Best eSIM for China (2026)
Prices checked 14 Nov 2026 by Steve
What is the best eSIM for China?
As of 14 Nov 2026, the cheapest China eSIM per GB we found is Nomad's 50 GB plan at A$53.84 for 45 days (A$1.08/GB). As of 14 Nov 2026, the best 1-week China eSIM is Airalo's 3 GB plan at A$15.50 for 7 days. As of 14 Nov 2026, the cheapest unlimited China eSIM is Maya Mobile's Unlimited plan at US$49.99 (≈ A$73.68) for 30 days (≈ A$2.46/day).
China eSIM plans compared
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| Provider | Data | Days | Price | Per GB | Hotspot | Checked | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nomad  Cheapest | 50 GB | 45 | A$53.84 | A$1.08 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 50 GB | 30 | A$72.50 | A$1.45 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | 20 GB | 30 | A$32.01 | A$1.60 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | 25 GB | 30 | A$57.00 | A$2.28 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 7 | A$24.00 | A$2.40 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | 10 GB | 30 | A$27.64 | A$2.76 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 15 | A$57.50 | A$2.88 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 30 | A$29.00 | A$2.90 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | 20 GB | 30 | US$39.99 (≈ A$58.94) | ≈ A$2.95 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 30 | A$59.00 | A$2.95 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 7 | A$36.50 | A$3.65 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 15 | A$37.50 | A$3.75 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 | A$39.00 | A$3.90 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | US$26.99 (≈ A$39.78) | ≈ A$3.98 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | 3 GB | 30 | A$12.00 | A$4.00 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | 5 GB | 30 | A$20.37 | A$4.07 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | A$21.50 | A$4.30 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | A$22.50 | A$4.50 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 | A$23.00 | A$4.60 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 3 | A$14.00 | A$4.67 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | US$15.99 (≈ A$23.57) | ≈ A$4.71 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | 3 GB | 30 | A$14.55 | A$4.85 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | A$15.50 | A$5.17 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | US$10.99 (≈ A$16.20) | ≈ A$5.40 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | 1 GB | 3 | A$6.00 | A$6.00 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | US$4.49 (≈ A$6.62) | ≈ A$6.62 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | 1 GB | 7 | A$7.00 | A$7.00 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | 1 GB | 7 | A$7.28 | A$7.28 | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited | 3 | US$9.99 (≈ A$14.72) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 3 | A$17.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | Unlimited | 3 | A$17.46 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 3 | A$19.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | Unlimited | 5 | A$26.19 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 5 | A$28.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited | 7 | US$19.99 (≈ A$29.46) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 5 | A$31.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | Unlimited | 5 | US$22.99 (≈ A$33.88) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | Unlimited | 7 | A$36.38 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 7 | A$40.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited | 14 | US$27.99 (≈ A$41.25) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | Unlimited | 7 | A$42.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 7 | A$43.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | Unlimited | 7 | US$29.99 (≈ A$44.20) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | Unlimited | 10 | A$48.02 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 10 | A$51.50 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | Unlimited | 10 | US$35.99 (≈ A$53.04) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Nomad | Unlimited | 15 | A$56.74 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 10 | A$59.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 15 | A$72.50 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | Unlimited | 15 | US$49.99 (≈ A$73.68) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Maya Mobile | Unlimited | 30 | US$49.99 (≈ A$73.68) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 15 | A$81.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | Unlimited | 15 | A$83.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 30 | A$101.50 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Saily | Unlimited | 30 | US$72.99 (≈ A$107.57) | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Ubigi | Unlimited | 30 | A$119.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 30 | A$120.00 | Checking | Varies | 14 Nov 2026 | Get plan |
Providers change prices often; confirm at checkout. USD plans are charged in US$. Any ≈ A$ estimate and sorting use the manually set conversion rate. Prices older than 30 days are hidden until re-checked.
eSIM vs your phone company
| Option | Total | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra roaming | A$70.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Optus roaming | A$35.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Vodafone roaming | A$35.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Cheapest eSIM | A$24.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Option | Total | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra roaming | A$140.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Optus roaming | A$70.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Vodafone roaming | A$70.00 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Cheapest eSIM | A$32.01 | 14 Nov 2026 |
China travel tips
- Many sites and apps Australians use every day, including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, are restricted on local Chinese networks. Many travel eSIMs connect through roaming that is routed outside mainland China, which is why travellers often find these apps work on them. That isn't guaranteed and can change, so check the provider's own site before you buy.
- Hong Kong and Macau are often sold separately from mainland China. If your trip includes either, check whether your plan covers them or whether you need a regional plan.
- Download offline maps, translation language packs and anything else you need before you leave Australia, in case an app doesn't work as expected once you arrive. Local apps such as WeChat and Alipay are widely used for payments, so set them up at home if you plan to use them.
- Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Keep your Australian SIM on for calls and SMS codes, with its data roaming switched off, so bank codes still reach you. Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for China?
As of 14 Nov 2026, the cheapest China eSIM per GB we found is Nomad's 50 GB plan at A$53.84 for 45 days (A$1.08/GB). As of 14 Nov 2026, the best 1-week China eSIM is Airalo's 3 GB plan at A$15.50 for 7 days. As of 14 Nov 2026, the cheapest unlimited China eSIM is Maya Mobile's Unlimited plan at US$49.99 (≈ A$73.68) for 30 days (≈ A$2.46/day).
Will Google and WhatsApp work with a China eSIM?
Often, yes. Many travel eSIMs route data outside mainland China, which is why travellers often find Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work. It isn't guaranteed, so check the provider's own site before you buy.
Do I need a VPN in China if I use a travel eSIM?
Many travellers find they don't need one on a travel eSIM, because of how the data is routed. That can vary by provider and can change, so check the provider's own site before you buy.
Does a China eSIM cover Hong Kong?
Not always. Hong Kong and Macau are often sold separately from mainland China. Check whether your plan includes them, or look for a regional plan.
How much data do I need for a week in China?
At medium use of about 1 GB a day, around 7 GB is a good starting point. Plan for more if you use maps, translation and video calls heavily. The calculator below works out the cheapest plan for the amount you pick.
Related destinations
Also see the best travel eSIM overall and our roaming calculator.
Last updated 14 Nov 2026.