Visiting China and worried about how to stay connected without swapping physical SIM cards? Thanks to eSIM technology, many travelers now skip the hassle of buying local SIMs or dealing with roaming charges. With the right planning and a service like RORO eSIM, you can get portable internet access on your smartphone even before you board the plane. Here’s how to do it — and what to watch out for.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM profile built into your phone, which lets you download and activate data plans without a plastic SIM card. If your phone supports eSIM (you can check under settings for an “EID” or eSIM entry) you’re good to go.
For travelers to China, an eSIM offers:
Pre-planning: buy and install before departure, so you land ready to connect.
Avoiding inconvenient local SIM purchase and registration at Chinese airports or stores.
Flexibility: data-only plans, no need for a Chinese phone number if you don’t need local calls.
Official guidance from major device makers confirms that prepaid data eSIMs from global service providers can be used in China.
If you choose RORO eSIM, follow these general steps:
Check compatibility — Make sure your phone supports eSIM. RORO’s installation guide shows exactly how to verify this.
Purchase your eSIM data plan online — Before you travel, go to RORO’s website, select a plan (global or Asia-region may cover China) and complete purchase. Save the QR code or activation information.
Install the eSIM profile on your phone — On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM / Add Data Plan. On Android similar “Add eSIM / Add data plan” flow.
Wait to activate until you arrive in China — That way the plan validity begins when you land, and you avoid wasting data days during transit.
Enable data / data-roaming for the eSIM line — So the eSIM becomes your mobile data source in China; optionally keep your home SIM for calls/text if needed.
With that, you’re online — no plastic SIM needed.
It’s important to know: mobile data in mainland China passes through heavily regulated networks due to the Great Firewall.
Local networks (Chinese SIM/eSIM): Access to many global apps/websites (e.g. Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp) is blocked by default.
International travel-eSIMs (like many global-plan eSIMs): They may route traffic through servers outside China — potentially allowing you to access apps/services that local carriers block. Some providers market this as a benefit for travelers.
Important caveat: Not all eSIMs guarantee bypassing censorship. Before traveling, check if the eSIM plan you buy supports international routing (or includes built-in VPN/“unblocked access”) — or otherwise expect limitations similar to local Chinese carriers.
No physical SIM — convenient, digital setup.
Use data immediately upon arrival — saves time.
Flexibility: pay for data only, with fixed or top-up plans. RORO supports account top-ups.
Easy dual-SIM support: you can keep your home SIM for calls, and use eSIM for data.
Cons / Things to Watch
Internet censorship: Many global websites and apps may still be blocked if your eSIM doesn’t route internationally.
Reliability: Some foreign-oriented eSIMs used in China have mixed reviews — coverage, connection speed or blocking issues remain possible depending on network and plan.
Nickkembel Travels
No guaranteed local phone number or SMS: eSIM data plans may be data-only; messaging or number-based verification may not work.
Plan details vary: Always check whether the plan includes “international routing,” data caps, hotspot sharing, and whether it works within mainland China.
If you want a hassle-free way to get data on arrival — without messing with plastic SIMs or roaming costs — an eSIM like RORO eSIM is a sensible option. It’s especially useful for short trips or if you just need data for maps, navigation, payments, travel apps, and communication apps that work internationally (assuming your plan permits international traffic).
If your priority is to access global websites/apps blocked under China’s firewall — and you want fewer restrictions — verify that your eSIM includes international routing or consider combining eSIM with a reliable VPN (if legal and functioning).
