By the RoamMelb team · 6 Nov 2026

China eSIM: what to know before you fly

Heading to mainland China to see family, for business or a holiday? A China eSIM gets you online the moment you land, with no airport queue and no SIM card to swap. Here is what matters, starting with the one step people most often get wrong.

Why use an eSIM for China?

• No ID registration. RoamMelb eSIMs are data-only, so there is no phone number and no real-name registration.
• Keep your Australian number. Your main SIM stays in the phone, so bank SMS codes and calls still reach you.
• The timer starts when you land. Install days early; validity only starts when the eSIM first connects in China.
• Instant delivery. The QR code arrives by email right after payment.

Which China plan should I choose?

• 7 days · 1 GB
  Messaging, maps and the odd video call on a short trip.
  View plan →
• 7 days · Unlimited
  A one-week trip, with heavier use like video calls and social media.
  View plan →
• 30 days · 5 GB
  A longer stay where you are mostly on Wi-Fi at home or the hotel.
  View plan →
• 30 days · Unlimited
  Longer stays, such as visiting family over the holidays.
  View plan →

Unlimited plans include 3 GB of high-speed data per day, then continue at around 1 Mbps. There are 12 China plans in total, from 3 to 30 days. Prices are shown in the shop, where you can switch to AUD.

Do Google, WhatsApp and WeChat work in China?

Yes. WeChat, Alipay and other local apps work as normal. Because this is a roaming eSIM, your connection exits through a Hong Kong or Singapore network, so Google (Gmail, Maps, YouTube), WhatsApp and Instagram work too, with no VPN needed. One exception: some AI services do not accept Hong Kong IP addresses, so they may not work when your connection goes through Hong Kong.

How to install

The QR code is emailed to you. Show it on a second device (another phone, a tablet or a computer) and scan it with the phone you are installing on. Choose Data Only, then turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM when you arrive.

Step-by-step iPhone guide with screenshots →

Before you go: checklist

• Your phone supports eSIM. Phones bought in mainland China or Hong Kong often do not, even if the same model sold in Australia does.
• The eSIM is installed while you are still in Australia, on Wi-Fi.
• Data Roaming for your Australian SIM is off, to avoid roaming charges.
• Offline maps and important documents are downloaded.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the China eSIM after I arrive in China?

It is not recommended. The eSIM download can be blocked inside mainland China, so installation may fail. Install it in Australia before you leave.

Do I need to register my ID?

No. RoamMelb eSIMs are data-only, with no phone number, so no ID registration is required.

When does the validity start?

When the eSIM first connects to a network in China, not when you buy or install it.

Is the unlimited plan really unlimited?

Unlimited plans include 3 GB of high-speed data per day. After that, data continues at around 1 Mbps for the rest of the day.

Do I need a VPN for Google and WhatsApp in China?

No. The roaming connection exits through Hong Kong or Singapore, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN. Some AI services do not accept Hong Kong IP addresses.

Can I keep using my Australian number?

Yes. Your Australian SIM stays in the phone, so you can still receive calls and SMS codes. Just keep data roaming off on that SIM.