HelloRoam connects via China Unicom and China Telecom in the capital.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has 5G in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), the newer airport opened in 2019, also has 5G throughout its terminal. The Airport Express train from PEK to Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao has 4G along the elevated route. The Beijing Subway (40 lines) has 4G at all stations and in tunnels on major lines through distributed antenna systems.
The Forbidden City and the Palace Museum outer plaza have 5G. Signal can be weaker inside the densely walled palace complex, but outdoor courtyards maintain usable 4G. The Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park all have 4G at main visitor areas. The Great Wall at Badaling, the most visited section, has 4G at the base and cable car areas, with signal dropping on the wall towers at higher elevations.
Note: China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube on hotel Wi-Fi and Chinese SIM cards. On HelloRoam data these apps open without a VPN, because your data connects to the internet outside mainland China. A VPN is still useful on Wi-Fi. On HelloRoam data, those apps open without a VPN, because your data connects to the internet outside mainland China. New Zealand travellers should confirm their handset is unlocked and supports local network bands.
- China Unicom
- 5G
- China Telecom
- 5G
eSIM vs Local SIM in Beijing
For Kiwi travellers, a HelloRoam eSIM is generally cheaper than buying a local SIM on arrival or using an international add-on from a New Zealand carrier.
| Category | HelloRoam Recommended | Chinese local SIM (China Mobile Tourist SIM) | Telco roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From NZ$5.97 total | — | — |
| Details | Buy before your flight. QR code activation at home. 5G active at Beijing Capital Airport on landing. Fixed NZD pricing. No airport SIM counter queue or passport form. Covers all of China, so a train trip to Xi'an or Shanghai uses the same plan. | Tourist SIMs at PEK and PKX require passport registration at an operator counter. Lines can be long at peak arrival times. All apps blocked by the Great Firewall remain blocked on local SIMs. Setup time is 15 to 30 minutes. | NZ carrier day passes for China charge you for each day you use them. Over a two-week Beijing trip, those daily charges add up fast. Speed caps after small daily data limits break streaming and navigation. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best Time to Visit Beijing
New Zealand travellers planning a trip to Beijing should consider September–November and April–May as the most rewarding time to visit. Temperatures around -8°C to 35°C make exploring comfortable. October is the busiest month with highest fares from New Zealand. December–February is quieter. National Day (October) is a local highlight. Avoid July–August if possible. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps you online all year.
Top Attractions in Beijing
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing has 980 buildings spread across 72 hectares of royal grounds. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Enter from the south gate and exit north; you cannot re-enter the complex.
Great Wall
The Great Wall of China near Beijing stretches across mountains for thousands of kilometers. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Choose Mutianyu section over Badaling for fewer crowds and better views.
Temple Of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is where emperors prayed for good harvests since 1420. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Visit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi in the park.
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Reviews
What Kiwi Travellers Say
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
Beijing eSIM Questions
Does a China eSIM cover Beijing's Forbidden City and Great Wall sites?
China e SIM plans run on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks covering Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and the Great Wall from NZ$5.97. HelloRoam delivers the e-sim QR to your inbox before your flight from Auckland. Scan at home and land at PEK already sorted.
Can Kiwis buy an eSIM China before leaving New Zealand for Beijing?
Kiwis pick an eSIM China from HelloRoam and activate by QR code before boarding in Auckland. Plans start at NZ$5.97 on China Unicom and China Telecom 5G networks. No airport SIM registration, no NZ roaming fees, no contract. No physical SIM swap needed, no airport queues.
What is the best eSIM for Beijing from New Zealand?
HelloRoam is a simple eSIM option for Beijing when you're travelling from New Zealand. Plans start from NZ$5.97 across 212+ carrier networks in 185+ countries. Buy online, scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, and connect the moment you land. You skip the daily roaming fees Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ charge. You get local 5G speeds, a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, and 24/7 live chat support.
How much does an eSIM cost for Beijing?
eSIM plans for Beijing start from NZ$5.97. That's a one-off price, unlike the daily roaming charges from Spark or 2degrees. Fixed data plan sizes vary by country, and this page lists every size on sale. Unlimited daily plans, where offered, charge by the day and suit longer stays, OE trips, and remote work. All plans include local 5G data with no overage charges and no carrier contract.
Which networks does eSIM work on in Beijing?
HelloRoam connects to local partner networks in Beijing, and your phone joins one automatically when you arrive. Speeds depend on the local network. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and popular tourist areas. Flying out of Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC) or Queenstown (ZQN)? Your data is ready the moment you land.
How do I get an eSIM for Beijing before my trip?
Buy your Beijing eSIM on helloroam.com or the HelloRoam app before you fly from AKL, WLG, CHC, or ZQN. Scan the QR code in your phone Settings to install at home on Wi-Fi. Your eSIM activates automatically when you land in Beijing. The whole process takes under two minutes. No airport kiosk, no SIM swap.
Does iPhone work with a Beijing eSIM?
iPhone XS and newer models support eSIM for Beijing, except models sold in mainland China (and some sold in Hong Kong and Macao), which use two nano-SIMs. Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the HelloRoam QR code. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active on the physical SIM line while HelloRoam handles data in Beijing.
Does eSIM work in Beijing?
HelloRoam eSIM works in Beijing on Chinese 4G and 5G networks. Coverage is strong across the city centre, tourist sites, and both Beijing airports. Google, WhatsApp and Instagram open on HelloRoam data without a VPN, but they stay blocked on hotel Wi-Fi. Activate before your flight.
Does eSIM work at Beijing Capital Airport?
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has 4G and 5G in all terminals. Your HelloRoam eSIM connects on landing. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to local network. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
Is there 5G in Beijing?
5G is widespread across Beijing from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. China has one of the world's largest 5G networks. Your HelloRoam eSIM uses local networks in Beijing, with 5G coverage across the main tourist and city areas. Plans start from NZ$5.97. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does Google work in Beijing with a HelloRoam eSIM?
Yes. HelloRoam data connects to the internet outside mainland China, so Google, Gmail and YouTube open on your eSIM without a VPN. They stay blocked on hotel Wi-Fi and Chinese SIM cards. Download offline maps from Apple Maps or MAPS.ME before arriving. Your HelloRoam eSIM uses local networks in Beijing, with 5G coverage across the main tourist and city areas. Plans start from NZ$5.97. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does eSIM work on the Beijing Subway?
The Beijing Subway has 4G at all stations. It is the fastest way to get around the city and covers all major tourist sites. Major stations have 4G coverage for navigation and messaging. In deep tunnel sections between stations the signal may drop briefly. Download offline maps before entering the metro as a backup so you have navigation even without a connection.
Is there coverage at the Great Wall of China?
The most accessible Great Wall sections near Beijing like Mutianyu and Badaling have 4G at the main tourist areas. More remote wall sections like Jinshanling can have weak signal. Download offline maps before heading out. Your HelloRoam eSIM uses local networks in Beijing, with 5G coverage across the main tourist and city areas. Plans start from NZ$5.97. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does eSIM work at the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) has outdoor 4G in the main courtyards. Book tickets online well in advance and save the confirmation. Your HelloRoam eSIM uses local networks in Beijing, with 5G coverage across the main tourist and city areas. Plans start from NZ$5.97. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Is there coverage at Tiananmen Square?
Tiananmen Square and the surrounding Wangfujing area have strong outdoor 4G and 5G. Your HelloRoam eSIM uses local networks in Beijing, with 5G coverage across the main tourist and city areas. Plans start from NZ$5.97. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
