Best eSIM for China with VPN: My Experience | 2026

Before traveling to China, I was a bit worried about how I’d get around, as I’ve heard that many apps I usually use are not available, everything is in Chinese, and most people don’t speak English.

I had a two-day layover in Shanghai on my recent trip, and I wanted the easiest, least stressful way to get online, without dealing with local SIM cards, VPN setup, or airport queues.

So before flying, I set up a Holafly eSIM. And honestly? I didn’t even notice there was anything different about the internet in China.

In this post, I’ll share exactly why I chose an eSIM, how it performed, and whether it’s worth it for your own trip.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through a link. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

For short trips, stopovers, or even longer stays where convenience matters more than finding the cheapest option, eSIMs make a lot of sense in China.

The best part is that I didn’t even take out cash once during my two-day stay in Shanghai. Everything from coffee to metro rides was paid via Alipay, and my internet worked perfectly from the moment I landed. 

Why you need a VPN in China (Even for a Short Stay)

If you’ve ever Googled “internet in China,” you already know about the Great Firewall. Many of the apps and websites I use daily are blocked. That includes Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and many Western news sites.

I’m not a VPN expert, but I’ve read that many VPN websites are blocked in China to begin with, and other VPN apps don’t work reliably once you’re inside the country. If you don’t prepare in advance, you may find yourself completely cut off.

For me, staying connected to my usual apps was non-negotiable. I wanted to check emails, message friends, and browse social media.

That’s one of the main reasons I chose an eSIM that already included VPN functionality.

With Holafly, I didn’t have to install or configure a separate VPN app. International apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Gmail worked normally, exactly like they do outside China.

This was especially helpful during my short stay. I didn’t want to waste time getting a VPN and a SIM card.

If you rely on international apps for work, navigation, or staying in touch, having a VPN-enabled connection in China isn’t optional. It’s essential.

👉It’s worth checking Holafly’s China plans before your trip to see which option fits your stay, especially if you’re only visiting for a few days and need a simple solution.

Local SIM vs eSIM for China

I often use a local SIM card, especially when spending a long time in the country, like when I was backpacking in Thailand or Vietnam. That’s why I considered getting a local SIM card in China, but it turns out they might not be the best option.

First, buying a local SIM usually requires passport registration and sometimes a visit to an official store. That’s time-consuming and not ideal if you’re only in the country for a couple of days.

Second, and more importantly, a local SIM does not bypass internet restrictions. Without a separate VPN, you’ll still be blocked from most international apps and websites. That means more setup, more apps, and more things that can go wrong.

An eSIM, on the other hand, is:

• Purchased online
• Installed in minutes
• Ready to use as soon as you land

For me, the simplicity was worth it. I wanted one solution that covered internet access and VPN functionality without extra effort.

👉Curious about pricing? Check how much a Holafly eSIM for China would cost for your specific travel dates! It only takes a minute and helps you plan ahead.

Installing Holafly eSIM

Installing the Holafly eSIM was quick and straightforward. After purchasing the plan online, I received a QR code by email. I downloaded the Holafly app, opened the link, followed a few on-screen steps, and the eSIM was installed in under five minutes.

I activated it when I landed in Shanghai, and once I switched it on, I was connected almost immediately. No signal issues, no slow speeds, and no settings to adjust.

Keep in mind that you should have everything set up before taking the flight. The only step you need to take when you land in China is activating the eSIM on your phone.

My friend didn’t do the setup before landing, and he had to wait until he came to the hotel because the app uses the internet to set up the eSIM. Getting data at the airport was so complicated and required a dozen steps, including registering your passport.

Oh, and the best part? With the package I got, there were no data limitations! You know there’s nothing worse than running out of data in a foreign country.

Over the two days I was there, I used my phone constantly:

• Navigating the city
• Paying with Alipay
• Booking rides
• Browsing social media
• Streaming YouTube at my hotel

Honestly, the best part was how normal the experience felt. Despite being in China, I could use both international and Chinese apps without thinking about restrictions or workarounds.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for China that actually delivers on ease of use, this setup made my entire layover stress-free.

Apps you need in China

I didn’t download a ton of new apps for China, but a few were quite useful.

Alipay 

If you download one app in China, it should be Alipay. I didn’t use cash once. From small cafés to restaurants and public transport, everything accepted Alipay. As long as your account is set up before you arrive, it makes moving around China incredibly smooth. Honestly, my phone felt more important than my wallet.

WeChat 

I didn’t actually download WeChat, but I was asked several times by locals if I had it, so I’d say it’s still worth having, even for a short stay. It’s widely used for messaging, and sometimes it comes up when dealing with local services or accommodations.

DiDi 

DiDi is basically China’s version of Uber, and while you could get a separate app, I actually used it inside Alipay. Booking rides was easy, prices were clear, and it saved me a lot of time, especially when I didn’t feel like navigating public transport. Having reliable internet made DiDi completely stress-free.

Amap

Amap (Gaode Maps) was another app I found really useful in China. It’s essentially the local version of Google Maps, and it works much better for walking directions, public transport, and finding nearby places. Even though it’s mostly in Chinese, it’s still surprisingly intuitive.

Holafly

And of course, Holafly was what made all of this possible in the first place. Without stable internet and VPN access, apps like Alipay, WeChat, and DiDi would have been far less convenient. It quietly did its job in the background and kept everything running smoothly.

Conclusion: Do You Need an eSIM in China

After my Shanghai layover, my answer is a clear yes.

You need data in China, and you can’t count on catching free wifi in cafes or on the street. Being connected affects everything: how you pay, how you get around, how you communicate, and even how much you enjoy the experience.

Using an eSIM made my layover feel effortless. I didn’t think about blocked apps, VPNs, or SIM cards. I just enjoyed being there, even if it was only for a short time.

If you’re heading to China and want the best eSIM for China, my experience with Holafly was exactly what I needed: simple, reliable, and stress-free.

📱➡️ Get your Holafly eSIM hereand have internet on your phone as soon as you land!