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How to Buy a Tourist eSIM Card for China: A Complete 2025 Guide

Voye Global Team
April 22, 2025 · 4 min read
How to Buy a Tourist eSIM Card for China: A Complete 2025 Guide

China is a mesmerizing blend of ancient heritage and futuristic innovation. Whether you’re walking the Great Wall, snapping skyline shots in Shanghai, or wandering through Chengdu’s tea houses, one thing is certain—staying connected is essential.

But between the Great Firewall, language barriers, and strict SIM regulations, buying a SIM card in China can be a confusing and time-consuming task. Luckily, there’s a better way: buying a tourist eSIM for China online.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to buy and activate a China eSIM before or during your trip—ensuring seamless internet access from the moment you arrive.

What Is an eSIM and Why Use One in China?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card that can be downloaded and activated on your phone without needing a physical card. For tourists in China, this is a game changer.

Why eSIMs Are the Best Option for Tourists in China:

  • No need to register at Chinese telecom stores
  • Instant activation before arrival
  • Skip long lines and language barriers
  • No need to swap out your physical SIM
  • Secure internet access—especially useful for maps, messaging, and translation apps

How to Buy a Tourist eSIM for China Online?

Buying a tourist eSIM for China is fast, secure, and entirely online, thanks to providers like Voye Global, which offers a wide selection of affordable China eSIM plans.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buy and Activate:

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

Not all phones support eSIM. Ensure your smartphone is:

  • eSIM-compatible
  • Carrier-unlocked

Popular supported devices include:

  • iPhone XS and newer
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Google Pixel 3 and newer

You can check full compatibility here.

Step 2: Choose a China eSIM Plan

Visit Voye Global’s China eSIM Plans and select a plan that matches your travel dates and data needs. Options range from 3-day passes to 30-day unlimited data.

Step 3: Purchase and Receive QR Code

Once you buy the plan, you’ll receive a QR code—usually within minutes.

Step 4: Scan & Activate

Open your phone’s eSIM settings, scan the QR code, and activate. Your eSIM will be ready to connect upon landing in China.

What to Know About Internet Access in China?

China has one of the most advanced networks in the world, but it also restricts access to many international sites and services, including:

  • Google (Search, Maps, Gmail)
  • WhatsApp
  • Instagram and Facebook
  • YouTube

Tip: Use Apps That Work in China

  • Use WeChat for messaging and payments
  • Download Baidu Maps as a Google Maps alternative
  • VPN apps are restricted—so plan accordingly

Why Choose Voye Global for Your China eSIM?

Voye Global makes it easy for international travelers to connect in over 130 countries, including China. Here’s why travelers love it:

  • Instant Setup
    • Get connected before you land. No more SIM kiosks at the airport.
  • Secure, High-Speed Coverage
    • Enjoy 4G/LTE data on trusted local Chinese networks.
  • No Roaming Fees
    • Transparent, prepaid pricing means no surprise bills when you return home.
  • Digital Convenience
    • Manage everything from one dashboard—no physical SIM cards to carry.
  • Designed for Tourists
    • Whether you’re in China for 3 days or 3 weeks, there’s a plan that fits.

Who Should Use a China eSIM?

  • Tourists exploring cities or scenic areas
  • Business travelers attending conferences or visiting HQs
  • Students on exchange programs
  • Digital nomads looking for short-term, high-speed connectivity

Pro Travel Tips for Using eSIM in China

  • Download all essential apps before entering China (Google Play Store may be restricted)
  • Activate eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi before your trip
  • Print or save your QR code in case your inbox is inaccessible
  • Turn off background data apps to conserve bandwidth

Buy Your China eSIM Now with Voye Global

Why wait in line, fumble through setup instructions, or risk using public Wi-Fi in a new country?

With Voye Global, your connection is:

  • Instant
  • Affordable
  • Secure

From the Great Wall to the skyscrapers of Shenzhen, stay connected with the freedom and convenience of a prepaid eSIM.

