🇨🇳 China eSIM

Can you use ChatGPT on a China eSIM?

On some of them. ChatGPT and Claude block IP addresses in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, so what decides it is where your data exits the network — not where you are standing. Of the 48 China plans that record a routing location, 11 exit through UK or Singapore, and ChatGPT and Claude open normally on those with no separate VPN app. The other 37 exit through Hong Kong or Macau, which clears the mainland firewall but still runs into the AI apps' own regional block. The cheapest plan that routes somewhere the AI tools accept is China Special 2 GB at $3.50, exiting through Singapore. The remaining 16 plans do not publish a routing location, so treat them as unverified for AI access. Plan cards above show their routing location where it is recorded, with a badge for whether AI tools are reachable, so check that line before buying if this matters for your trip.

Which networks do China eSIMs run on?

China plans on Code eSIM come from 7 network partners, the largest being TSimTech (21 plans), 3 (12 plans), Airalo (12 plans), Sparks (6 plans). 40 plans support 5G and 24 run on 4G LTE. Actual speed depends on the local carrier your eSIM attaches to and on coverage where you are standing — a 5G plan falls back to 4G outside 5G areas.

How much does a China eSIM cost?

Prices run from $3.50 to $67.20, depending on how much data you buy and how long you need it. The cheapest way in is China Special 2 GB at $3.50 (2GB, 15 days). The best value per gigabyte is China 50 GB at about $0.54 per GB. Every plan is prepaid with no contract and no auto-renewal, so the price you see is the total you pay.

Single-country or regional plan for China?

22 of these plans cover China only, while 42 are multi-country or global plans that include China alongside other destinations. If China is your only stop, a single-country plan is normally cheaper per gigabyte. If you are crossing borders on the same trip, one regional plan saves you from installing and switching between several eSIMs. Both types install exactly the same way, and both leave your primary SIM free to keep your own number.