In mainland China, the authorities control internet access, and the UK government lists Google, Facebook, YouTube and X among the services that are permanently blocked. An esim0 China eSIM uses a Chinese network for the signal, but your data reaches the internet through our supplier's network in Hong Kong or Singapore, depending on the plan. So in practice apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, Instagram and YouTube usually behave as they do on a connection in Hong Kong or Singapore, and the eSIM needs no extra app to work.
What official travel advice says about the internet in China
The UK government's travel advice for China, in its safety and security section, says:
- The Chinese authorities control internet access, and access can be limited around key political events and dates.
- Some services are permanently blocked, including Google, Facebook, YouTube and X. Other websites may sometimes be blocked.
- China's cybersecurity laws say that online products and services, for example VPNs, need a licence from the Chinese government.
- Cashless payments through smartphone apps such as WeChat or Alipay are almost universal. Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted.
The advice also asks travellers to stay informed and follow Chinese law. Read the current version before you travel, because it can change.
How an esim0 China eSIM connects
At the time of writing (September 2026), the China page lists three networks: China Mobile (5G), China Unicom (5G) and China Telecom (4G). 5G is not available everywhere. Most China plans use China Mobile. A few daily plans use China Unicom and China Telecom.
A travel eSIM is a roaming connection. The Chinese network provides the signal, but your data is carried to our supplier's gateway in another country, and it reaches the internet from there:
- China Mobile plans reach the internet through Hong Kong.
- China Unicom and China Telecom plans reach the internet through Singapore.
Each plan page shows this under "Your connection appears from". Websites and apps see an IP address in that country, not in mainland China. Your mobile data does not reach the internet inside mainland China, so in practice apps usually behave as they do on a connection in Hong Kong or Singapore. You do not need to install any other app for the eSIM to work.
This is a technical effect of roaming, not a permission. Chinese law applies to you whatever connection you use.
What this means for WhatsApp, Google, Instagram and YouTube
- WhatsApp. You keep your own number for WhatsApp, because the eSIM only adds a data line. On the eSIM's mobile data, WhatsApp usually behaves as it does on a connection in Hong Kong or Singapore.
- Google Maps, Gmail and Google Search. These usually load as they do in Hong Kong or Singapore. Google may show results, language and adverts for that country.
- Instagram, Facebook and X. These usually behave as on a connection in the exit country.
- YouTube and streaming. Videos usually play, but the catalogue is the one offered in the exit country. Some programmes that you can watch at home may not be available. Video also uses data quickly, so check your allowance.
We cannot promise how any single app will behave. Apps change, and some services are not offered in Hong Kong or Singapore at all.
Hotel and café Wi-Fi in China is different
The route through Hong Kong or Singapore applies only to the eSIM's mobile data. Wi-Fi in a hotel, café, airport or train station in mainland China is a local Chinese connection, so the blocks described in the UK travel advice apply to it. Google, YouTube and the other blocked services will usually not load on it.
This matters in two ways:
- If you connect your phone to hotel Wi-Fi, many phones use Wi-Fi first. Apps that were working on the eSIM may then stop. Turn Wi-Fi off when you want to use these apps on the eSIM.
- Your laptop on hotel Wi-Fi is also on a local connection. The eSIM plan page says that sharing the eSIM with a laptop depends on the plan's local network and on your phone, so it is not guaranteed. Contact us before you buy if you need it.
Side effects of a Hong Kong or Singapore connection
- Chinese apps. Apps such as WeChat, Alipay, taxi, delivery or ticket apps may see you as a user abroad. Some features may work differently or ask for extra verification. If a Chinese app needs a local connection, try it on hotel Wi-Fi.
- Search, language and adverts. Websites may show content for Hong Kong or Singapore, sometimes in a different language.
- Streaming and shops. Catalogues, prices and delivery options may follow the exit country.
- Banking and security checks. Your bank may see a login from Hong Kong or Singapore. Some banks ask for extra verification when you log in from a new country.
Data only: keep your home SIM for SMS codes
The eSIM is prepaid and data only. It has no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Your own SIM stays in the phone as a second line, with your number active for calls and messages. Verification codes sent by SMS, for example from your bank or when you log in to an app, go to your own number, so keep that line switched on. Keep data roaming off for your home SIM, so your own operator does not charge you for data.
