Why I Chose an eSIM Mainland China for My Trip to China

Why I Chose an eSIM Mainland China for My Trip to China

Last year, I traveled solo to Beijing and Xi’an, and did a lot of research before going. In China, almost everything relies on apps — from ordering food to booking taxis and even entering tourist attractions. Without stable internet access, you’re basically lost.


I considered several options: international roaming was too expensive, local SIM cards required ID verification and long queues… Finally, I decided to try the eSIM Mainland China , and I’m so glad I did! Just scan a QR code, set it up before departure, and have internet as soon as you land — no need to switch physical SIM cards or worry about losing them.



Why I Recommend the eSIM Mainland China

An eSIM Mainland China is a digital SIM card designed specifically for travelers heading to mainland China. Unlike traditional SIMs, eSIMs are embedded directly into your phone and activated with a simple QR code scan.


I went with Chillaxsim mainly because they offer easy setup and reliable coverage across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Plus, their customer support responded super fast when I had questions before my trip. If you’re curious about how to install it, check out their eSIM installation guide , which helped me set everything up in under 5 minutes.



How I Prepared Before Flying to China

One of the best parts of using an eSIM Mainland China is that you can activate it before you leave home. This means as soon as I landed in Beijing, I already had internet access—which was a lifesaver when trying to navigate the airport and book my first hotel transfer.


Here’s what I did:


  1. Ordered online through the eSIM Mainland China product page two days before departure.
  2. Got the activation QR code via email within 30 minutes.
  3. Scanned the code on my iPhone and selected the new plan under Settings > Cellular.
  4. Double-checked compatibility with my phone using the device compatibility list .

And just like that, I was ready to go!



Real-Life Test: Using eSIM Mainland China in China

Let me tell you—it worked like magic.


From ordering food on Meituan (with help from Google Translate screenshots) to hailing a Didi ride without any issues, my eSIM Mainland China kept me connected the entire time. Even when I visited rural areas near the Great Wall, I still had enough signal to post stories and update my blog.


What surprised me most was how affordable it was compared to international roaming. With a 7-day unlimited data plan from Chillaxsim, I paid less than $15 USD and never had to worry about data limits again.



Frequently Asked Questions About Using an eSIM in Mainland China

Still unsure if an eSIM Mainland China is right for you? Here are some common questions I had before my trip:


Q1: Can I use an eSIM Mainland China on my iPhone or Android?

Yes! Most newer iPhones (iPhone XR and later) and Android devices (like Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models) support eSIM technology. Just make sure your carrier allows eSIM activation and that your phone isn’t locked.


Q2: Do I need a Chinese phone number?

Nope! Since you’re using an eSIM Mainland China for data only, you won’t get a local phone number. However, you’ll still be able to receive SMS verification codes from apps like WhatsApp, Alipay, and WeChat.


Q3: Can I keep my original phone number active?

Absolutely! You can switch between your primary line and the eSIM Mainland China easily. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and toggle between lines. Android users can do the same in Network & Internet settings.


Q4: Does the eSIM work in Hong Kong or Macau?

Not quite. The eSIM Mainland China works only in mainland China. If you're planning to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you'll need a separate plan like the China, Hong Kong, Macau eSIM , which covers all three regions.


Q5: What happens if I run out of data?

If you’re traveling longer than expected, you can easily top up your plan by visiting the eSIM Mainland China product page and selecting an extension package.



Ready to Try an eSIM Mainland China for Your Next China Trip?

Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Shanghai or hiking along the ancient city walls of Xi’an, having a reliable connection makes all the difference. Thanks to my eSIM Mainland China from Chillaxsim, I stayed connected without breaking the bank or losing my sanity.


So, if you're planning a trip to China anytime soon, I highly recommend giving an eSIM Mainland China a try. It’s quick, easy, and lets you focus on what really matters—making unforgettable memories.


👉 Click here to purchase your eSIM Mainland China now and get connected before you even board your flight.

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