Pre-departure checklist: important for China

• Install over Wi-Fi before flying. Do not wait until you land in China to install your eSIM — you need a reliable internet connection for the download, and airport networks can be unreliable.
• Phone must be carrier-unlocked. Locked phones cannot use third-party eSIM plans. Contact your home carrier to unlock if needed before departure.
• Download offline maps. Apps like Baidu Maps have offline download options. This is critical for China as Google Maps is not accessible on mainland Chinese networks.
• Do not delete the eSIM profile. Once installed, do not remove the profile from your phone — re-issuance may require contacting support before your trip.
• Troubleshooting on arrival: If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, or restart. Confirm that Data and Data Roaming are turned on for the ETravelSim line specifically.

Compatible devices for the China eSIM

ETravelSim's China eSIM works with all eSIM-compatible smartphones that are carrier-unlocked. The quickest way to verify is to dial *#06#  if an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM.

Note on China-sold iPhones: iPhones sold through official channels in mainland China have historically had eSIM functionality disabled in some models due to local regulations. If you purchased your iPhone in China, verify eSIM support before buying. iPhones purchased outside mainland China generally support eSIM without restriction. ETravelSim's device compatibility checker can help confirm before purchase.

Tips for using your China eSIM effectively

Choosing the right data plan

Here's a practical guide to matching plan size to your China travel style:

• 1–2 GB / 30 days — Mostly on hotel Wi-Fi, just need mobile data for maps and WeChat occasionally
• 5 GB / 30 days — Week-long trip with moderate daily navigation, messaging, light social media
• 10–20 GB / 30 days — Two-week trip, heavy Baidu Maps, WeChat video calls, photo uploads, regular browsing
• 50 GB / 30 days — Extended stay, hotspot sharing needed, streaming content
• Unlimited / 7–30 days — No data budgeting, remote work, video conferencing, or heavy multi-app use throughout the day

Essential apps to set up before you land

With your ETravelSim China eSIM in hand, these apps will cover your daily needs in mainland China. Download and configure them all before departure while you have unrestricted internet access:

• Baidu Maps — the essential navigation app for mainland China, with offline map download support
• WeChat — messaging, payments, mini-programs, and more — used for virtually everything in China
• Alipay — mobile payments; set up your foreign card before arrival as the process can be slow in China
• DiDi — ride-hailing, the Chinese equivalent of Uber; set up your account and payment before arrival
• Google Translate — download the Chinese offline language pack; the camera translation feature is invaluable for menus and signs

Using your eSIM in dual-SIM mode

In dual-SIM mode, explicitly set ETravelSim as the default data line in your phone's settings.

This is the single most common cause of connectivity issues — the phone defaults to the primary SIM for data, which then attempts (and fails, or charges roaming fees) to use your home carrier instead of the eSIM.

Purchasing from outside China

ETravelSim allows you to purchase and install your China eSIM from any country in the world before your trip.

Travelers from Germany, Malaysia, India, the UK, and Australia consistently note that buying in advance and installing at home makes the arrival experience in China dramatically smoother. There's no time lost, no language barrier at a SIM counter, and no waiting.

Checking your data balance

Log into your ETravelSim account at etravelsim.com and click "View Balance" against your order number to see remaining data.

 If you're running low mid-trip, top-up options are available directly on the website, or email support@etravelsim.com with your order number for assistance.