Staying connected in China is essential for tourists. From using WeChat Pay and Alipay to navigating cities without Google Maps, reliable mobile data is a must. China’s internet restrictions, limited public Wi-Fi, and passport requirements make buying the right travel SIM or eSIM especially important. In 2026, eSIMs dominate thanks to instant activation and no physical SIM swap, while local Chinese SIM cards still offer unmatched coverage, especially in rural areas. Below are the top 10 China travel SIM cards for tourists, ranked by coverage, ease of use, price, and traveler reviews.
1. ZetSIM – Best Overall China Travel SIM
ZetSIM ranks as the best all-around China travel SIM for tourists thanks to its balance of price, coverage, and ease of use. It connects to both China Unicom and China Mobile, offering strong nationwide coverage across major cities and secondary destinations. Typical plans include 10GB or more for 30 days, priced between $10 and $20, making it an excellent value for multi-city travel. Activation requires a passport scan, but setup is straightforward. ZetSIM works well for navigation, messaging, and payments, and it’s a solid choice whether you’re visiting Beijing, Shanghai, or traveling deeper into China.
2. Airalo – Best eSIM for Short Trips
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIMs for China and is ideal for short stays. Running on the China Unicom network, it delivers fast 4G and 5G speeds in major cities. A common plan offers 5GB for 30 days at around $16, perfect for travelers who mainly need data for maps, ride-hailing, and mobile payments. The biggest advantage is convenience: you can install the eSIM via the Airalo app before arrival and activate it instantly upon landing. Airalo is data-only, so pairing it with a VPN is recommended.
3. Holafly – Best Unlimited Data Option
Holafly is the go-to choice for tourists who don’t want to worry about data limits. It offers unlimited data plans, typically 15 days for around $47, using the China Mobile network. Coverage is excellent in urban areas and decent in many rural regions. While speeds may slow after heavy usage, it’s still ideal for travelers who stream, video call, or rely heavily on maps and social apps. Holafly eSIMs are easy to activate with a QR code and include English support, making them a stress-free option for first-time visitors to China.
4. China Unicom Tourist SIM – Best Local SIM for Foreign Phones
The China Unicom Tourist SIM is one of the most foreigner-friendly local SIM cards available. It supports most international phones and offers 5–10GB of data plus local calls for 30 days, priced between $14 and $21. Coverage is strongest in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with reliable 4G and growing 5G access. You’ll need your passport for registration, and setup is usually done at airports or official stores. For tourists who prefer a physical SIM with voice calling, China Unicom is a dependable choice.
5. China Mobile Prepaid SIM – Best for Rural Coverage
China Mobile is China’s largest carrier, with over 985 million subscribers, and it offers the best nationwide and rural coverage. Its prepaid SIM cards start at around $10, with flexible data options depending on location and usage. This makes it ideal for backpackers, long-distance travelers, and anyone heading to remote or less touristy regions. While activation can be slower due to queues and a Chinese-language setup, the network reliability is unmatched. If your itinerary includes countryside travel or smaller cities, China Mobile is the safest bet for staying connected.
6. China Telecom SIM – Best for Speed and Business Use
China Telecom is known for its fast and stable network, particularly in large cities. Tourist plans typically include around 10GB of data plus calls for 30 days, priced at approximately $27. It offers some of the fastest 5G speeds in urban business districts, making it popular with business travelers and digital nomads. Compatibility with foreign phones can be slightly more limited than Unicom, so checking device support is important. For professionals who value speed and reliability over budget pricing, China Telecom is a strong option.
7. SimOptions – Best for Flexible Online Purchase
SimOptions is an online marketplace that offers both SIM cards and eSIMs using local Chinese networks. Prices usually range from $15 to $30, depending on data volume and duration. The key advantage is flexibility; you can compare plans, choose your preferred network, and purchase everything online before departure. Coverage is generally good nationwide, especially in cities. SimOptions is well-suited for travelers who want control over their data plan without visiting a store in China, and it’s a solid middle-ground between global eSIMs and local SIM cards.
8. Nomad – Best Budget eSIM
Nomad is an excellent budget-friendly eSIM option for China, operating on the China Unicom network. Plans range from 5GB to 20GB for 30 days, with prices as low as $4 to $15, making it one of the cheapest options available. Coverage is strongest in cities, with reliable 4G and some 5G access. Nomad is easy to activate via QR code and works well for essential tasks like navigation and messaging. For travelers who want to spend as little as possible while staying connected, Nomad offers outstanding value.
9. aloSIM – Best for Longer Stays
aloSIM is designed for travelers staying in China longer than a quick visit. Running on the China Mobile network, it offers 10GB or more of data starting from around $5, depending on region and duration. Coverage is solid in urban areas and many surrounding regions, making it suitable for extended city stays. Activation is simple, and plans are competitively priced for longer usage periods. While it may not be as well-known as Airalo or Holafly, aloSIM is a cost-effective choice for digital nomads or extended tourists.
10. GigSky – Best for Flexible Data Needs
GigSky offers flexible data plans for China, ranging from 1GB to unlimited options, starting at $5 and up. It uses the China Mobile network, providing strong coverage in urban areas. GigSky is ideal for travelers who want to customize their data usage or top up as needed during their trip. Activation is straightforward through the GigSky app, and customer support is available in English. While rural coverage may be less consistent than a local SIM, GigSky is a convenient choice for short stays and flexible travel plans.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best China SIM Card
For short urban trips, eSIMs like Airalo or Holafly offer unmatched convenience. If you’re traveling across multiple cities or rural regions, ZetSIM or China Mobile prepaid SIMs provide better coverage. Budget travelers can stay under $20 with Nomad or a China Unicom local SIM. No matter which option you choose, pairing your SIM or eSIM with a reliable VPN such as Astrill is essential for accessing Google, Instagram, and other blocked services while traveling in China.