Best eSIM for China with data plans

Travelling to China means staying connected for more than maps and messaging. You may need mobile data to use DiDi, translate menus, make payments, access travel bookings and stay in touch with family. Some international services, including Google, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram, may also be restricted on local networks. 

A travel eSIM lets you set up mobile data before departure, and some international eSIMs may provide access to selected services without a separate VPN through their roaming routes. This is not guaranteed for every plan, so this guide compares eSIM options for China, what they cover and what to check before purchase. 

This guide compares the best eSIMs for China, including Travel eSIM (offered by TNG eWallet), Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, Ubigi, Jetpac and aloSIM. We compare their prices in RM, data allowances, validity, coverage, hotspot access and setup process so you can choose a plan that suits your itinerary. 

Best eSIM for China: quick comparison 

If your priority is the lowest price, the 1GB Travel eSIM, offered by TNG eWallet, valid for 7 days is the most affordable example in this comparison at RM5. It may suit travellers who mainly need maps, messaging and translation. 

For heavy data users, the 7-day unlimited plan available through TNG eWallet at RM40.80 and Holafly’s unlimited plan may be more suitable for frequent browsing, social media, video and hotspot use. Travellers who want longer validity can consider fixed-data plans from Nomad or Ubigi, while Airalo and Saily offer smaller data plans for lighter usage. 

TNG eWallet’s Travel eSIM may be the most convenient option for Malaysian travellers who want to compare plans and pay in ringgit through TNG eWallet. Jetpac and aloSIM provide other choices for travellers who want flexible plans or optional calling features. 

All provider prices shown in original currencies have been converted to approximate ringgit amounts using the Bank Negara Malaysia reference rate of about RM4.09 to USD1. The final amount may change because of exchange rates, taxes, promotions and payment charges. 

Travel eSIM vs local China SIM 

Choose a travel eSIM for a short trip if you want to install it before departure, keep your Malaysian SIM and use data for maps, DiDi, translation and communication. Choose a local China SIM for a longer stay or if you need a local Chinese phone number. It may require in-person purchase and identity verification.

A travel eSIM may be the simpler option if you are visiting China for a few days or weeks and mainly need data for maps, DiDi, translation, payments and communication. Travel eSIM lets you purchase a China plan through TNG eWallet before departure, so you can prepare your connection before reaching the airport.

Common travel eSIM mistakes to avoid in China 

Travellers often run into problems with an eSIM because of a small mistake before or after landing. These are the issues to check before your trip. 

Forgetting to install the eSIM before departure 

Installing the eSIM after arriving can be difficult if you cannot access the provider’s website or app. Install it while you still have reliable Wi-Fi in Malaysia. For Travel eSIM, offered by TNG eWallet, the plan can be purchased ahead of your travels but must be installed and activated within 30 days of purchase. Check the latest activation terms before buying. 

Arriving with a carrier-locked phone 

An eSIM will not work if your phone does not support eSIM technology or is locked to another mobile carrier. Check your exact phone model and confirm that it is unlocked before purchasing a plan. 

Accidentally using Malaysian roaming 

After landing, select the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for that line. Turn off data roaming and automatic data switching for your Malaysian SIM to avoid unexpected roaming charges. 

Assuming the plan covers every destination 

A China eSIM may cover mainland China but not automatically Hong Kong or Macau. Check the coverage list if your itinerary includes more than one destination. 

You should also check the network and speed conditions for rural areas, mountains and smaller cities. 

Overlooking hotspot and calling limits 

Many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a Chinese phone number. If you need to share data with another device, check whether hotspot sharing is allowed under the selected plan. 

Assuming every eSIM bypasses internet restrictions 

Some international eSIMs may use roaming routes that allow access to services restricted on local networks without a separate VPN. This is not guaranteed for every plan, so check the provider’s current terms before relying on it. 

Deleting the eSIM after installation 

Do not delete the eSIM unless you are sure that you no longer need it. Some eSIMs cannot be reinstalled after removal. Keep your QR code, purchase confirmation and activation instructions accessible during your trip. 

Which Travel eSIM plan should you choose 

A short one-day stopover may only require 500MB or 1GB if you mainly use messaging, maps and translation tools. The 1GB plan valid for 7 days may suit a traveller who wants basic data without paying for more than they need. 

For a three- to seven-day holiday, an unlimited plan may be more convenient if you expect to use navigation throughout the day, upload photos, watch videos or share your connection with another device. The 7-day unlimited plan shown at RM40.80 may be suitable for a typical week-long trip, subject to the latest in-app price and terms. 

