The DriftAsia eSIM plans for China shown on this page use China Unicom, China Mobile, China Telecom and offer 4G/5G depending on the plan. Check each plan for its exact network, data allowance, validity and price before choosing. Available plans are fully refundable within 30 days as long as the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination.
Vast 5G but the Great Firewall is the real issue; roaming eSIMs often bypass it.
Plan share by operator
Share of the eSIM plans we sell for China, by underlying operator.
- China Unicom49%
- China Mobile39%
- China Telecom12%
Network at a glance
China Unicom is the network most travellers lean on in China. 5G is live on at least one operator we carry, so newer phones can reach top speeds in covered areas. On our Mobile Speed Index it scores 82, placing it among the stronger networks in the region. Median data price has risen from $1.07 per GB in April 2026 to $1.25 in August 2026.
The operators behind our plans
Each network we carry in China, with who runs it and what generation it reaches.
Common questions
Which operator is best in China?
China Unicom offers the widest reach for most travellers. Vast 5G but the Great Firewall is the real issue; roaming eSIMs often bypass it. Our eSIM plans run on the strongest available network, so you do not have to choose a SIM at the counter.
Does China have 5G?
Yes. At least one operator we carry runs 5G, available mainly in larger cities and along major corridors. Older devices fall back to 4G automatically.
How much is a local SIM in China?
A tourist SIM bought on arrival typically runs $10-18. An eSIM skips the queue and the passport scan, and activates by QR code before you land.
How many operators power China eSIM plans?
We carry plans across 3 operators in China. The donut above shows how our catalogue splits between them.
How we read this
Plan share counts how many of the eSIM plans we sell for China run on each operator. It reflects catalogue depth, not subscriber market share. The top operator is the network we would hand a traveller who can pick only one.