Best eSIM for China 2026: Holafly VPN (Code STEPHANDPETE)

The Great Firewall problem (and why most eSIMs don't help)

China blocks access to most Western websites and apps including:

Completely blocked:

Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Photos)
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
YouTube, Netflix, Spotify
New York Times, BBC, most Western news
Dropbox, OneDrive

Partially blocked or unreliable:

Gmail (web version sometimes works, app doesn't)
GitHub (intermittent)
Zoom (China version required)
Slack (unreliable)
Many VPN apps get blocked mid-trip

Important: Regular eSIMs don't bypass the Great Firewall

Buying a regular eSIM from Airalo, Ubigi, or other providers gives you Chinese mobile data, but you'll still be blocked from accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other Western services. You need either:

A separate VPN app (which might get blocked mid-trip), OR
Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN (works automatically, no app needed)

This is why Holafly China eSIM is different - the VPN functionality is built into the data connection itself, not a separate app that can be detected and blocked.

Why Holafly China eSIM is different (built-in VPN)

Holafly China eSIM includes VPN technology at the network level. This means:

How it works

Automatic VPN activation: Turn on your Holafly eSIM and you immediately have access to blocked services - no VPN app to download or configure
Can't be blocked mid-trip: Because the VPN is built into the network connection, China's firewall can't detect and block it like it does with VPN apps
No speed penalty: Unlike VPN apps that route all traffic through distant servers, Holafly's built-in VPN is optimized for China and maintains good speeds
Works with all apps: Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, work email - everything works exactly as it does at home

What you CAN do with Holafly China eSIM

Use Google Maps for navigation (critical in China)
Send WhatsApp messages and make video calls
Check Instagram, post photos, watch Stories
Access Gmail and work email normally
Upload photos to Google Photos or iCloud
Video calls via Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime

Browse any website including Western news
Use Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive
Watch YouTube videos
Access work VPNs and company systems
Hotspot to your laptop for work
Everything you normally do online

Quick save for China

Go to stephandpete.co/holafly
Select China and choose your plan length
Enter code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off
Install before your flight (2 minutes)
Land in China with Google, WhatsApp, Instagram all working immediately

Get Holafly China eSIM

Built-in VPN included. No separate VPN app needed.

Real usage: 3 trips testing Holafly in China

We've used Holafly China eSIM on three separate trips across different regions and use cases. Here's what actually happened:

Trip 1: One month across China (Heavy work usage)

Duration: 30 days
Regions: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin
Use case: Working remotely while traveling

What we tested:

Daily work video calls: Zoom meetings with US clients multiple times per week - quality was solid, occasional pixelation but never dropped a call
Hotspot to laptop: Used Holafly as primary internet by hotspotting to MacBook - faster and more reliable than most hotel WiFi
Large file uploads: Uploaded video files to Dropbox (2-5GB) - took time but worked reliably
Google services: Google Maps navigation daily, Gmail checking constantly, Google Photos backup running in background
Social media: Posted to Instagram Stories multiple times per day, WhatsApp video calls with family weekly

Result: Worked flawlessly for an entire month. Hotel WiFi was often slow or blocked Western services entirely, so Holafly hotspot became our primary connection. Better than hotel WiFi in 80% of accommodations.

Trip 2: Multi-country Asia route (Guangzhou → Xiamen → Taiwan → Vietnam)

Duration: 18 days total (6 days in mainland China)
Plan: Holafly Asia regional eSIM
Use case: Multi-destination trip testing seamless country transitions

What happened:

Guangzhou (2 days): VPN worked immediately upon landing, used for navigation and booking last-minute hotels
Xiamen (4 days): Explored Gulangyu Island and surrounding areas - solid coverage even on ferry and remote beaches
Taiwan transition: Flew to Taipei - eSIM automatically switched to Taiwan networks, VPN still worked for Chinese apps that are blocked in Taiwan
Vietnam transition: No configuration needed, just worked across all three countries

Result: The regional plan was perfect for multi-country trips. No need to buy separate eSIMs, no setup between countries. VPN functionality adjusted automatically based on what was needed in each country.

