1. Why use eSIM in China instead of roaming or a physical SIM?

A China eSIM is a digital SIM profile you download to your phone. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at the airport or paying high roaming fees, you:

• Buy a China prepaid eSIM online before your trip;
• Receive a QR code by email and install it in a few taps;
• Land in China, turn on data & roaming – you’re instantly online.

For travelers who hop between cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Guilin – a China travel eSIM is usually cheaper, easier and more flexible than local SIM shops or traditional roaming.

2. Network: China Mobile 5G coverage for tourists

The China eSIM plans from eSIM Kit Store use the China Mobile (中国移动) network – China’s largest mobile operator. In most major cities you can enjoy fast 5G speeds, while smaller towns are usually covered by stable 4G/LTE.

• 5G available: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an and other big cities.
• 4G/LTE fallback: Smaller cities and some countryside areas.
• Hotspot: Plans support tethering / personal hotspot (check the product page for details).

In daily use, this is more than enough for maps, translation, social media, video calls and work apps.

3. China eSIM product overview (tourist data plans)

The China Mobile 5G eSIM is designed for short-term visitors, business trips and digital nomads. It’s a data-only eSIM (no local phone number), ideal if you already use apps like WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or Messenger.

Key points of the China eSIM product:

• Network: China Mobile 4G / 5G (automatic selection).
• Type: Data-only prepaid eSIM (no calls / SMS, no local number).
• Usage: General browsing, maps, translation, social media, video calls, VPN (if needed).
• Device: Unlocked eSIM-compatible smartphone (iPhone / Android).
• Activation: Via QR code – no need to visit a store in China.
• Hotspot: Personal hotspot / tethering supported on most devices.

Plan sizes and validity (data amount & days) may change over time. Always refer to the China eSIM product page for the latest options and prices.

4. How to check if your phone supports eSIM for China

Before ordering any China travel eSIM, make sure your device is both unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

1. Dial *#06# on your phone.
2. If you see a long number labeled EID, your device supports eSIM.
3. If there is no EID, your phone is likely not eSIM-compatible.

You can also use the official compatibility list: Check eSIM compatible devices.

Most recent iPhones (XR and later), Google Pixel 4+, and many Samsung Galaxy models support eSIM – but always double-check before you buy a China eSIM.

5. How to buy & activate your China eSIM (QR code)

5.1 Purchase flow

1. Go to the product page: China Prepaid Travel eSIM (China Mobile 5G).
2. Select your preferred data package and validity period.
3. Proceed to checkout and enter a valid email address – this is where your QR code will be sent.
4. Complete payment – your order will be processed and the eSIM profile will be prepared.

5.2 When to activate your China eSIM

For a smooth trip, we recommend:

• Install the eSIM 1 day before departure while you still have stable Wi-Fi at home or in your hotel.
• Only turn on data & roaming once you land in China – this prevents the plan from starting too early.

Some plans start counting from the moment the eSIM is first activated on the network. If you’re unsure, check the product description or contact support before you install.

5.3 QR activation steps (iPhone example)

1. Connect to Wi-Fi on your phone.
2. Open the email from eSIM Kit Store containing your QR code.
3. On iPhone go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM (or “Add Mobile Plan”).
4. Choose “Use QR code” and scan the QR from your email.
5. Follow the prompts to add the eSIM profile.
6. Set the China eSIM as “Mobile Data” line, keep your main number for calls if you want.
7. After landing in China, turn on Mobile Data and Data Roaming for the eSIM line.

For more detailed screenshots and troubleshooting, see: How to activate your eSIM.

6. Life in China is 5G + QR codes: don’t forget payments

With a China Mobile 5G eSIM, you’ll enjoy very fast mobile internet almost everywhere – many cafés, shopping malls and subway stations have strong 5G coverage.

The real challenge for many visitors is not connectivity, but payments. China is extremely cashless – from big malls to tiny food stalls, people usually pay with QR codes.

• Download and set up WeChat and/or Alipay before your trip.
• Where possible, link an international credit card to WeChat Pay / Alipay – this makes QR payments much easier.
• Keep some cash as backup, but expect to pay mainly by scanning QR codes.

With a stable China eSIM data connection + WeChat Pay / Alipay prepared, everyday life in China (metro, Didi taxi, coffee, restaurants, attractions) becomes much more relaxed.

7. Who is this China eSIM ideal for?

• Short trips (5–10 days) to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.
• Business travelers who need reliable China Mobile 5G data for meetings and email.
• Visitors from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US who want to avoid roaming fees.
• Digital nomads who combine China with nearby destinations (e.g. Taiwan or Korea) and prefer staying on data-only apps.

8. Also visiting Taiwan or South Korea?

Many travelers combine China with other destinations in East Asia. You can use dedicated local eSIMs to enjoy the best coverage and speeds in each place:

• Taiwan eSIM – ideal for Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Jiufen:
  Taiwan prepaid travel eSIM
• 🇰🇷 South Korea eSIM – for Seoul, Busan, Jeju and more:
  South Korea prepaid travel eSIM

This way you keep one simple flow for all your trips: buy online, receive QR code, install, and land connected.

FAQ – China eSIM & China Mobile 5G

Q1. Does the China eSIM include a local phone number?

No, it’s a data-only eSIM. You won’t receive a Chinese phone number, but you can still use apps like WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or Messenger over data.

Q2. Which network does this China eSIM use?

The eSIM uses the China Mobile network with 4G / 5G coverage depending on the area and your device.

Q3. Can I use hotspot / tethering with the China eSIM?

Yes, personal hotspot is supported on most devices, so you can share data with your laptop or travel partner. Always double-check the product page for the latest information.

Q4. When should I install and activate my China eSIM?

We recommend installing the eSIM profile 1 day before departure while you’re on Wi-Fi, then turning on mobile data and roaming only after landing in China.

Q5. How do I know if my phone supports eSIM for China?

Dial *#06# and check if an EID number appears. You can also check the official compatibility list at the eSIM Kit Store website.

Q6. Will I be able to use WeChat Pay or Alipay with this eSIM?

The eSIM provides a stable internet connection so you can use WeChat Pay and Alipay. You still need to set up those apps separately and link a supported card or account.

Q7. Can I delete the eSIM after my trip?

Yes, you can remove the eSIM profile from your phone after your trip. However, once deleted, it cannot be reinstalled, so only remove it when you’re sure you no longer need it.

Q8. What if my QR code email doesn’t arrive?

First, check your spam folder and any filters. If you still can’t find it, contact eSIM Kit Store support with your order details so they can resend the QR code.