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eSIM / roaming
As of September 2026 · app interfaces and menu names may change
There are three ways: roaming on your home tariff, a travel eSIM for China or a Chinese SIM card on site. For most travellers a travel eSIM is the most convenient way — your home SIM stays active for texts, for example for your bank's codes.
⚠ China isn't part of EU roaming. Data roaming on your home tariff can get very expensive without a suitable package. Check with your provider before departure or switch off data roaming on your home SIM.
What you need
- A phone that supports eSIM and isn't locked to a provider (check in the settings)
- Wi-Fi for installation
- Your travel details: duration and approximate data needs
Step by step
Step 1 — Check your phone
- In the settings under “Mobile” or “SIM”, check whether “Add eSIM” is offered.
- If in doubt, ask the manufacturer or your mobile provider.
SCREENSHOT 01 — Settings – eSIMPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 2 — Choose and buy a travel eSIM
- Choose an eSIM for China or mainland China with enough data for the whole trip.
- Read the description: validity, data volume and how the provider routes the connection.
- Buy it — you'll receive a QR code or an installation via app.
Many travel eSIMs route data via servers outside mainland China. Which services are then reachable depends on the provider — there's no guarantee.
SCREENSHOT 02 — eSIM offer for ChinaPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 3 — Install at home
- Scan the QR code on Wi-Fi or use the provider's app.
- Name the eSIM, e.g. “China”.
- Leave the eSIM installed but don't use it for data yet.
- Never delete the eSIM — reinstalling is often not possible.
SCREENSHOT 03 — eSIM installedPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 4 — Switch it on after landing
- Switch mobile data to the China eSIM.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM — without it the eSIM often doesn't work.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, but switch off its mobile data.
- Test: open a website, start Alipay.
SCREENSHOT 04 — Mobile data – eSIM selectedPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Typical pitfalls
| No connection after landing | Data roaming for the eSIM on? Mobile data set to the right SIM? Restart the phone once. |
| High bill from home | Switch off your home SIM's mobile data before you land. |
| eSIM accidentally deleted | Contact the provider — that's why you should plan a backup solution (e.g. a daily roaming package). |
| Bank text doesn't arrive | Your home SIM must stay active for texts. |
Video
🎬 Video to follow — a tested tutorial video will appear here.
Quick checklist before departure
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