Travelling to China: when to install your eSIM, where your IP is, and how to pay

Install the eSIM before you go

Apple says eSIMs from carriers outside mainland China can't be installed while you're in mainland China, so install yours before you leave. Only some iPhone models sold in mainland China support eSIM at all; Apple's page has the current list.

Most China eSIMs only start counting when they first connect in China, so installing early doesn't use up days.

Where your IP is

Every plan here sends its traffic out from outside mainland China; the “IP exit” in each plan's details says where. A plan that exits in Hong Kong looks to sites and apps like a connection in Hong Kong.

ChatGPT's supported countries include Singapore, the Philippines and Germany but not Hong Kong or mainland China. If you need ChatGPT, choose a plan whose only stated exits are Singapore or Germany; one that includes Hong Kong may not work.

Paying with Alipay and WeChat Pay

China's commerce ministry guide for foreigners says you can register Alipay and WeChat with a foreign phone number and link Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express or JCB cards. Fees and limits are shown in each app.

Visa-free entry and the arrival card

Ordinary passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, France and Germany, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days; for most of them this runs until 31 December 2026. Citizens of 57 countries, including the US, can use 240-hour visa-free transit with a confirmed onward ticket. Check the National Immigration Administration's lists before you book.

Since 20 November 2025 you can fill in the foreigner arrival card online in advance on the National Immigration Administration's site. It's free; officials have warned about look-alike sites.