For a longer holiday, compare the 50GB and unlimited plans. A 50GB plan may be sufficient for regular browsing and social media, while unlimited data may be more suitable for heavy usage or hotspot sharing. However, unlimited does not always mean unrestricted speed, so check the package details before purchasing. 

How to buy a China Travel eSIM through TNG eWallet 

You can purchase a China Travel eSIM through the travel section in TNG eWallet. Open the app and go to Travel. Select Travel eSIM, search for China and compare the available data allowances and validity periods. Choose the plan that matches your travel dates, complete the payment and follow the installation instructions provided in the app. 

It is better to buy and install the eSIM before you leave Malaysia while you still have a reliable internet connection. Depending on the package terms, activation may begin when the eSIM connects to a supported network in China, so check the activation instructions before installing it. You can find the latest China Travel eSIM plans in TNG eWallet before deciding which package to purchase. 

Do you need a VPN with a China eSIM 

You may not need a separate VPN when using some international travel eSIMs, but this is not guaranteed for every provider or plan. Some eSIMs use international roaming routes that may allow access to services such as Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. Other eSIMs may follow different network routes and still be affected by local internet restrictions. 

Before buying, check whether the provider clearly states that its China plan supports the services you need. Also verify the plan’s network routing, coverage, hotspot access and fair-use conditions because access and speed may change depending on the provider and current network conditions. 

It is safer to download offline maps, booking confirmations, translation tools and important travel information before departure. Do not assume that an eSIM automatically bypasses every restriction or that every international app will work without additional preparation. 

Can you still receive Malaysian OTPs and calls in China 

You can usually keep your Malaysian number active on a compatible dual-SIM phone while using a travel eSIM for mobile data. This may allow you to receive SMS messages and OTPs, depending on your Malaysian telco’s roaming support. 

Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line, then turn off data roaming and automatic data switching for your Malaysian SIM. This helps prevent your phone from using your Malaysian line for internet access. 

Receiving calls or answering them may still trigger roaming charges, so check your telco’s roaming rates before departure. If you only need your Malaysian number for OTPs, keep the line active for SMS but avoid answering calls unless you understand the charges.

Choose the China eSIM that fits your trip 

If you are travelling for one to three days and mainly need maps, messaging and translation, a small fixed-data plan such as 500MB or 1GB may be enough. 

For a five- to seven-day holiday involving Google Maps, DiDi, social media and frequent browsing, an unlimited plan may be more convenient. If you are travelling for two to three weeks, compare larger plans such as 50GB or unlimited data, especially if you expect to use your phone outside major cities. 

If you need a local Chinese phone number, a physical China SIM may be more suitable. If you mainly need mobile data, a travel eSIM is usually easier because you can install it before leaving Malaysia. Some travel eSIMs may allow access to services such as Google, WhatsApp and Instagram without a separate VPN, but this depends on the provider’s routing. Check the plan details before purchase rather than assuming every eSIM works the same way. 

You can usually keep your Malaysian SIM active to receive SMS and OTPs, but use the travel eSIM for mobile data. Turn off data roaming and automatic data switching on your Malaysian line to avoid unexpected charges. 

Before boarding your flight, make sure you have 

• Checked that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked 
• Bought and installed the plan while connected to reliable Wi-Fi 
• Confirmed the coverage, validity and hotspot terms 
• Checked whether Hong Kong or Macau are included 
• Saved your booking confirmations and offline maps 
• Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line after landing 

For Malaysian travellers, Travel eSIM in TNG eWallet provides a convenient way to compare China plans and prepare your connection before departure. 

FAQs 

Should I buy a travel eSIM or a local China SIM? 

A travel eSIM may be more convenient for a short holiday because you can install it before departure. A local China SIM may suit longer stays or travellers who need a local phone number. 

Can I install my China eSIM before flying? 

Yes, installing the eSIM before departure is usually recommended because you need a stable internet connection for setup. Check the activation terms because some plans only begin when they connect to a supported network at your destination. 

Does a China eSIM include a phone number? 

Many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a Chinese phone number. Check the selected plan if you need ordinary calls, text messages or number-based verification. 

Can I keep my Malaysian SIM while using a China eSIM? 

You can usually keep your Malaysian SIM installed if your phone supports dual SIM. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn off data roaming on your Malaysian line to reduce the risk of additional charges.