Seamless Mobile Data Everywhere

Voye Global — Your Trusted eSIM Partner for Secure & Reliable Travel.
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Supported Devices:

  • Apple
    • iPhone 16
    • iPhone 16 Plus
    • iPhone 16 Pro
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15
    • iPhone 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13
    • iPhone 13 Pro
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13 Mini
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Mini
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone SE (2022)
    • iPhone SE (2020)
    • iPad (7th generation)
    • iPad (8th generation)
    • iPad (9th generation)
    • iPad (10th generation)
    • iPad Mini (5th generation)
    • iPad Mini (6th generation)
    • iPad Air (5th generation)
    • iPad Air (4th generation)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
    *

    Note that iPhone devices from Mainland China aren’t eSIM compatible. Also iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao aren’t compatible (except for iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XS)

  • Samsung
    • Galaxy S25
    • Galaxy S25+
    • Galaxy S25 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24
    • Galaxy S24+
    • Galaxy S24 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24 FE*
    • Galaxy A55 5G*
    • Galaxy A54 5G
    • Galaxy S23
    • Galaxy S23+
    • Galaxy S23 FE
    • Galaxy S23 Ultra
    • Galaxy S22 5G*
    • Galaxy S22+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 5G*
    • Galaxy S21+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S20*
    • Galaxy S20+*
    • Galaxy S20 5G*
    • Galaxy S20+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy Z Flip
    • Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
    • Galaxy Z Flip 4
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Z Flip 6
    • Galaxy Z Fold
    • Galaxy Z Fold 2
    • Galaxy Z Fold 3
    • Galaxy Z Fold 4
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5
    • Galaxy Z Fold 6
    • Galaxy Note 20
    • Galaxy Note 20 5G
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy Z Fold 7
    • Galaxy Z flip 7
    • A36
    • Galaxy XCover 7
    *

    Note that Samsung devices from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan aren’t eSIM compatible. Additionally, Galaxy S20, S21*, and Note 20 Ultra devices from the USA. Galaxy FE models are also not eSIM compatible except for S23FE.

  • Google Pixel
    • Pixel 9
    • Pixel 9 Pro
    • Pixel 9 Pro XL
    • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
    • Pixel 8a
    • Pixel 8
    • Pixel 8 Pro
    • Pixel 7
    • Pixel 7a
    • Pixel Fold
    • Pixel 7 Pro
    • Pixel 6
    • Pixel 6a
    • Pixel 6 Pro
    • Pixel 5
    • Pixel 5a
    • Pixel 4
    • Pixel 4a
    • Pixel 4 XL
    • Pixel 3
    • Pixel 3 XL
    • Pixel 3a
    • Pixel 3a XL
  • XIAOMI
    • 15
    • 14T
    • 14T Pro
    • 14 Pro
    • 13
    • 13 Pro
    • 13 Lite
    • 13T
    • 13T Pro
    • 12T Pro
    • Poco X7
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro+
    • Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
    *

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G eSIM is available in Japan only.

  • Huawei
    • P40
    • P40 Pro
    • Mate 40 Pro
  • ONEPLUS
    • OnePlus 13
    • OnePlus 12
    • OnePlus 11
    • OnePlus 13R
    • OnePlus 13T
    • OnePlus Open
  • OPPO
    • Reno6 Pro 5G
    • A55s 5G
    • Find N2 Flip
    • Find X3 Pro
    • Find X5
    • Find X5 Pro
    • Reno A
    • X8
  • MOTOROLA
    • Moto G85
    • Moto G55
    • Moto G54
    • Edge 50 Fusion
    • Edge 50 Pro
    • Edge 50 Neo
    • Edge 50 Ultra
    • Edge 40 Neo
    • Edge 40 Pro
    • Edge+
    • Razr 40 Ultra
    • Razr 2024
    • Razr+ 2024
    • Razr 2022
    • Razr 2019
    • Razr 5G
    • G53 5G
    • Edge 60
    • Edge 60 Pro
    • Edge 60 Fusion
    • Edge 60 Stylus
    • Moto G34
    • Moto G35
    • Moto G53
  • NOKIA
    • G60
    • XR21
    • X30
  • HONOR
    • Honor Magic6 Pro
    • Honor Magic6 Pro RSR
    • Honor Magic Vs
    • Honor Magic Vs3
    • Honor Magic V2
    • Honor Magic V3
    • Magic5 Pro
    • Magic4 Pro
    • Honor 90
    • Honor 200, 200 Pro
    • 7 Pro
    • 7 Lite
    • HONOR 400
    • HONOR 400 Lite
    • HONOR 400 Pro
    *

    Please confirm with your carrier that your device supports eSIMs as it’s available only in some regions.

  • FAIRPHONE
    • Fairphone 5
    • Fairphone 4
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