The Best eSIMs for China:
Hardware-Level GFW Bypass
What is the best eSIM for China? International eSIMs provide 100% reliable internet access by bypassing the Great Firewall at the hardware level. Your phone connects to local towers (China Mobile/Unicom), but your data exits through Hong Kong or Singapore gateways—completely outside GFW jurisdiction.
Our Top eSIM Recommendations (Jan 2026)
Ranked by value, reliability, and bypass performance
MobiMatter
Native Bypass
- Best For
- Best Value
- Exit Gateway
- Hong Kong
- Network
- China Mobile / Unicom
Nomad
Native Bypass
- Best For
- Maximum Reliability
- Exit Gateway
- Singapore
- Network
- China Mobile / Unicom
Holafly
Native Bypass
- Best For
- Heavy Data Users
- Exit Gateway
- Hong Kong
- Network
- China Unicom
How eSIMs Bypass the GFW
Unlike VPNs which fight against DPI detection, eSIMs bypass the firewall through physical network architecture.
Local Tower Connection
Your phone connects to China Mobile/Unicom towers using the eSIM's roaming agreement.
GRX Tunnel
Data is tunneled via the GPRS Roaming Exchange to the provider's home gateway in HK/Singapore.
Unfiltered Exit
Internet exits outside China. GFW rules don't apply. Google, YouTube, WhatsApp work natively.
eSIM Provider Comparison
Ranked by value and bypass reliability • January 2026
| Provider | 10GB Price | Validity | GFW Bypass | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MobiMatter TOP PICK | $7.99 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Best Value | |
| Nomad | $15.00 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Reliability | |
| 3HK | $12.00 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Native HK IP | |
| Trip.com | $12.50 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Beginners | |
| Airalo | $23.50 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Global Coverage | |
| Holafly | $19.00 | 30 Days | Native Bypass | Unlimited Data |
*Prices may vary. "Native Bypass" means traffic exits via international gateway, bypassing GFW by architectural design.
When to Use eSIMs
- Short trips where VPN setup is inconvenient
- During major political events (crackdowns)
- As backup when your VPN fails
- Business travel requiring guaranteed access
- Video calls (WhatsApp, Zoom) without latency
Limitations
- More expensive than VPNs for heavy data use
- No end-to-end encryption (use HTTPS)
- Requires eSIM-compatible device
- Some Chinese phone models lack eSIM support
- Data caps on most plans
APN Configuration Reference
Manual configuration for advanced users
| Provider | MCC-MNC | APN | Exit Gateway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3HK | 454-03 | mobile.lte.three.com.hk | Hong Kong |
| Nomad (Amber) | Varies | internet | Singapore |
| Airalo (Chinacom) | 460-01 | internet | US / HK |
| MobiMatter (Sparks) | 454-12 | mobile | Hong Kong |