If I use a China eSIM, can I use KakaoTalk and Google Maps?

Yes. Yeohaengyusim's China eSIM provides an overseas data line that is not affected by the Great Firewall. You can use the apps you used in Korea, such as KakaoTalk, Google Maps and Instagram, as they are, without a separate VPN. If you buy a local Chinese SIM, these apps are often blocked, so we highly recommend a Yeohaengyusim eSIM.

Where do I install the China eSIM? Can I also install it after I arrive?

A Yeohaengyusim eSIM uses a QR code, so we recommend installing it in Korea before departure. Installation can be difficult where Wi-Fi is unstable, such as at the airport or on the plane. After you buy, scan the QR code you received by email; activation then happens automatically after you arrive in China. If you install it in advance, you are connected from the moment you set foot in Beijing Capital Airport or Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Does data work well all over China? What about tourist sites such as the Great Wall or Zhangjiajie?

Based on the China Mobile network, it provides 95% coverage across China. Main cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu are supported up to 5G, and the 4G LTE connection works well at popular tourist sites too, such as the Great Wall (the Badaling and Mutianyu sections) and Zhangjiajie National Park. However, in remote areas with few cell towers, such as deep in the mountains of Huangshan or Jiuzhaigou, the signal may weaken from time to time.

Do I need an adapter because China's sockets are a different type?

Yes. China uses a mix of Type A, Type C and Type I sockets. Korean plugs (Type A or Type C) fit in some cases, but depending on the hotel, there may be only Type I sockets (two angled slots, the Australian type), so it is safest to bring a universal multi-adapter. The voltage is 220V, the same as in Korea.

What happens if I use up my China eSIM data? Can I top up?

If you have used up all your data, you can buy an additional plan on the Yeohaengyusim website and install it on the same device. China is such a large country, and trips often run long, so we recommend choosing a plan with plenty of data or buying more as needed.

Does eSIM work in China?

China supports eSIM, and plans start from ₩6,012. Install it with the QR code you receive after buying, then just turn on data roaming after you arrive and you are connected straight away. There is no need to swap your SIM.

Travel eSIM or carrier roaming: which is cheaper for a trip to China?

For a short trip or light data use, a travel eSIM is usually cheaper. Unlimited roaming from Korean carriers costs about ₩11,000–₩15,000 a day, but with an eSIM you can buy just the days of data you need in advance. For a short trip for one or two people, an eSIM has a big advantage; for a family or very heavy data use, compare carrier unlimited roaming too.

Which carrier network does a China eSIM use?

In China it connects automatically to local carrier networks such as China Mobile · China Unicom · China Telecom (4G/LTE, 5G where supported). Population coverage is about 95%. It picks the network with the strongest signal automatically, so there is nothing to set up.

Can I keep using my Korean number while travelling in China?

Yes. The eSIM works as a data-only second line, so your Korean SIM and number stay as they are. Use the Yeohaengyusim eSIM for data only, and keep receiving calls, texts and KakaoTalk on your Korean number.

Can I use tethering (hotspot) in China?

Yes. In China you can share your eSIM data with other devices such as a laptop or tablet by tethering (hotspot). Shared data also comes out of your plan allowance, so if you tether a lot we recommend choosing a little more data.

How many GB of data do I need for a trip to China?

For mostly maps and messaging, we recommend about 1 GB a day; to use plenty of social media and photo uploads, about 2 GB a day. If you stream a lot of video or tether a lot, an unlimited plan is better. You can always buy more if you run short, so it is fine to choose a little extra at first.

Does my smartphone support eSIM?

You can use it if your phone supports eSIM. iPhone supports it from the XS and XR onwards; Galaxy phones sold in Korea from the S23, Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 onwards. Dial *#06# in the phone app: if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. If it is SIM-locked, it needs to be unlocked.

China eSIM plans

Instant delivery

A travel eSIM for China starts from ₩6,012 and works as soon as you buy it. In China it connects automatically to local networks such as China Mobile · China Unicom · China Telecom (4G/LTE, 5G where supported), with population coverage of about 95%. Install it with the QR code before you leave and you can use the internet as soon as you land, with no roaming setup. In mainland China, Google, KakaoTalk and Instagram are blocked by the Great Firewall. Be sure to check for a line that supports them before you leave.