Trip 3: Remote Yunnan province (Off-the-beaten-path test)

Duration: 12 days
Regions: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Use case: Testing coverage in rural/mountainous areas

Coverage results:

Kunming: Excellent (major city, no surprises)
Dali Old Town: Full coverage including ancient city walls and Erhai Lake area
Lijiang Old Town: Worked everywhere including at night market and surrounding villages
Shangri-La (3,200m elevation): Strong signal in town, weaker in monastery areas but still functional
Tiger Leaping Gorge trail: Coverage at guesthouses and viewpoints, lost signal in deep gorge sections (expected)

Result: Impressed by coverage in remote Yunnan. Even small mountain towns had reliable service. Only lost coverage in the deepest parts of Tiger Leaping Gorge which is expected for any carrier. VPN worked consistently even in areas with weaker signal.

Photos by Hanson Lu, Hanny Naibaho, and Joshua Sortino on Unsplash

What actually works in China with Holafly eSIM

Here's the complete list of services we tested and confirmed working with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN:

Service	Works?	Notes from testing
Google Maps	✅ Yes	Essential for navigation - worked perfectly everywhere
Gmail	✅ Yes	Both app and web version worked without issues
WhatsApp	✅ Yes	Messages, voice calls, video calls all worked
Instagram	✅ Yes	Posted Stories daily, uploaded photos, watched Reels
Facebook	✅ Yes	Full access to feed, messaging, everything
YouTube	✅ Yes	Watched videos, uploaded content
Zoom	✅ Yes	Used for multiple work calls per week
Google Drive	✅ Yes	Accessed files, uploaded documents
Dropbox	✅ Yes	Uploaded large video files (slow but worked)
Slack	✅ Yes	Team communication worked reliably
Twitter/X	✅ Yes	Posted tweets, scrolled timeline
Netflix	✅ Yes	Streamed shows in hotel (quality depends on signal)
Spotify	✅ Yes	Streamed music while exploring cities
NY Times, BBC News	✅ Yes	Read news from blocked Western sources
Banking apps	✅ Yes	US banking apps worked (some require SMS 2FA from home number)

The only things that didn't work:

Chinese apps that specifically detect VPN usage (rare, didn't affect travel)
Some streaming services that block VPN IPs (like Hulu) - but Netflix worked fine

Hotspot for work & travel (yes, it actually works)

One of Holafly China eSIM's biggest advantages: hotspot/tethering is allowed and works reliably. Many eSIM providers either block hotspot entirely or severely limit it. Not Holafly.

Our hotspot usage during month-long China stay

Primary work connection: Hotspotted to MacBook for 4-6 hours most days
Video calls: Zoom meetings via hotspot worked better than most hotel WiFi
Large uploads: Uploaded 2-5GB video files to Dropbox via hotspot
Multiple devices: Shared connection with partner's laptop when needed
Hotel WiFi backup: When hotel WiFi was slow or blocked Western services (common), we just used hotspot

Why hotspot matters in China

Many Chinese hotels block VPN traffic on their WiFi networks or have very slow international connections. Having Holafly hotspot means you can work from your laptop with full access to Google, Dropbox, Slack, and everything else without fighting hotel WiFi restrictions.

Real example: Our Shanghai hotel WiFi was unusably slow for anything outside China (3-4 Mbps). Holafly hotspot gave us 15-20 Mbps consistently.

Hotspot speeds we measured

Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou): 15-30 Mbps download, 5-10 Mbps upload
Secondary cities (Chengdu, Xi'an, Xiamen): 10-20 Mbps download, 3-7 Mbps upload
Smaller towns (Dali, Lijiang): 5-15 Mbps download, 2-5 Mbps upload

These speeds are more than adequate for:

Video calls (requires 2-4 Mbps)
Cloud document editing
Uploading photos
Streaming music
General web browsing and work

Holafly vs other China eSIM options

Here's how Holafly China compares to other ways of staying connected:

Option	Access to blocked sites?	Hotspot allowed?	Setup complexity	Price (7 days)
Holafly China eSIM	✅ Yes (built-in VPN)	✅ Yes	Easy (2 min install)	~$27
Airalo China eSIM	❌ No (need separate VPN)	✅ Yes	Easy	~$11 for 3GB
Local China SIM card	❌ No (need separate VPN)	✅ Usually yes	Complex (passport, address, airport pickup)	~$15-25
Separate VPN app (ExpressVPN, etc)	⚠️ Sometimes (frequently blocked)	Depends on your data plan	Medium (requires setup, might not work)	$10-13/month
Portable WiFi device	❌ No (need separate VPN)	✅ Yes (that's its purpose)	Medium (device pickup/return)	$8-12/day

