So you’re off to China — maybe to finally see the Great Wall, explore Shanghai’s vibrant streets, clinch a deal in Guangzhou, or treat the family to a day at Disneyland. Whatever’s on your itinerary, there’s one essential you shouldn’t overlook: staying connected. 

Relying on Malaysian roaming can quickly blow your budget, while scrambling for a local SIM after a long flight is hardly the dream start. That’s why so many Malaysians now choose a China eSIM — it’s simple, affordable and keeps all your favourite apps humming the moment you land. 

Keep reading to find out how to pick the best eSIM for your trip, how to set it up, and how to explore China without any tech headaches.

An eSIM for China is simply a digital SIM that lives inside your phone, eliminating the hassle of juggling tiny plastic cards. Instead, you’ll receive a QR code, scan it, and your mobile plan activates instantly. That means no fumbling with SIM ejector pins, your Malaysian line stays active for important SMS alerts from banks, and you’re connected in China the moment you step off the plane. 

It’s no surprise that many Malaysians now consider an eSIM a must-have for China travel — it keeps costs low and spares you the language barriers or stress of hunting for a local SIM upon arrival.

For most tourists and short-term visitors, a data-only eSIM does the job beautifully. With so many apps handling calls and messages over the internet, there’s often no real need for a local phone number. Unless you’re staying long term, managing local bookings that require direct calls, or handling work that needs a dedicated line, you’ll find a data-only plan more than enough — and far simpler. It keeps costs down and setup straightforward, so you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time fussing with phone settings.

For most travellers heading to China, a data-only eSIM is the simplest and smartest choice. It lets you stay online for essential travel apps like Google Maps, order rides, upload holiday snaps, and keep chatting on WhatsApp — all without worrying about complicated setups or local contracts. This type of eSIM is usually more affordable and easier to manage, making it perfect for holidaymakers, families and anyone who mainly relies on data-driven communication. Great picks include:

If your adventure stretches beyond China to include places like Hong Kong or Macau, a multi-region eSIM can be a real game changer. These plans give you seamless connectivity across several destinations under a single setup, so there’s no need to switch networks or buy different packages. It’s especially handy for multi-city itineraries, layovers, or quick side trips, ensuring you stay connected without any interruptions. Top examples are:

Choosing the best China eSIM really comes down to how you travel. Here’s a side-by-side look at what Malaysian travellers love about these options.

 A multi-region eSIM card covering all three spots seamlessly. Ideal if you’re hopping between cities and don’t want multiple setups. Offers stable high-speed data and bypasses China’s typical internet restrictions, so Google and WhatsApp work without fuss.

 Tailored for travellers spending their whole trip inside China. Delivers solid 4G speeds perfect for video calls or navigation, with straightforward online ordering and QR activation.

Especially popular among Malaysian families who want peace of mind about internet access. This eSIM cleverly routes through Hong Kong, so you can use Google, Instagram and more without needing a VPN.

A flexible plan with options from 1 up to 30 days and up to 60GB of data. Brilliant for long holidays or work trips where you might upload videos or run multiple devices.

This option is known for its user-friendly setup and responsive customer support. It’s a solid choice for frequent travellers who value the ability to reload data easily and prefer straightforward digital purchases with flexible travel coverage.

A reliable choice with easy activation and strong coverage across Chinese cities. Perfect for smooth navigation, sharing your travels online, and staying connected, especially during longer stays.

Buying your China eSIM is simple and takes just minutes.

Quick tip: buy and install it before you fly so you’re connected the moment your plane lands.

It’s straightforward for most iPhones and Androids.

Screenshots of your QR and plan details can save the day if you ever lose internet mid-setup.

China’s famous Great Firewall blocks apps like Google, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. However, many of the best eSIMs for China travel (such as GoHub, Sim2Go and JavaMifi) are routed through Hong Kong or Singapore. That means your internet behaves like you’re in those countries, so you can use all your favourite apps without a VPN.

This is why Malaysian tourists often pick multi-region or Hong Kong-based eSIM cards for China travel. It saves a huge amount of tech headache on holiday.

Instead of juggling multiple sites and bookings, you can keep it simple. With Traveloka, Malaysians often lock in their flights, hotels, attractions tickets and even eSIM cards all at once — meaning less admin, one payment, and everything saved in one app for easy access.

It’s a brilliant way to cut down stress before your flight.

Q: Can eSIM be used in China? A: Yes, absolutely. An eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while travelling in China. It saves you from hunting for local SIM cards and helps you avoid steep roaming charges, so you can focus on exploring without any connectivity worries.

Q: Can I buy my China eSIM after arriving? A: You can, but it’s far easier and often cheaper to buy it online in Malaysia and set it up before you travel.

Q: How to purchase a China eSIM? A: It’s easy to buy your eSIM through Traveloka. Simply search for “eSIM” on the platform, set China (or the specific city you’re visiting) as your destination, choose the plan that suits your trip, then pay securely online. You’ll receive an email with your eSIM QR code and simple activation instructions — all sorted before you even pack your bags.

Q: When should I activate my eSIM for China? A: It’s best to activate your eSIM just before you fly or as soon as you arrive in China. Most travellers prefer to set it up at home using WiFi, so they’re connected the moment they land. Just keep your QR code handy and follow the quick instructions to get online in minutes.

Sorting your China eSIM might be the simplest part of planning your whole trip — and it means you can dive straight into those neon-lit streets, panda cuddles, or spicy Sichuan feasts without a care.

So check which eSIM card for China travel fits your style, buy your China eSIM early, and book your hotels and flights on Traveloka while you’re at it. That way, you can spend more time planning fun and less time fiddling with tech.