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Beijing eSIM

49 China plans · from $11.08

Beijing is the one major destination where your phone works differently the moment you land — the Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western services on mainland networks. A travel eSIM changes that picture, because roaming traffic generally leaves the country before it reaches the filter, but it is worth understanding exactly what that does and does not guarantee.

Landing at Capital & Daxing (PEK / PKX)

Beijing has two enormous airports on opposite sides of the city — Capital in the north-east, Daxing 50km south. They are nearly two hours apart, so check which one your ticket and your connection actually use. Both have express rail into the centre.

eSIM plans that cover Beijing

Beijing is covered by every China plan below — there is no separate city-only eSIM to buy.

Choose a data plan

★ BEST VALUE

Unlimited

1 days· ∞ GB per $1

$11.08

1 GB

7 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$11.35

2 GB

15 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$21.13

3 GB

30 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$29.24

Unlimited

3 days· ∞ GB per $1

$30.82

5 GB

30 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$47.68

Unlimited

5 days· ∞ GB per $1

$50.54

Unlimited

7 days· ∞ GB per $1

$70.25

20 GB

Europe + USA + Business Hubs only

60 days· 0.3 GB per $1

$85.87

10 GB

30 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$86.78

Unlimited

10 days· ∞ GB per $1

$99.85

Unlimited

15 days· ∞ GB per $1

$149.14

20 GB

30 days· 0.1 GB per $1

$155.23

50 GB

Europe + USA + Business Hubs only

90 days· 0.3 GB per $1

$202.35

Which networks you'll be on in Beijing

Siima eSIMs for China ride China Unicom and China Mobile. Coverage across Beijing is excellent, with dense 5G throughout the city and along the high-speed rail lines.

Coverage around Beijing

The Great Firewall

Mainland networks block Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, most Western news and many other services. A roaming eSIM usually routes traffic out through its home network, so those services commonly keep working — but this is a side effect of how roaming works, not a guaranteed feature, and it can change. Install a VPN before you fly regardless; you cannot download one once you are there.

The subway

Full coverage across one of the world's largest metro networks, tunnels included. You will need it — the system is vast and the interchanges are long walks.

Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

Strong signal throughout both, and across Tiananmen, Qianmen and the hutongs. Entry to the Forbidden City requires an advance online booking tied to your passport — do it days ahead, not on arrival.

The Great Wall

Mutianyu and Badaling have coverage at the cable cars and along the restored sections. The unrestored "wild wall" stretches lose signal and are genuinely remote — do not go alone.

How much data you need

A week in Beijing is 4–6 GB. Translation and maps run constantly, and if your eSIM is what keeps your usual apps reachable, you will lean on it more than a typical trip.

Work it out with our data usage calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Will Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work in China with a travel eSIM?
Usually, yes — roaming data typically exits the mainland before reaching the national filter, so blocked services often remain accessible. Treat it as likely rather than certain: it is a consequence of roaming architecture, not a promised feature, and enforcement changes. Install a VPN before you travel as a backup, since the app stores that carry them are themselves restricted once you arrive.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for apps in Beijing?
For some, yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept foreign cards and are how you pay for nearly everything, but certain domestic services still send SMS verification to a Chinese number that a data-only eSIM cannot receive. Set up your payment apps before you fly.
How do I set up an eSIM before arriving in Beijing?
Install it at home while you still have Wi-Fi: open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your Siima confirmation email. Leave the line switched off until you land — the plan starts counting from first use in China, not from purchase.
How much data do I need for a trip to Beijing?
A week in Beijing is 4–6 GB. Translation and maps run constantly, and if your eSIM is what keeps your usual apps reachable, you will lean on it more than a typical trip.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Beijing?
Almost always. Daily roaming passes from most home carriers run $10–15 per day, while Siima plans covering Beijing start from $11.08 for the whole trip. You also avoid per-megabyte charges if you exceed a roaming pass allowance.
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