Why Holafly beats "regular eSIM + VPN app"

The common advice is "buy a cheap eSIM like Airalo and download a VPN app like ExpressVPN." Here's why that often fails:

VPN apps get blocked: China actively blocks VPN apps. What works today might be blocked tomorrow. We've seen travelers arrive with ExpressVPN only to find it won't connect.
VPN apps are detectable: China's Great Firewall can detect VPN app traffic patterns and block them. Holafly's built-in network-level VPN is much harder to detect.
Setup hassle: You need to download and configure the VPN app before arriving in China (many VPN websites are blocked in China). If something goes wrong, you're stuck.
Speed penalties: Most VPN apps route through distant servers (Hong Kong, Japan, US) which adds latency. Holafly's VPN is optimized for China with better routing.
Not cheaper once you add VPN: Airalo China ($11) + ExpressVPN ($13) = $24, only $3 less than Holafly ($27) but way more hassle and risk.

Our take: For trips under 30 days, Holafly China is the clear winner. Built-in VPN that just works, hotspot support, and zero setup hassle. The small price premium over "eSIM + VPN app" is worth it for the reliability and convenience.

City-by-city coverage in China

Holafly China eSIM connects to major Chinese networks (typically China Mobile or China Unicom). Here's what we experienced in different regions:

Major cities (Excellent coverage)

Beijing: Full 4G/5G everywhere including Forbidden City, Great Wall day trips, metro system
Shanghai: Excellent coverage across all districts, Bund, French Concession, Pudong
Guangzhou: Strong signal throughout city and surrounding areas
Shenzhen: Excellent (tech hub with best infrastructure)
Chengdu: Very good coverage in city and panda reserves
Xi'an: Solid coverage including Terracotta Warriors site

Tourist destinations (Good to excellent)

Guilin/Yangshuo: Good in towns, coverage along Li River cruise
Hangzhou: Excellent around West Lake and city areas
Suzhou: Very good including gardens and water towns
Xiamen: Excellent on main island and Gulangyu Island

Yunnan province (Good, tested extensively)

Kunming: Excellent (provincial capital)
Dali: Very good in old town and Erhai Lake area
Lijiang: Good coverage including old town and surrounding villages
Shangri-La: Solid in town (3,200m elevation), weaker in monastery areas
Tiger Leaping Gorge: Coverage at guesthouses, lost signal in deep gorge (expected)

Rural/remote areas (Variable)

Coverage depends heavily on specific location. Main highways and tourist routes generally have coverage. Very remote areas or national parks may have gaps, but this is true for any carrier in China.

Pro tip: Download offline Google Maps before heading to rural areas. Even with coverage, having offline maps ensures you can navigate if signal drops.

Holafly China eSIM pricing

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for different trip lengths. Prices are approximate - always check Holafly for current rates.

Trip length	Suggested plan	Example price*	Savings with STEPHANDPETE	Best for
3-5 days	China eSIM 5 days	$19	$0.95	Quick Beijing/Shanghai visit
7-10 days	China eSIM 7-10 days	$27-37	$1.35-1.85	Golden Route (Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai)
2 weeks	China eSIM 15 days	$47	$2.35	Extended China exploration
3-4 weeks	China eSIM 30 days	$69	$3.45	Remote work or deep travel
Multi-country Asia	Asia regional plan	$69	$3.45	China + Taiwan/Vietnam/Thailand

*Prices are approximate examples. Check Holafly for current rates. Code STEPHANDPETE saves 5%.

Which plan for different trip types

Business trip (3-7 days): China eSIM 5-7 days. Hotspot for laptop work, reliable video calls, access to Google services.

First-time tourist (7-14 days): China eSIM 7-15 days. Google Maps essential for navigation, WhatsApp to stay in touch with home.

Extended stay (30+ days): China eSIM 30 days or consider Holafly Plans subscription for flexibility if you're staying longer.

Multi-country Asia trip: Asia regional plan if you're combining China with Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, or other Asian countries. VPN adjusts automatically based on where you are.

