Updated April 2026 · Prices and plans verified 2026
For American travellers visiting China, we recommend China Mobile with the China Mobile Tourist SIM plan. This gives you 20GB of data for ¥99 (~$14 USD) valid for 30 days. You can buy it at the airport on arrival or at any China Mobile store.
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western apps are blocked in China. NordVPN reliably bypasses the Great Firewall. Install before you arrive.
Get NordVPN →ExpressVPN is one of the most trusted VPNs for use in China. Works on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac.
Try ExpressVPN Free →| Carrier | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | Best coverage nationwide, 4G/5G | ¥99+ |
| China Unicom | Good in cities, some English support | ¥50+ |
| China Telecom | Good data speeds, tourist SIMs available | ¥49+ |
| eSIM (Airalo etc.) | Buy online before arrival, no local shop needed | $5+ |
eSIM availability for China: Yes. An eSIM lets you activate a Chinese data plan before you even board the plane. Services like Airalo and Holafly offer China eSIMs from around $5-15 that work on compatible iPhones and Android devices. This is the easiest option for American travellers.
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