Travel eSIM, local SIM or Wi-Fi in China
| esim0 China eSIM | Chinese SIM card | Hotel or café Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Bought online before you travel. QR code by email within minutes. | Bought after you land, from a shop. | On site, in each place. |
| Phone number | None. Data only. Your own number stays active. | A Chinese number. | None. |
| Where apps see you | Hong Kong or Singapore, depending on the plan. | Mainland China. | Mainland China. |
| Local filtering | Not in the mobile data path. | A local connection, so the blocks apply. | A local connection, so the blocks apply. |
| Your own SIM | Stays in the phone. The eSIM is a second line. | Replaces it, unless your phone takes two SIMs. | Not affected. |
Install the eSIM before you fly
Install at home, on a connection you trust. Your QR code arrives by email, and on a local connection in China an email service such as Gmail may not load. If you wait until you land, you may not be able to open the QR code.
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and must not be locked to an operator. See compatible devices.
- Choose a plan. Compare data, validity and the exit country on the China eSIM page. At the time of writing, plans range from 1 GB to 50 GB, with daily plans and fixed plans of 7 to 180 days. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes of payment, and it is also in your esim0 account.
- Install at home on Wi-Fi. Open the QR code on another screen and scan it. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. On Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager, then Add eSIM. On Google Pixel, go to Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs, then Add SIM. Name the new line "Travel". Step-by-step guides: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPad.
- Check when validity starts. The China page says the plan starts counting when the eSIM first connects to a network in China, and that an unused eSIM stays valid for up to 180 days. Check the activation rule of your plan on the plan page and on activate your eSIM before you install.
- When you land, select the eSIM for data. Set mobile data to the Travel line and turn on data roaming for that line only. Keep data roaming and automatic data switching off for your home SIM.
Do not remove the eSIM while it still has data or validity. Removing it is permanent, and the profile may not install a second time. Switching the line off is enough.
Travelling through Hong Kong or other countries in Asia
If your trip also includes Hong Kong, the Hong Kong covers it, and at the time of writing its plans reach the internet through Singapore. For several countries on one plan, the Asia eSIM covers 20 destinations, including China. Its exit country depends on the plan, so check the plan page.
If the eSIM does not connect
Check three things in this order. Mobile data must point to the esim0 line, not to your own SIM. Data roaming must be on for the esim0 line. The plan must have data left. If all three are correct, turn airplane mode on and off once. The APN is set automatically. If it still does not work, write to [email protected], 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the contact page. Please contact support before you delete the eSIM. The refund policy explains when a refund is possible. You must ask within 7 days of purchase, and there is no refund once the eSIM has been activated and used.
FAQ
Can I use WhatsApp in China with an esim0 eSIM?
You keep your own number for WhatsApp, because the eSIM only adds a data line. On the eSIM's mobile data, your traffic reaches the internet through Hong Kong or Singapore, so WhatsApp usually behaves as it does there. On hotel or café Wi-Fi in China, it usually does not.
Do I need a VPN app for the eSIM to work?
No. The eSIM works without any extra app. Install it, select it for mobile data and turn on data roaming for its line. We do not give advice about VPNs. The UK travel advice notes that under China's cybersecurity laws, online services such as VPNs need a licence from the Chinese government.
Why does Google show results for Hong Kong or Singapore?
Because your data reaches the internet through our supplier's gateway there, and websites see that IP address. The plan page shows the country under "Your connection appears from".
Will Chinese apps such as WeChat or Alipay work?
Many will, but some may treat you as a user abroad or ask for extra verification. If a Chinese app needs a local connection, try it on hotel Wi-Fi. Codes sent by SMS go to your own number, not to the eSIM.
Why did my apps stop working at the hotel?
Your phone probably switched to the hotel Wi-Fi, which is a local Chinese connection. Turn Wi-Fi off, check that mobile data is set to the esim0 line, and try again.
Does the eSIM give me a Chinese phone number?
No. The eSIM is prepaid and data only. It has no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Your own SIM stays in the phone for calls and messages.
