Best China eSIM for Malaysian Travellers

Planning a trip to China? Trust me, having internet access is a MUST! Whether you're using maps to find your way around, checking restaurant reviews, or sharing your travel photos on Instagram, you'll want a reliable connection throughout your trip.

I'd recommend getting a China eSIM from Trip.com before you fly! It's affordable, offers stable internet connectivity and supports popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, so you can stay connected with family and friends back home. No need to fuss with a physical SIM card either!

Not sure which plan to choose or how to set it up? Don't worry! Here's my guide to buying, installing and activating your China eSIM, plus some handy tips to help you stay connected during your trip.

📲 How to Buy a China eSIM?

If you don't want to waste time looking for a local SIM card after arriving in China, I'd recommend getting your eSIM from Trip.com before departure! It's much more convenient, and you can settle everything from home. Plus, the purchasing process is pretty straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open the Trip.com App or Website

Head over to the Trip.com China eSIM page and browse the available eSIM packages.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Data Plan

Pick a package based on your travel duration and how much internet data you think you'll need each day. For example, if you mainly use the internet for navigation, checking attractions, booking rides and chatting with friends, you probably won't need a super large data package.

Step 3: Check the Package Details

Before making payment, remember to check the package's validity period, data allowance, coverage, network provider and activation rules. Some eSIM packages only start counting their validity after connecting to a network for the first time, so it's worth checking!

Step 4: Complete Your Payment

Once everything looks good, proceed with payment on Trip.com. After your purchase is successful, you can find your eSIM installation details in your booking order. Simply follow the instructions provided, and you're one step closer to staying connected in China!

CMCC China 4/5G eSIM

• CoverageMainland China
• Data0.5G-3GB/day or 1-50GB Total
• Validity1 to 30 Days
• Pricefrom RM1.74

Buy Now

China Mobile 5G eSIM

• CoverageMainland China
• Data0.5G-3GB/day or 1-50GB Total
• Validity1 to 30 Days
• Pricefrom RM1.74

Buy Now

China/HK/Macau eSIM

• CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
• Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
• Validity1 to 30 Days
• Pricefrom RM1.74

Buy Now

📶 Best China eSIM Plans

One thing I like about Trip.com's China eSIM is that the plans are quite flexible! You don't have to stick to just a few fixed packages. Instead, you can choose based on your travel duration and data needs. Whether you're heading to China for a short holiday or planning a longer stay, there's a range of options to consider.

📅 Step 1: Choose Your Travel Duration

First, select how many days you'll need the eSIM. Trip.com offers durations from 1 day up to 365 days, including 25-day, 30-day, 90-day, 180-day and 365-day packages. So, if you're just visiting China for a few days, simply choose the number of days that matches your travel itinerary.

📊 Step 2: Choose Your Data Package

Once you've selected your duration, it's time to decide how much data you need. There are two main types of data packages available:

• Daily Data Plans: Choose from 0.5GB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or even 100GB per day, depending on your usage.
• Total Data Plans: Prefer having a fixed data allowance for your entire trip? You can choose from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB or 100GB in total.

👥 Step 3: Select Your Purchase Quantity

Lastly, choose how many eSIMs you want to purchase. If you're travelling solo, simply select 1. Going to China with a friend or family member? You can select 2 or more, depending on how many people need their own eSIM.

💡 Quick reminder: Each person needs to install their own eSIM on their phone. One eSIM cannot be shared between two phones, so remember to purchase enough if you're travelling in a group!

⚙️ How to Install & Activate a China eSIM?

🔍 Things to Check Before Installing Your eSIM

• Check eSIM compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM and isn't carrier-locked.
• Connect to a stable internet connection: You'll need WiFi or mobile data to install your eSIM.
• Choose the right phone: Once installed for the first time, this eSIM will be bound to that device and cannot be transferred to another phone.

💡 Remember: This eSIM is valid for 60 days from the booking date and can only be used once. You can delete and reinstall it on the same device up to 10 times, but transferring it to another device isn't allowed.

📲 Method 1: One-Tap Installation via Trip.com

If your phone supports one-tap installation, this is probably the easiest method! Simply open your Trip.com App, go to your eSIM booking, and tap "Install". Alternatively, you can use the one-tap installation link provided in your booking voucher and follow the instructions.

📱 iPhone users: One-tap installation requires iOS 17.4 or above.

📷 Method 2: Install Using a QR Code or Manual Setup

If your phone doesn't support one-tap installation, don't worry! You can still install your China eSIM using a QR code or manual setup.

Step 1: Get Your QR Code Ready

First, open the QR code attachment in your Trip.com booking. You can save the QR code on another device or print it out for easy scanning. Some iOS 17 or later and Android phones also allow you to scan a QR code directly from an image saved on your phone.

Step 2: Go to Your Phone's eSIM Settings

Head to your phone settings and look for the option to add a new eSIM.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan
• Android: Settings → SIM Card Manager → Add eSIM

Step 3: Scan the QR Code

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet, then scan the QR code from your Trip.com booking. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 4: Can't Scan the QR Code? Try Manual Setup

If the QR code doesn't work, you can also install your eSIM manually. Simply refer to the details provided in your Trip.com booking and enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code when prompted.

Step 5: Still Having Trouble Installing?

If both QR code scanning and manual installation fail, check whether your phone is carrier-locked. If it is, contact your original mobile carrier to request an unlock before trying to install the eSIM again.

🔥 More Handy Features: Personal Hotspot

Here's another useful feature! This China eSIM also supports personal hotspot and internet sharing. So, if your travel buddy runs out of data or needs to check something online, you can simply switch on your hotspot and share your connection. Super convenient when travelling together! 😊

💡 Don't Forget to Activate Your eSIM!

Once you've successfully installed your eSIM, remember to activate it according to the package instructions when you're ready to use it in China. Before connecting, make sure your China eSIM is selected for mobile data and Data Roaming is switched on if required by the package. Keep your Malaysian SIM active if you still need to receive OTPs or calls.

📱 Which Phones Are Compatible with China eSIM?

Step 1: Check Whether Your Phone Is Carrier-Locked

First, make sure your phone isn't locked to a specific mobile carrier.

• iPhone users: Go to Settings → General → About and look for Carrier Lock. If it shows "No SIM Restrictions", your phone is unlocked and you can move on to checking eSIM compatibility.
• Android users: Go to Settings → About Phone → Status Information to find your phone's IMEI number. You can then contact your mobile carrier and provide the IMEI to check whether your device is carrier-locked.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Phone Has an EID Number

Once you've confirmed that your phone isn't carrier-locked, the next step is to check whether it supports eSIM. The easiest way is to open your phone's dial pad and enter *#06#. If an EID number appears on your screen, it means your phone supports eSIM!

However, if you only see an IMEI number without an EID, your device may not support eSIM. It's best to double-check your phone model's specifications before purchasing.

💡 Quick reminder: EID and IMEI are two different things! The EID identifies your phone's eSIM capability, while the IMEI identifies your mobile device. Seeing an IMEI number alone doesn't mean your phone supports eSIM.

🏨 [Get Deals] Best Hotels in China

💡 Tips for Using China eSIM in China