The Cheapest eSIMs for China with International Calls: All That You Need to Know

eSIMs offer numerous advantages to many people. But if there’s one group that benefits the most from eSIMs, it’s tourists. eSIMs perfectly counter all the hassles the average tourist faces during their trips. Like, they don’t have to wait outside an airport store to buy a SIM card.

Or, carefully hold on to that SIM ejector tool that is totally not small and not easy to lose. Plus, eSIMs offer high-speed data that can be used immediately after the tourist reaches the destination. Benefits aside, there are certain aspects of eSIMs that might confuse tourists, especially those who’re travelling to China.

We considered China as an example because of the tight restrictions surrounding eSIMs and, of course, the Great Firewall. So, to clear things up, we’ve compiled a handful of questions related to one of the cheapest eSIMs for China with international calling, which is the Lyca Mobile eSIM for China. Continue reading!

Why Choose a Cheap eSIM for China with International Calling?

Choosing a cheap eSIM for China with international calling is one of the smartest moves a traveller can make. With an eSIM, the traveller not only gets reliable connectivity, but also gets to avoid the inconvenience related to physical SIM cards. 

Picking an eSIM for China is a much better option than buying a SIM card from a local operator. And it’s not just because of the convenience factor. 

Relying on a physical SIM card in China means losing access to a lot of websites. From search engines like Google, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo, to video streaming sites like YouTube and Netflix, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), a lot of popular (and quite useful!) websites are blocked. They cannot be accessed by VPNs either, because guess what, popular VPNs are banned as well. 

A Lyca Mobile eSIM tackles all this blocking. After activation in the UK, the eSIM can be used immediately after landing in China. Tourists don’t need a VPN to access the blocked websites as well. 

And the international calling benefits included with Lyca Mobile’s Pay Monthly SIM and Pay as you go SIM? That’s just a bonus!

Do International eSIMs Work in China?

Yes, international eSIMs work flawlessly in China.

As mentioned earlier, most Chinese cellular operators don’t sell eSIMs to tourists. So, an international eSIM is the best option for tourists, not just to stay connected, but also to access all the blocked websites.

International eSIMs connect to local networks, but the data is routed through servers outside China. This makes it easy to bypass the Great Firewall and use the internet without restrictions.

Also, China has an excellent 5G network. So, tourists with a 5G-compatible device will enjoy exceptional upload and download speeds.

Can I Get an eSIM for China with a Phone Number?

Yes, you can get an eSIM for China with a phone number. When you buy a Lyca Mobile eSIM for China, you also get a UK mobile number. This number comes with UK calling and texting benefits, high-speed 5G data allocation, dedicated international minutes and roaming data. 

And yes, unlike travel eSIMs that offer only data, the Lyca Mobile eSIM for China can make or receive calls. 

Is it Illegal to Use an eSIM in China?

No, it isn’t illegal to use an eSIM in China. That said, the Chinese government has laid strict security measures and registration regulations. This is also a reason why phones sold in mainland China don’t offer eSIM support. 

People can, however, buy an eSIM from outside China and use it without any issues in China. Lyca Mobile eSIMs, once activated in the UK, can be used in all destinations mentioned in the benefits, including China. 

How Much Does a China eSIM Cost?

You can get an eSIM for China for as low as £5 from Lyca Mobile. Along with roaming data to power your apps, this China eSIM also includes unlimited UK calls and texts and 5G data allocation. This makes it one of the cheapest eSIMs for China with international calling. 

Another cool feature of Lyca Mobile’s China eSIM is that users can start using all the benefits included the moment they land in China. They just have to activate the eSIM in the UK before they board their flight. 

Is My Phone Compatible with a China eSIM?

Yes. If your smartphone was purchased recently, then it supports eSIMs. 

Here is an easy way to check whether a mobile device is compatible with eSIMs. Open the Phone app and dial *#06#. This code is used to display a mobile device’s IMEI code. On mobile devices with eSIMs, the code also displays an EID (embedded identity document), which is unique to eSIMs, along with the IMEI. 

