eSIM & Internet for Hangzhou Travel

eSIM Comparison Table

Here is how the major eSIM providers compare for China travel. All travel eSIMs bypass the Great Firewall because they operate as international roaming connections — the key differences are price, data allowance, and network speed.

Provider	Plan	Data	Duration	Price	GFW Bypass	Best For
Airalo	China (China Unicom)	1-20 GB	7-30 days	$4-40	✓	Budget, reliable
Nomad	China	1-20 GB	7-30 days	$4-25	✓	Best value
Saily	China	1-20 GB	7-30 days	$4.49-46	✓	Cheapest entry
Holafly	China	Unlimited	5-90 days	$19-64+	✓	Unlimited data

How eSIMs Bypass the Great Firewall

The most important thing to understand about travel eSIMs for China: all travel eSIMs bypass the Great Firewall, including plans labeled "China" that connect to Chinese carriers like China Unicom or China Mobile.

Here is why: travel eSIMs operate as international roaming connections. When your phone connects to a Chinese tower via a travel eSIM, the data is tunneled back through the eSIM provider's international network (in Singapore, Hong Kong, the US, etc.) before reaching the internet. The GFW only inspects traffic on local Chinese internet connections — roaming traffic is exempt. So whether you buy Airalo's "China" plan or a "Hong Kong & Global" plan, you get the same GFW bypass.

This means you do not need to pay extra for "Hong Kong routing" or "APAC" plans just to access Google. A standard "China" eSIM plan works perfectly. The only real differences between plans are price, data allowance, and which Chinese carrier they partner with (affecting signal strength in remote areas).

How to Install an eSIM: 4 Steps

Physical SIM Cards — And Why You Need One

If your phone does not support eSIM, a physical Chinese SIM card is your alternative. But even if you have an eSIM, we strongly recommend also getting a cheap Chinese SIM card for the phone number alone. Here is why:

• App registration requires a phone number — Didi, Meituan, Dianping, 12306, and most Chinese services have no email sign-up option. A Chinese phone number is mandatory.
• Alipay and WeChat verification — While foreign numbers work, SMS delivery can be unreliable or delayed. A Chinese number ensures instant verification codes.
• Food delivery — Meituan and Ele.me (the two main food delivery apps) require a Chinese phone number for both ordering and delivery driver communication.
• Shared bikes — Hellobike and Meituan Bike registration requires a Chinese phone number linked to real-name verification.

Where to buy a Chinese SIM card:

• Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport — China Unicom and China Mobile kiosks in the arrivals hall. Bring your passport. Tourist plans typically cost 100-200 RMB for 20GB/30 days, or 50-80 RMB for smaller data packages (1-5GB). This is the easiest option — do it right after you land.
• Official carrier stores — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have stores throughout Hangzhou. You will need your passport. Staff may not speak English; use a translation app.
• Online before travel — Sites like Klook and Trip.com sell China SIM cards delivered to your home before departure. These are pre-activated and more expensive but eliminate the airport hassle.

Important: A physical Chinese SIM means your data goes through the GFW. You will not be able to access Google, Instagram, etc. The SIM itself works for calls, texts, and local Chinese apps (Alipay, Didi, Dianping).

Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi devices (portable WiFi hotspots) are available for rent at Hangzhou airport and through online services like Klook. They cost approximately 30-50 RMB/day and provide WiFi for up to 5 devices. However, pocket WiFi in China has the same GFW limitation as local SIMs — all traffic goes through Chinese networks, so Google and blocked sites will not be accessible.

Pocket WiFi is best for groups traveling together who want to share one connection, or for travelers with locked phones that cannot use eSIM or foreign SIM cards. For solo travelers, an eSIM is cheaper and more convenient.

FAQ