eSIM for China
China at a glance
- Generations
- 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G
- Main carriers
- China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom
- Local eSIM
- Some local carriers issue eSIMs
- Calling code
- +86
In China, travel eSIMs connect to networks operated by China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, which support 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G technologies. The country's 5G infrastructure uses n78 (3.5GHz) and n79 (4.9GHz) bands alongside LTE frequencies including B1, B3, B8, and B41, ensuring broad coverage across major urban and developed areas.
For visitors, travel eSIM country plans are available and generally offer a more cost-effective and convenient option than roaming through your home carrier, which can be expensive in China. While some local carriers do issue eSIMs, a travel eSIM provides simpler setup for short stays. Travel eSIMs work on any modern eSIM-capable phone, regardless of local eSIM support, making them a practical choice for most travelers.
| Connectivity | As publicly reported |
|---|---|
| Network generations | 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| Main mobile networks (MNOs) | China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom |
| Key travel bands | B1(2100), B3(1800), B8(900), B41(2500), n78(3.5GHz), n79(4.9GHz), n28(700) |
| Local eSIM support | Some local carriers issue eSIMs |
| Region | Asia |
| Capital | Beijing |
| Calling code | +86 |
Travel eSIM or local SIM in China?
Home-carrier roaming is costly here; travel-eSIM country plans are available and generally cheaper and simpler than a local SIM for short stays. See the eSIM-vs-roaming view for this country →
Travel eSIM plans for China
Live plans and prices here are supplied by the eSIM provider feed (Airalo / Holafly / Saily) at publish time — not stored or estimated on this page. A travel eSIM works on almost any modern eSIM-capable phone regardless of whether local carriers issue eSIMs. Open the plan finder →
Frequently asked questions
Will a travel eSIM work in China?
How much does an eSIM for this country cost?
Full coverage & carriers → · eSIM vs roaming → · Look up another country →
Compiled from public-record telecom facts (the MNO roster, commercially-launched 3G/4G/5G generations, deployed travel-relevant bands and local-eSIM support) and verified June 2026; see the source we compile this country from. How we compile this. Plan prices are supplied by the eSIM provider feed at publish time, not stored here.