Surf with 4G/5G in China. Delivered instantly by email after purchase.
Traveling to several countries?
With the Global bundles you surf across several countries in your region. Cheaper than individual plans.
Download the app and manage everything on the go!
Keep an eye on your data, top up anytime and install your eSIM with a single tap. Free for iOS & Android.
eSIM for China: activation in 3 steps
Activating your eSIM for China takes just a few minutes and requires no SIM card swap at all. Right after purchase you receive an email with your personal eSIM details in the form of a QR code and an activation code or link, plus instructions. It's best to install the eSIM comfortably from home; you only activate mobile data after your arrival in China.
How to activate the eSIM on iPhone (iOS)
- Open Settings â Cellular â Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR Code and scan the code from our email. Alternatively you can enter the activation details manually.
- Give the line a meaningful name, e.g. "BuddySIM China", and finish the setup.
- in China, activate BuddySIM under Cellular â Data Roaming and select it as the line for mobile data.
How to activate the eSIM on Android (Samsung, Pixel & Co.)
- Open Settings â Connections â SIM manager (on Google Pixel: Network & internet â SIMs).
- Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code from our email.
- Confirm the download of the eSIM profile and wait until setup is complete.
- After your arrival in China, enable data roaming and select BuddySIM for mobile data.
The exact menu labels may differ slightly depending on your smartphone model and operating system version. You'll find a detailed step-by-step guide by device in our eSIM activation guide.
No second device to scan?
Only have your smartphone and can't scan? No problem! We also send you a one-click installation link and activation details for manual activation of your eSIM.
Why a BuddySIM eSIM for China?
Here's how BuddySIM for China compares to other eSIM providers and the local SIM card on site: transparent, fast and with no hidden costs.
 |
Other eSIM providers | Local SIM card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy online instantly | Available instantly | Usually possible | Only on site |
| Activation only on arrival | Activation in your destination â avoids using data before arrival | Depends on provider | Manual setup |
| Fixed GB plans | Full cost control | Depends on provider | Often confusing |
| Day Pass | Often unlimited with throttling | Depends on provider | |
| Share hotspot | Often limited | Depends on plan | |
| Multi-network coverage* | Multiple networks | Not always transparent | Usually one provider |
| No Net, No Pay guarantee | |||
| Personal support | Personal | Often bot only | On site/hotline |
| Roaming costs | âŹ0,00Prepaid, no hidden costs | Mostly prepaid | Depends on plan |
| Flexible top-ups | Flexible anytime | Depends on provider | Often complicated |
| Stress factor | Very low | Medium | High |
*Multi-network coverage: where needed, several local networks are available so you get the best possible coverage. Your device automatically connects to the strongest available signal.
eSIM prices for China
Compare all eSIM plans for China at a glance, including duration, total price and price per GB. This way you transparently find the right data plan for your trip in China, with no hidden costs and no contract.
| Plan | Validity | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | âŹ9,99 | âŹ9,99/GB |
| 3 GB | 30 days | âŹ29,99 | âŹ9,99/GB |
| 5 GB | 30 days | âŹ34,99 | âŹ6,99/GB |
| 10 GB POPULAR | 30 days | âŹ79,99 | âŹ7,99/GB |
| 20 GB | 30 days | âŹ99,99 | âŹ4,99/GB |
About the eSIM for China
eSIM China: Unlimited Data incl. VPN for Tourists
Our eSIM China Data Packages
Choose your fixed data package for China by GB and duration.
With the BuddySIM eSIM for China you're online instantly in China: fast mobile internet right after arrival, with no physical SIM card and no expensive roaming fees. You buy your eSIM conveniently online, receive the QR code instantly by email and activate it in just a few steps on your smartphone.
Mobile data in China: no roaming
Instead of hunting for a local SIM card at the airport or paying your home provider's roaming fees, with BuddySIM you simply keep using your familiar smartphone. Your existing number stays active on the physical SIM for calls and SMS, while the eSIM handles only your mobile data in China. So you stay connected at all times for maps, translations, bookings and social media.
Network coverage & speed in China
The eSIM China connects automatically to China Mobile and offers you speeds of 4G/LTE & 5G, where available. You surf reliably in the cities and at the most important destinations in China, ideal for streaming, navigation and video calls. Via the personal hotspot you can also share your connection with a laptop or tablet.
Who is the eSIM for China worth it for?
Whether holiday, backpacking, workation or business trip: the BuddySIM eSIM for China is the hassle-free solution for anyone who wants to stay online in China. Simply pick the right data plan for your trip length and get going right away, with no contract and no hidden costs.
Activate eSIM China: in just a few minutes
After purchase you receive your personal QR code directly by email. Install the eSIM comfortably from home, activate the mobile data in China after arrival, and off you go. You'll find a detailed step-by-step guide further up on this page.
Technical specifications: eSIM for China
This is how much data you need in China
All figures are estimates. Your actual usage depends on your smartphone, your app settings and your personal usage.