How to install Holafly China eSIM

Go to stephandpete.co/holafly and select China
Choose your plan length and enter code STEPHANDPETE at checkout for 5% off
Holafly emails you a QR code within minutes
Before you fly to China, open your phone settings and scan the QR code to install the eSIM
Label it "China" or "Holafly" so you can identify it
When you land in China, switch your mobile data to the Holafly eSIM and enable data roaming
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked services work immediately - no VPN app needed

Critical: Install BEFORE flying to China

Many Google services and the Holafly website are blocked in China. Install your eSIM before your flight while you still have access to everything. Screenshot the QR code as backup.

Troubleshooting

VPN not working after landing? Toggle Airplane Mode off/on, make sure Holafly eSIM is selected for cellular data, and confirm data roaming is enabled.
Slow speeds? Holafly has fair use policies. After very heavy use (10+ GB in one day), speeds may slow. For typical travel use this rarely happens.
Hotspot not working? Check that hotspot is enabled in your phone's settings. Some phones require you to manually enable hotspot for eSIM lines.
Need help? Holafly has 24/7 chat support (accessible via their app or website even in China).

China eSIM FAQs

What is the best eSIM for China?

Holafly China eSIM is the best option because it includes built-in VPN to bypass the Great Firewall. You get automatic access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked Western services without downloading a separate VPN app. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.

Does Holafly work in China?

Yes, Holafly China eSIM works across all of China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and rural areas like Yunnan. The built-in VPN gives you access to blocked services like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram automatically.

How does Holafly bypass the Great Firewall?

Holafly China eSIM includes VPN technology built into the network connection itself, not as a separate app. This makes it much harder for China's firewall to detect and block compared to VPN apps like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

Can I use Google Maps in China with Holafly?

Yes. Google Maps works perfectly with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN. This is essential for navigation since most other map apps don't work as well for foreign travelers in China.

Does Holafly China allow hotspot?

Yes. Holafly China eSIM fully supports hotspot/tethering. We used it daily to work from our laptop, take video calls, and upload files. Hotspot speeds were consistently better than most hotel WiFi.

How much does Holafly China eSIM cost?

Holafly China eSIM starts at $19 for 5 days with unlimited data. The popular 7-day plan costs $27. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off. Plans include built-in VPN at no extra cost.

Is Holafly better than buying a local China SIM card?

Yes, for most travelers. Local SIM cards require passport registration, a Chinese address, and airport pickup. They also don't include VPN, so you still need a separate VPN app. Holafly is instant, includes VPN, and works immediately upon landing.

Can I use WhatsApp in China with Holafly?

Yes. WhatsApp (and WeChat for communicating with Chinese contacts) both work with Holafly China eSIM. Messages, voice calls, and video calls all function normally.

Does Holafly work for business travel in China?

Yes, Holafly China eSIM is excellent for business travel. You can take Zoom calls, access work email and corporate VPNs, use Google Drive/Dropbox, and hotspot to your laptop for full productivity. We used it for remote work throughout a month in China.

What's the Holafly discount code for China?

Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off any Holafly China eSIM plan. Enter it at checkout when purchasing your plan.

Can I use Netflix in China with Holafly?

Yes, Netflix works with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN. Streaming quality depends on your signal strength, but we successfully watched Netflix in hotels throughout China.

Does Holafly China work in Hong Kong and Macau?

Holafly has separate plans for Hong Kong and Macau. If you're visiting multiple locations, consider the Asia regional plan which covers mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other Asian countries with one eSIM.

Will my phone work in China?

Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology. iPhones XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy phones from 2020 onward work with eSIM. Check your phone settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" to verify eSIM support.

Should I buy Holafly before or after arriving in China?

Always buy and install Holafly BEFORE arriving in China. The Holafly website and many payment methods are blocked in China. Purchase it while you're still at home or in another country, install the eSIM before your flight, and it will work immediately when you land.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase Holafly using our link or code STEPHANDPETE, at no extra cost to you. We used Holafly China eSIM on three separate trips to China and only recommend products we actually use and trust. The built-in VPN feature genuinely made our China travels significantly easier.

Best eSIM for China 2026: Holafly with Built-In VPN (Code STEPHANDPETE)

Quick Answers