Compare the Best eSIMs for Travelling to China from Singapore

Introduction

China continues to be one of the most sought-after travel destinations for Singaporeans. From the bustling streets of Shanghai and Beijing to the ancient landmarks of Xi'an and the scenic landscapes of Guilin, there's something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re there for business, a cultural getaway, or a scenic retreat, staying connected in China is a must for navigation, communication, and access to local services.

For many Singapore travellers, eSIMs are the best solution for staying connected while avoiding the hassle of purchasing physical SIM cards. In this guide, we compare the best eSIMs for travelling to China from Singapore, including Circles.Life, Airalo, Nomad, Ubigi, GigSky, Klook, and MobiMatter. You’ll get side-by-side comparisons of plans, network quality, data options, add-ons, and pricing to help you choose the best eSIM for your trip to China.

Key Takeaways

• Circles Travel eSIM provides seamless connectivity in China, powered by reliable local network partnerships.

• More than 2 million Singapore travellers visit China annually, making eSIMs a popular option for easy connectivity.

• Circles.Life offers instant activation, affordable pricing, and flexible top-ups, ideal for both short and long trips.

• Coverage includes Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and more.

• Best for travellers who need convenience, great coverage, and fast speeds without swapping SIM cards.

Top eSIM Providers & Plans for China

These are the most popular eSIM brands that Singaporeans consider when travelling to China:

• Circles.Life

• Airalo

• Nomad

• Ubigi

• GigSky

• Klook

• MobiMatter

China eSIM Provider Comparison

Summary

Pricing for China eSIMs is quite competitive, with Circles.Life offering the best combination of affordability and reliability. Airalo, Klook, and MobiMatter offer basic options for budget-conscious travellers, while Ubigi and GigSky cater to those needing premium speeds and more extensive coverage.

Compare China eSIM for Unlimited Data Plans

Unlimited data plans are ideal for travellers who plan to use their phones frequently for maps, translations, social media, and streaming.

Unlimited Data Comparison

Notes

• Circles.Life offers the best value for unlimited data with reliable roaming agreements in China.

• Airalo provides unlimited options but may throttle speeds after heavy use.

• Ubigi offers the fastest speeds but at a higher price point.

Circles.Life provides the most balanced option in terms of price, speed, and coverage for unlimited data.

Compare Best Network Providers in China

China has a few major mobile networks that ensure strong coverage across most regions.

Major Local Operators

• China Mobile

• China Unicom

• China Telecom

Network Comparison Table

Coverage Notes

• China Mobile provides the best nationwide coverage, including remote areas.

• China Unicom and China Telecom are also reliable in major cities and tourist areas.

• Circles.Life partners with China Mobile and China Unicom for wide-reaching coverage in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

Compare Data Add-on Price for China eSIM Plans

If you need more data during your trip, add-ons are important for maintaining service.

Data Add-on Comparison

Highlights

• Circles.Life offers the lowest and most flexible add-on prices.

• You can easily top-up without reactivating or reinstalling your eSIM.

• Ideal for travellers who need to add more data while travelling between different regions of China.

Compare Affordable Travel eSIM Plans for China

Short trips (1–5 days) usually require only light data.

Budget eSIM Comparison

Notes

Circles.Life provides best value for short trips while still offering enough data for browsing, navigation, and social media. It’s perfect for visitors to Shanghai, Beijing, or Xi’an who don’t require heavy data usage.

Features & Benefits of Circles.Life eSIM for Travel

Circles Travel eSIM provides everything you need for seamless travel in China.

Key Benefits

• Instant QR code activation

• No physical SIM card required

• Reliable 4G/5G coverage throughout China

• Flexible data top-ups available anytime

• Unlimited data options

• Works on most smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel)

• Keeps your Singapore SIM active for OTPs

• Auto-connects as soon as you land

Circles.Life ensures that you’ll have reliable connectivity without the hassle of SIM card swaps and airport kiosks.

Must-Have Requirements Before Your China eSIM Activation

Before activating your eSIM, ensure the following:

• Your device supports eSIM (iPhone XR+, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel models).

• Your phone is unlocked.

• You have a stable internet connection to download the eSIM.

• Your device data is backed up if necessary.

• You can access the QR code that Circles.Life sends after purchase.

Pro Tip:

Activate your eSIM before you fly so your device connects automatically once you land.

How to Buy and Activate Circles.Life China eSIM

Follow these simple steps to activate your China eSIM:

1. Visit the Circles.Life app or website.

2. Select China Travel eSIM.

3. Choose your preferred data plan and duration.

4. Complete payment.

5. Receive the QR code by email.

6. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Add eSIM and scan the QR code.

7. Activate before departure or once you land in China.

Your device will connect to China Mobile or China Unicom networks.

Who Should Get a China eSIM from Singapore?

A China travel eSIM is perfect for:

• Business travellers to Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen

• Tourists exploring China’s cultural landmarks or modern cities

• Long-term visitors on business or study programs

• Digital nomads working remotely in China

• Frequent Singapore–China travellers

• Anyone who wants instant connectivity without physical SIM swapping

A Circles Travel eSIM is a great choice for travellers who need reliable data for business, travel, or communication.