The story behind BuddySIM
BuddySIM was born during my parental leave, out of real frustration. Expensive roaming fees, stressful queues at the airport with small children and a complicated hunt for SIM cards on site? It doesn't have to be like that.
A holiday is the best time of the year and should be worry-free! That's why I founded BuddySIM, so you can focus on what matters most on holiday: relaxing and spending time with your loved ones.
Rafael Gomez
Founder of BuddySIM
Money-back guarantee for China
100% money-back guarantee
Your satisfaction is our priority. You'll of course get your money back if:
- the eSIM has not yet been activated/used (0.00 MB)
- your device is not eSIM compatible
- your trip was cancelled
Refund within 14 days of purchase. If you had other issues and our support couldn't help you, feel free to write to us anytime as well.
No Net, No Pay guarantee
In the event of a proven, continuous network outage of more than 90 minutes in China, we refund you 100% of the purchase price of the affected eSIM.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions about the eSIM for China
Any questions about your eSIM for China?
Our support team is available around the clock for you, before, during and after your trip. Just write to us, we'll help you quickly and easily.
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Buy an eSIM for China: hassle-free, unrestricted internet
The key facts at a glance
- Fully digital & activatable instantly: After landing in China you can be online quickly with the BuddySIM eSIM – with no SIM card swap, roaming fees or separate VPN installations.
- Unlimited freedom – unlimited data and a built-in VPN: With the right configuration you can access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and co., even behind the "Great Firewall".
- Flexible for leisure & business: Prepaid, variable durations (3-30 days), hotspot function and fast, English-language support with a network-outage guarantee.
Mobile and online in China within seconds
In China you want to be mobile and online right after arrival:
- roaming fees,
- a SIM swap
- or fiddly VPN installations cost valuable time and nerves.
With an eSIM you can be connected in just a few seconds, let your contacts know or find your bearings.
Why is an eSIM for China really worth it?
With a China eSIM you can use mobile internet quickly, without having to search for a kiosk at the airport or fill in paperwork.
The digital SIM is easily activated via QR code:
- no physical swap,
- no Chinese address
- or long contract commitment.
BuddySIM also integrates a VPN, so that apps like
- Google,
- WhatsApp & Instagram
work without a hitch and aren't blocked as they usually are
Checklist: your eSIM for China in 3 steps
- Check the compatibility of your smartphone (e.g. iPhone XS and newer, many Samsung & Pixel models).
- Choose your preferred plan and buy it – the QR code comes by email.
- Scan the QR code directly on your smartphone, switch on data roaming – and you're online!
Customer reviews show that the BuddySIM eSIM China offers an easy and worry-free solution, especially for travel beginners and business trips.
What makes BuddySIM special?
Unlike traditional SIM cards, with the BuddySIM eSIM you need
- no passport copies,
- no trip to the shop
- and no complex VPN app.
Everything runs completely digitally – from ordering to using it.
A genuine unique selling point is the built-in VPN service: You can directly use global services and websites that are normally blocked in China, with no extra installation whatsoever.
Should the network go down for longer than 90 minutes, you get your money back (100% network-outage guarantee).
Comparison: eSIM vs. traditional SIM for China
|
Category |
eSIM (BuddySIM) |
Traditional SIM |
|
Activation |
Instantly via QR code, digital |
On site, often with paperwork |
|
Data allowance |
Unlimited / selectable |
Limited, often hard to work out |
|
VPN built in |
Yes, always included |
No, usually a separate app needed |
|
Passport/ID needed |
No |
Often yes |
|
Hotspot function |
Yes, subject to plan conditions |
Sometimes not possible / restricted by provider |
|
Network-outage guarantee |
Yes* |
No |
*According to the provider – please note the details of the conditions.
BuddySIM plans at a glance
From a 3-day short trip to a 30-day stay, at BuddySIM you'll find various suitable plans. Price structures are transparent and entirely prepaid-based: no hidden fees or subscription traps, you keep an overview at all times. Depending on the plan, the hotspot function can also be used for several devices.
|
Duration |
Data allowance |
Special features |
|
3, 7, 10, 15, 21, 30 days |
1GB high-speed unlimited per day / 5 MBPS thereafter |
Built-in VPN, network-outage guarantee, hotspot |
If you want to travel on after your China trip, the BuddySIM platform can easily be used for other countries.
Step by step: installation and use
- Have an eSIM-compatible device ready.
- Open the QR code from the order email and scan it with your device.
- Activate data roaming – and you're fully online!
Unlike many other solutions, with BuddySIM you need
- no passport,
- no address
- and no in-person shop visit.
The English support is reachable via WhatsApp and helps you out straight away.
For many travellers, the eSIM China Unlimited from BuddySIM is therefore a convenient and flexible solution. Whether you're
- on holiday,
- organising a business meeting
- or travelling as a digital nomad.