China eSIM guide: no VPN needed on Hong Kong IP plans
Using an eSIM in China: install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, then when you land switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Days only start counting the first time it connects in China. Plans run on the China Unicom, China Telecom, China Mobile networks. From NT$39.
On Hong Kong IP plans, Google, LINE, Instagram and similar apps work in most cases with no extra setup and no VPN (this depends on local network conditions and we can’t guarantee every service). For ChatGPT and other AI apps, choose a Singapore IP plan.
China plans
| Data | Days | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MBvia Hong Kong | 7 days | 5G | NT$39 |
| 1GBvia Hong Kong | 7 days | 5G | NT$109 |
| 1GBvia Singapore | 7 days | 5G | NT$139 |
| 1GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 3 days | 5G | NT$199 |
| 5GBvia Hong Kong | 30 days | 5G | NT$289 |
| 1GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 5 days | 5G | NT$299 |
| 5GBvia Singapore | 30 days | 5G | NT$339 |
| 1GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 7 days | 5G | NT$399 |
| 1GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 10 days | 5G | NT$549 |
| 3GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 3 days | 5G | NT$569 |
| 10GBvia Singapore | 30 days | 5G | NT$599 |
| 20GBvia Hong Kong | 30 days | 5G | NT$829 |
| 3GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 5 days | 5G | NT$899 |
| 10GB/dayvia Singapore | 3 days | 5G | NT$919 |
| 20GBvia Singapore | 30 days | 5G | NT$1,109 |
| 3GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 7 days | 5G | NT$1,249 |
| 10GB/dayvia Singapore | 5 days | 5G | NT$1,449 |
| 3GB/day high-speedvia Singapore | 10 days | 5G | NT$1,709 |
| 10GB/dayvia Singapore | 7 days | 5G | NT$2,019 |
| 10GB/dayvia Singapore | 10 days | 5G | NT$2,779 |
Prices in TWD; tap a price to check out. Total-data plans: use them until the data or the days run out.Daily plans: a fixed amount of data each day; once it runs out, speed drops to 1 Mbps or 384 Kbps depending on the plan until the next day.
How days are counted
Days start counting the first time the eSIM connects in China, so you can install it at home without losing any days.
Use it within 180 days of purchase, after which it expires.
Carriers and speed
Plans can use the China Unicom, China Telecom, China Mobile networks. See the Network column above: plans marked 5G use 5G where there's coverage and your phone supports it, and 4G elsewhere.
Available networks
Applies to: 1GB, 1GB/day high-speed, 5GB, 3GB/day high-speed, 10GB, 10GB/day, 20GB
Your phone connects to one of these automatically, depending on local signal.
Data routed via: Singapore
Your traffic connects to the internet from this region, so your IP address appears to be there.
Available networks
Applies to: 500MB, 1GB, 5GB, 20GB
Your phone connects to one of these automatically, depending on local signal.
Data routed via: Hong Kong
Your traffic connects to the internet from this region, so your IP address appears to be there.
On Hong Kong IP plans, in most cases Google, LINE, Instagram and similar apps work without extra setup. This depends on local network conditions and we can't guarantee every service.
Routed via Hong Kong or Singapore: which to choose
- China plans come in two versions: routed via Hong Kong and routed via Singapore. Your traffic connects to the internet from that region, so your IP address appears there. The two versions use different Chinese carriers; see the carrier info above.
- Need ChatGPT or other AI apps? Choose a Singapore IP plan (most AI services aren’t available on Hong Kong IPs).
- Every plan in the table shows its routing. The same data and days are priced differently in each version, so check the label before you pay.
How much data do you need?
- Mostly maps and LINE text messages: 500MB for 7 days (via Hong Kong) or 1GB for 7 days (via Hong Kong) or 1GB for 7 days (via Singapore).
- Sending photos, looking things up and social media every day: 5GB for 30 days (via Hong Kong) or 5GB for 30 days (via Singapore).
- Watching videos, video calls, or a longer stay: 20GB for 30 days (via Hong Kong) or 10GB for 30 days (via Singapore) or 20GB for 30 days (via Singapore).
- A steady amount every day, so you can't burn it all early: a daily plan such as 1GB/day high-speed for 5 days (via Singapore) or 3GB/day high-speed for 5 days (via Singapore).
These are general suggestions; actual usage varies. If unsure, go one size up.
eSIM vs SIM card vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi
| Getting started | Texts to your home number | Who can use it | What to carry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Buy online, scan a QR code to install, no card swap | Your home SIM stays in, texts arrive as usual | One phone per eSIM | Nothing |
| SIM card | Delivered or picked up at the airport, swap cards on arrival | Lost while your home SIM is out (unless dual-SIM) | One phone per card | Keep your home SIM safe |
| Carrier roaming | Request it from your home carrier before leaving | Texts arrive as usual | One phone | Nothing |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Pick up before leaving, return when back | Texts arrive as usual (no card swap) | Several people can connect | The device, charged every day |
Four steps from purchase to connected
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM: see phones that support eSIM, or dial *#06# and look for an EID.
- Pick a plan and check out; you get the install QR code right after payment (also by email).
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave: iPhone guide / Android guide.
- In China, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Turn off mobile data on your home line to avoid roaming charges.
Can I get a refund if I don't use it?
China plans can be fully refunded within 30 days of purchase if not yet installed. See the refund policy.
FAQ
Does a China eSIM come with a phone number? Can I make calls?
No. It's a data-only plan: no local phone number and no regular phone calls. Use LINE, WhatsApp, FaceTime or other internet calling (it uses your plan's data); calls and texts to your home number still go to your original SIM (roaming charges may apply abroad). If you really need a local number (for example, to book a restaurant or sign up for an app that texts a local number), you'll need a separate SIM card that comes with one.
What if I run out of data?
Total-data plans stop once you use it all; you can buy another plan. On daily plans, once the day's data runs out, speed drops to 1 Mbps or 384 Kbps depending on the plan until the next day.
Will I still get verification texts to my home number in China?
Yes. eSIM phones can hold your home SIM and the eSIM at the same time: data goes through the eSIM while your home number still receives texts.
When should I install it?
Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. Days only start counting when it first connects in China, so installing early doesn't cost you days; installing after you land means finding Wi-Fi first to download it.
Ready? Pick a China plan
See China plans