eSIM China

Yes. The phone has to support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked, otherwise it can't attach to the local networks used in China. Recent iPhones (XS and newer), Pixel phones and modern Samsung Galaxy models are common examples, but the full list is longer. Run your device through the eSIM compatibility checker if you're unsure.

Plans start at €2.99. There are currently 5 plans for China. 1 GB suits short visits that lean on Wi-Fi, and 20 GB covers longer stays or heavier mobile use. Fixed GB plans are valid for 30 days. Validity begins when the bundle actually starts, not when you buy it.

Your China data bundle has three start options. Start automatically is selected by default. The bundle starts the first time My eSIM connects to a supported local network in China, and your validity period begins then. Schedule a start date lets you choose a future date or time. Keep the eSIM data line switched off until then, because connecting earlier can start the bundle sooner. Your account shows the real start moment. Start now activates the bundle immediately. Use it when you are already in China or need data straight away. Installing My eSIM does not start the bundle on its own, and buying the bundle does not start its validity. Validity begins when the bundle actually starts. You can change the choice in your account until that happens. On long-haul arrivals with a tight airport transfer, Start automatically is the simplest choice when you want the bundle to begin the moment your phone attaches to a local network in China. For a fuller breakdown of coverage, pricing and how it compares to a local SIM, read our Best eSIM China guide.

Install My eSIM once, before you travel, on stable Wi-Fi or your home mobile internet. Installing My eSIM is separate from starting your China data bundle. The bundle only starts when you choose it to (see the activation options). On arrival in China, set My eSIM as your mobile-data line. If the setup instructions ask, enable data roaming on the eSIM line. That controls the eSIM line, not your home SIM. Keep mobile-data roaming disabled on your home SIM so your home carrier doesn't charge for data, but leave the home SIM in the phone for calls and SMS. On long-haul arrivals with a tight airport transfer, having My eSIM installed before you leave means you're online the moment you land in Asia Pacific. My eSIM stays installed for future trips and additional data purchases. There's no new QR code to scan and no reinstall when you buy more data.

Yes. Every eligible eSIMbundle plan includes the VPN at no extra cost. Connect through the VPN app on your phone, tablet or laptop when you want to encrypt your traffic on local mobile networks or public Wi-Fi. It adds privacy for logins, payments, browsing and messaging on networks you don't control. VPN access becomes available once your China data bundle starts. The VPN doesn't switch on automatically just because My eSIM connected. The website dashboard only manages your VPN account; you can't establish the connection from the dashboard. Local internet rules in China affect some categories of websites and online services, including internet calling apps, websites and apps, social and news services and other online services. The VPN gives you a more private connection, but service availability still depends on the service itself and local network rules.

Local internet rules in China affect some categories of websites, apps and online services. Availability can also differ across local mobile networks and public Wi-Fi, so a local connection doesn't always behave like the internet you use at home. In China, examples include internet calling apps, websites and apps, social and news services and other online services. Even if you don't use those services, the wider point is that common accounts, communications and online services may behave differently. Your China data bundle provides prepaid mobile data on local networks. Turning on the included VPN in the VPN app adds privacy on local carriers and public Wi-Fi, though it can't guarantee access to any specific service.

Destination data bundles are data-only. Your China bundle provides mobile data on local networks; local network rules in China can restrict or disrupt voice and video calls made through internet calling apps. WhatsApp stays linked to your usual number, so texts and notifications generally continue to reach you, although voice or video calling may not work the same way it does at home. Text-messaging features can also behave differently depending on the service and the local network. Keep your home SIM in the phone if you need normal calls or SMS. Normal home-carrier roaming charges may apply on the home line, so disable mobile-data roaming on it. You can also turn on the included VPN in the VPN app, but service availability still depends on the app itself and local network rules.

Run out of data in China? You can add more data by buying another China destination data bundle from your account or from the China plans page. The new bundle attaches to My eSIM. No reinstall is needed and no new QR code to scan. Your account combines the available China data into one balance. Each purchase keeps its own start date and expiry, so new data doesn't extend older data. On long-haul arrivals with a tight airport transfer, this is straightforward: add data during your trip and keep using the same My eSIM. Additional fixed-GB bundles are what's on offer, and each keeps its own 30-day validity from the point it starts. When you add more data over an unfamiliar or public network in China, you can turn on the VPN app if you want to encrypt your connection.