Sent instantly by email
30-day refund
Customer support in Korean
Credit card · Apple Pay

China eSIM at a glance

Price: From ₩6,012
Local networks: China Mobile · China Unicom · China Telecom
Network: 4G/LTE & 5G
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Recommended data: Maps and messaging 1 GB a day · more room 2 GB a day · video: unlimited

eSIM plans you can use in China

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	₩6,163
Unlimited	3 days	₩15,053
Unlimited	5 days	₩22,587
Unlimited	7 days	₩31,628
Unlimited	10 days	₩43,682
Unlimited	15 days	₩61,764
Unlimited	30 days	₩86,626
1 GB	7 days	₩6,012
2 GB	15 days	₩15,053
3 GB	30 days	₩15,053
5 GB	30 days	₩24,094
10 GB	30 days	₩43,682
20 GB	30 days	₩70,805
50 GB	30 days	₩90,393

China, where thousands of years of history live and breathe across a vast land, is always a special destination for Korean travellers. From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, Shanghai's dazzling night views and the overwhelming natural scenery of Zhangjiajie to Chengdu's pandas and spicy hotpot, it is a country overflowing with things to see and eat. But there is one preparation you cannot skip for a trip to China: an internet connection. In China, most of the apps Koreans love to use, such as Google, Kakao and Instagram, are blocked, and the local telecoms environment is very different from Korea's. If you install a Yeohaengyusim eSIM before departure, you can connect right away locally without changing SIM cards, and enjoy stable data even without a VPN. Solve China's complicated telecoms environment simply, with just Yeohaengyusim.

Flight time from Korea

Beijing about 2 hours, Shanghai about 1 hour 40 minutes, Chengdu about 3 hours 30 minutes

Time difference

1 hour behind Korea (KST -1, UTC+8)

Best season to go

April–May (spring), September–October (autumn)

Plug type

Mix of Type A/C/I (multi-adapter needed)

Why an eSIM is especially important for a trip to China

China has one of the most unusual telecoms environments in the world. Because of the internet censorship system known as the 'Great Firewall', services that Koreans use every day, such as Google Maps, YouTube, KakaoTalk and Instagram, cannot be accessed locally. A Yeohaengyusim eSIM provides stable data without these restrictions, so you can contact your family on KakaoTalk and find your way with Google Maps. Also, buying a local SIM in China often requires passport registration and complicated procedures, but an eSIM can be installed in Korea in advance with a single QR code, so you can use it the moment you reach the airport. Based on the China Mobile network, it offers wide coverage of more than 95%, reaching not only the main cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi'an but also regional tourist spots. It supports both 4G LTE and 5G, so you can upload photos and videos quickly and without a hitch. When you prepare for your trip to China, be sure to pack an eSIM along with your visa.

Network coverage in China

Carrier

China Mobile

+ China Unicom

Network

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

95%

How do I install a China eSIM?

1
Buy a plan
Choose a data plan for China and complete payment.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email we sent and point your phone camera at its QR code.
3
Install the eSIM
Complete the eSIM installation as prompted. Doing it before you leave is simplest.
4
Connect on arrival
Once you land in China, switch data roaming on and you're online.

1
Buy a plan
Choose a data plan for China and complete payment.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email we sent and point your phone camera at its QR code.
3
Install the eSIM
Complete the eSIM installation as prompted. Doing it before you leave is simplest.
4
Connect on arrival
Once you land in China, switch data roaming on and you're online.

Which plan is right for me?

Short trip

For a short 3–7 day trip, an unlimited data plan is ideal.

Business trip

We recommend a high-data plan with plenty for video calls and email.

Long stay

Staying a month or more? A large-data plan gives the best value.

Family trip

Families sharing a connection across multiple devices should pick a tethering-enabled plan with a generous data allowance.

eSIM, local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi: what suits a trip to China best?

	eSIM	Local SIM	Pocket Wi-Fi
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy locally	Pick up / delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Separate device
Price	From ₩6,012	₩10,000~50,000	₩5,000~15,000/day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed data	Daily rental
Best for	Ideal for travellers	Long stays	Families / groups

China eSIM FAQ

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