China eSIM, local SIM or roaming: choose your connection before you travel

Start with the number you need

Data lets you load maps, translate text and use connected apps. It does not automatically give you a telephone number for ordinary calls or SMS. Airalo's current China page lists data-only packages, including fixed-data and unlimited options. Treat those as a data connection, not a replacement for the number linked to your bank. Airalo China plans.

Keep these needs separate when comparing the options:

Apple advises checking your home plan's roaming coverage or travel passes before departure. For a local SIM, China's Ministry of Commerce says foreign visitors can take their passport to an operator's service branch to arrange service. Ask for the package's number, call allowance, data limit and cancellation conditions together. Apple's travel guidance, MOFCOM guide, section 7.2.1.

Illustrative example: you want maps during a week in Shanghai, while your bank sends codes to your home number. A data eSIM may cover the maps. You still need a separate plan for receiving those codes, including your home carrier's roaming terms. Buying more data will not fix a missing SMS connection.

1. Check the exact phone before choosing an eSIM

Check the model and the country where you bought it. Regional versions can differ, and a phone with eSIM support can still be locked to its original carrier.

On an iPhone, open Settings, then General, then About. Under Carrier Lock, look for "No SIM Restrictions". Ask your carrier about unlocking if that message is absent. Apple's eSIM travel guidance.

For Android, use Airalo's device compatibility information and the instructions for your model. Do this while you can still ask your carrier or phone maker for help. Airalo requires both eSIM support and an unlocked device. Airalo's Android setup guidance.

2. Match an Airalo package to the whole trip

Start with Airalo's China packages. Check that every destination is covered if you also visit Hong Kong or Macao. Do not assume a plan named China includes each stop.

Before checkout, read the package details for its data allowance, validity, activation rule, speed policy and top-up availability. If you need to connect a laptop, also check tethering or hotspot conditions. "Unlimited" is a reason to read the speed policy closely, especially if you expect to watch videos or make long video calls.

Choose the allowance around your own habits. Someone opening maps and messages has a different need from someone streaming on a train. Save large downloads before departure, and decide whether to pause automatic photo backups on mobile data.

Check the refund method too. Airalo's current help page says eligible refunds for a wrong purchase or changed plans are available as Airmoney credit. They are not automatically cash refunds to your bank card. Other eligible problem categories can offer a refund to the original payment method. Airalo's refund guidance.

3. Apply the referral code before paying

Use ROY2841 for US$3 off a qualifying first Airalo purchase. Hi China receives US$3 in Airmoney credit after that purchase. Airalo confirms these US-dollar amounts in its referral explanation; the store may display the offer in another currency. Check the displayed discount at checkout. Airalo's referral programme.

At checkout, open "Use Airmoney or code". In the app, enter the code and apply it. On the website, select the code option, enter ROY2841 and redeem it. Confirm the discount appears before completing payment. Airalo allows one discount method per purchase, so a referral code cannot be combined with Airmoney in the same order. Airalo's redemption instructions.

4. Install while you have a reliable connection

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Activation starts the package's validity. Airalo says most packages start when they connect to a supported network, but some start at installation. Read your purchased package's rule before proceeding.

1. Open Airalo's "My eSIMs", select your purchase and open its details.
2. Follow its installation option. Depending on the device, Airalo offers direct installation, a QR code or manual details.
3. Give the line a clear name, such as China travel.
4. Save the order reference and connection instructions somewhere you can open offline.

Airalo's illustrated instructions vary by device and app version. Follow the purchased eSIM's own prompts if its screens differ from a guide. Airalo's installation guidance.

5. Connect after arrival

Turn on the travel line, select it for mobile data and follow Airalo's network instructions. Use only the APN settings supplied for that eSIM; an APN is the connection setting your phone uses to reach mobile data.

Enable data roaming if the package requires it. On iPhone, roaming can be set for each line. Keep home-line data roaming off. On Android, a roaming setting may affect all active SIMs; turn off the home SIM if you cannot isolate it. Keeping a home line active for calls or messages can still involve carrier charges. Airalo's connection troubleshooting, Apple's travel guidance.

Briefly turn off Wi-Fi and open a webpage. This is a useful check that the travel line, rather than airport Wi-Fi, is supplying data.

Will YouTube work?

Airalo says its packages with China coverage route mobile data outside mainland China and allow access to services such as YouTube without a separate VPN. That is the provider's claim. Hi China has not field-tested the connection.

The claim applies to Airalo mobile data. Joining hotel or café Wi-Fi changes the connection you are using. Availability and video quality also depend on the service, network conditions and your package's limits. Airalo's China internet explanation.

If you have no internet

Check that you are inside the coverage area, the travel line is selected for data, airplane mode is off, and the package has usable data and validity remaining. Then compare roaming, APN and network selection with Airalo's instructions. Contact support if these checks do not restore service. Airalo troubleshooting.

Do not delete an eSIM as your first fix. Airalo says reinstallation is generally unavailable, though its app may offer recovery for some deleted eSIMs. Airalo removal and recovery guidance.

Before departure, finish one practical task: write down which line will provide data and which number will receive bank codes. Then follow our Alipay setup guide while both are still easy to manage at home.

Main references: Airalo package details, Apple travel setup, Airalo troubleshooting.

Sources checked 12 September 2026.