SIM Cards vs eSIMs: Which is Better for Foreign Tourists in China

When planning a trip to China, staying connected is crucial. Whether you are navigating through busy cities or exploring picturesque areas, having reliable mobile service is essential. The first decision you’ll face is whether to use a traditional SIM card or an eSIM. Although both options allow you to access mobile data, understanding the differences will help you make the choice that best suits your travel needs. In this article, we will explore the concepts of SIM cards and eSIMs, their pros and cons, and in which situations one might be more suitable.

What is a SIM Card?

A SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small physical chip that you insert into your phone to connect to a mobile network. It contains your phone number, contacts, and other necessary information to connect to the network. For foreign tourists visiting China, using a local SIM card is a common choice as it provides data, voice, and text services.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is the digital version of a traditional SIM card. Unlike a physical SIM card that needs to be inserted into your phone, an eSIM is embedded directly into the device. It can be activated remotely by a mobile carrier, allowing you to connect to a network without needing to swap SIM cards. As more smartphones and devices support eSIM, this technology is gradually gaining popularity.

Advantages:

1. Widely Available: SIM cards are easy to purchase at airports, convenience stores, and mobile operator outlets in China, and you can also buy them online before departure.
2. Easy to Use: Once the SIM card is inserted into your phone, it can usually be used immediately. There’s no need to worry about activation or other digital setups.
3. Affordable Plans: Many Chinese telecom companies offer affordable prepaid SIM card plans for short-term tourists. You can choose from different data, call time, and text packages based on your needs.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited to One Network: A physical SIM card can only be used on one network. If you want to switch networks, you need to change the SIM card.
2. Easy to Lose or Damage: Because SIM cards are small and physical, they can be easily lost or damaged. If lost, you will need to visit a store for a replacement.
3. Inconvenient for Multiple Devices: If you have multiple phones or need to frequently change devices, managing SIM cards can become inconvenient.

Advantages and Disadvantages of eSIMs

Advantages:

1. Supports Multiple Networks: eSIM allows you to store multiple carrier profiles, so you can switch between different networks without needing to change SIM cards. This is especially useful for tourists who want to use different networks in various parts of China.
2. Space-Saving: eSIM doesn’t take up physical space in your phone, which means your device can be lighter and thinner.
3. Convenience: Activating an eSIM is very simple. You can set it up by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code provided by the carrier. This can be done before you arrive in China or remotely during your trip.
4. Ideal for Dual-SIM Phones: If your phone supports dual-SIM functionality, you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously, allowing you to keep your home country number and connect to the Chinese network.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Device Compatibility: Not all smartphones and devices support eSIM. Before relying on eSIM, ensure that your device supports this technology.
2. Activation Process: While eSIM setup is generally quick, it may involve some technical steps. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it could be more complicated compared to simply inserting a physical SIM card.
3. Availability: While eSIM support is growing, not all mobile operators in China offer eSIM services. Before choosing, it’s best to confirm whether your preferred network supports eSIM.

With the growing popularity of eSIM technology, many tourists and international visitors are curious whether they can use eSIM to register common Chinese apps like Alipay, WeChat, Gaode Maps, and more. The answer is: Yes, eSIM does not affect your ability to register these apps, but there are some details to consider.

1. Registering for Alipay and WeChat

Registration for Alipay and WeChat typically requires phone number verification, especially for receiving SMS verification codes. When using eSIM, you can still receive SMS verification codes via your local Chinese phone number, meaning that eSIM can absolutely be used to register these apps. Just ensure the following:

• Your Chinese phone number is properly activated when activating eSIM and can receive verification codes from Alipay or WeChat.
• The network coverage in China is good, so you can successfully receive SMS verification codes.

If you choose an eSIM data package from a Chinese carrier, it typically provides the same service as a physical SIM card, meaning you can use the number to register and use Alipay, WeChat, and other apps.

2. Registering for Gaode Maps

Registration for Gaode Maps also requires a phone number, but the process is generally simpler than Alipay and WeChat. You can register with the Chinese local phone number provided by eSIM. If your eSIM is properly activated and can receive SMS verification codes, you should have no trouble registering for Gaode Maps and using its services.

3. Considerations

• Carrier Support: Ensure that the Chinese carrier you choose supports eSIM and has good network coverage in your area. If the eSIM network is weak, it may affect the speed or success of receiving verification codes.

• Number Verification Issues: Occasionally, some international users may encounter verification restrictions when using foreign phone numbers. If your phone number is from abroad, there could be issues when registering for local apps in China. However, this problem will not arise if your eSIM has a local Chinese number.

Conclusion

eSIM technology does not impact your ability to register common apps like Alipay, WeChat, or Gaode Maps in China, as long as you can successfully receive SMS verification codes and ensure that the eSIM is properly activated on your device. The flexibility of eSIM makes it an ideal choice for foreign tourists traveling in China, allowing for convenient app registration while keeping the device lightweight.

When to Choose a SIM Card

For many tourists, opting for a physical SIM card is still the most appropriate choice, especially in the following cases:

1. Using an Older Phone: If your phone is old and doesn’t support eSIM, you’ll have to use a traditional SIM card.
2. Want Simplicity: If you want to quickly connect to a local network once you arrive in China, a SIM card is the easiest and most straightforward option. You can buy and insert it upon arrival with minimal technical support.
3. Need a Local Phone Number: If you need a Chinese local phone number for receiving calls or SMS, a SIM card is essential. This is especially important for registering local apps, verifying accounts, or contacting local businesses.
4. Not Planning to Switch Networks Frequently: If you plan to stay in a single area of China and don’t intend to change networks, a SIM card will be sufficient.

When to Choose an eSIM

For travelers, eSIM is an ideal choice, especially in the following cases:

1. Wanting Flexibility: If you plan to travel to multiple cities or regions in China and need to switch networks frequently, eSIM offers the convenience of remote activation without having to change SIM cards.
2. Using a Dual-SIM Phone: If you want to keep your home country number while using a Chinese network, eSIM works well alongside a physical SIM card to manage two numbers.
3. Prefer Convenience and Space-Saving: eSIM is suitable for those who prefer a lightweight, streamlined device without the worry of losing or damaging SIM cards.
4. Want to Set Up the Network Before Traveling: With eSIM, you can set up your mobile connection before arriving in China, making the transition smoother when you get there.

Other Considerations

1. Check Device Compatibility: Before deciding between a SIM card or eSIM, ensure that your phone supports the relevant technology. Most newer smartphones (such as iPhone 12 and later models or some Android devices) support eSIM, while older phones may only support physical SIM cards.

2. Understand Data Coverage: China’s network operators include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Different operators may have varying coverage in different regions, so it’s best to check which operator provides the best service in the areas you’ll be traveling.

3. Customer Support: While SIM cards are generally easy to purchase and activate, some tourists find that customer support in China may have limited English services. In contrast, some eSIM service providers offer 24/7 online support, often in multiple languages.

4. Cost Considerations: The pricing of SIM card and eSIM data plans varies. SIM cards often offer more affordable short-term plans, while eSIM plans may be slightly more expensive but provide more flexibility.

Whether you choose a traditional SIM card or an eSIM ultimately depends on your travel needs. If you prefer a simple and easy-to-use option, a SIM card might be the best choice. However, if you need more flexibility, especially with managing multiple networks, eSIM is the better option. Whichever choice you make, ensuring connectivity during your trip will make your time in China smoother, helping you navigate, communicate, and explore this fascinating country.