eSIM for China
Prepaid data on local China networks. Install before you fly and land already connected.
- Dial code
- +86
- Time zone
- Shanghai
- Languages
- Mandarin
from $4
Plans for China
Pick a data amount and validity window. Every plan can be topped up mid-trip.
Validity
Data
1 GB data
valid 7 days
2 GB data
valid 15 days
Most popular
3 GB data
valid 30 days
Unlimited data
valid 3 days
Choose this plan$11.50
5 GB data
valid 30 days
Unlimited data
valid 5 days
10 GB data
valid 30 days
Unlimited data
valid 7 days
Unlimited data
valid 10 days
Best value per GB
20 GB data
valid 30 days
Unlimited data
valid 15 days
Unlimited data
valid 30 days
Networks in China
Your eSIM connects automatically to a partner network. If speeds disappoint, select a different one manually in your carrier settings.
- China Unicom
What to know about connectivity in China
Roaming cost comparison
Pay-as-you-go roaming in China costs around $1000.45 per GB through a typical US carrier. A Jelly eSIM starts at $4 with prepaid data included.
Carrier roaming voice calls run about $2.30 per minute on top.
How to dial China
- International format
- +XX XXX XXXX XXXX
- Local format
- XXX XXXX XXXX
- Subscriber digits
- 11
Time zone
Shanghai
Available network speeds
Best value
The lowest cost-per-GB plan works out to $2 per GB, a useful benchmark when comparing plans.
How much data do I need in China?
Suggested plans by trip length, based on the available packages for this destination.
| Trip length | Data | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend (3 days) | Unlimited | $19 | - |
| One week | Unlimited | $35 | - |
| Two weeks | 2 GB | $7.50 | $3.75 |
| One month | 5 GB | $15.50 | $3.10 |
Why use an eSIM in China
- Cheaper than roaming
- Carrier roaming bills a daily fee whether you use data or not. A prepaid plan bills once, upfront.
- Working the moment you land
- No hunting for a shop, no passport registration, no airport queue at midnight.
- Your number stays yours
- Dual SIM keeps calls, texts, and WhatsApp on your home line while data rides on Jelly.
Getting online in China
Buy a plan and scan the QR code from your email while you still have Wi-Fi.
Land in China, switch the Jelly line on, and set it as your data line.
Turn off data roaming on your home line so your carrier cannot bill you.
China eSIM questions
When does my China plan start counting?
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in China, not when you buy it. Installing early costs you nothing.
Can I make calls in China?
Jelly plans are data plans. Calls work over WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any app you already use, and your home number stays reachable on your other SIM.
Can I tether a laptop in China?
Yes on most compatible phones. Tethering uses data quickly, so pick a larger plan if a laptop is coming with you.
What if I run out of data in China?
Top up from your dashboard. The top up applies to the eSIM already installed, so there is nothing new to scan.
Nearby destinations
Travelers heading to China often add these.
Visiting more than China?
A regional plan covers multiple countries on one eSIM.