Another method to check for eSIM compatibility is through the Settings app. If you can find the Add eSIM option inside SIM Manager (Android), Network & Internet (Android) or Mobile Service (iOS), then you have an eSIM-compatible device. 

A point to note here is that mobile devices purchased in mainland China do not support eSIMs. 

Can Foreigners Use an eSIM in China?

Yes, foreigners can use an eSIM in China without any issues. The only point to note here is that the eSIM must be activated before they arrive in China. Because after landing, it’s almost impossible to buy a China eSIM, even from the most popular eSIM providers. Local stores only sell physical SIM cards, and the process to get one as a foreigner is quite tedious. 

Activating the eSIM outside China has two advantages. One, tourists can land in China with an eSIM that’s ready to use. Two, eSIMs activated outside China bypass the Great Firewall, offering access to apps that might otherwise be banned. 

Is it Better to Have an eSIM or a Physical SIM?

It is better to have an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Here are the reasons why: 

• eSIMs are 100% digital. They can be activated from anywhere with just an eSIM-compatible device and a stable internet connection. 
• Physical SIM cards in China are often sold at inflated prices and require proof of identification and registration with a SIM card provider, which is not the case with a China eSIM. 
• eSIMs for China can be activated from outside the country and used without any issues. 
• eSIMs prevent the need to swap out physical SIM cards. Users can opt for a China eSIM to provide data for their apps and use their primary line for important OTPs. 
• eSIMs are comparatively more secure than physical SIM cards. 
• eSIMs eliminate the need to get a VPN as data is routed outside China. 

Can I Use WhatsApp with a China eSIM?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp with a China eSIM. WhatsApp relies on a stable internet connection to send/receive messages and not on the type of SIM. 

But WhatsApp has been banned in China since 2017, meaning users are left with three options: either use the alternative, WeChat, access WhatsApp using a VPN or get a China eSIM and activate it before arrival. 

The third option is recommended because 

• WeChat has been the centre of privacy concerns, a lack of transparency and rampant censorship. There have been reports that content with words like “Beijing”, “bridge”, or “brave” has been restricted. 
• Finding a VPN that hasn’t been banned in China is an uphill task. Users will have to activate their VPNs before they arrive in China. 
• A China eSIM that’s installed outside the country will bypass the Great Firewall and offer ample data for all the user’s apps, including the ones that have been banned in China. 

How to Activate a China eSIM with International Calling?

Activating a China eSIM with international calling is a simple process. Network providers usually send a QR code that needs to be scanned to activate an eSIM. 

Here are the steps involved for iOS and Android devices. 

iOS 

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap Cellular or Mobile Services or Mobile Data. (This varies based on the region the device was purchased from)

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM.

Step 4: Tap Use QR Code.

Step 5: Scan the QR code shared via email or the app and follow the instructions. Your eSIM should be activated shortly.

Android

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap Connections. (This varies based on device manufacturer)

Step 3: Tap SIM Manager. (This varies based on device manufacturer)

Step 4: Tap Add eSIM.

Step 5: Tap Scan QR Code.

Step 6: Scan the QR code shared by the network provider and follow the prompts to activate the eSIM for China with international calls.

Final Thoughts

The telecom scene in China might be more complicated than in most countries. But that shouldn’t be the deciding factor when visiting the country. China has some really extraordinary sights and some unique cuisine that will leave a lasting impression. 

A trip to China can be a lot smoother with the right eSIM. Lyca Mobile has one of the cheapest eSIMs for China with international calls. After activation in the UK, the dedicated roaming data can be used in China without any issues. Additionally, Lyca Mobile’s China eSIMs also come with UK calls and texts, super-fast 5G data, international minutes, and roaming data for Europe and India as well. 

So, get a Lyca Mobile eSIM for China and enjoy your trip!

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