If you are traveling to China, roaming charges can become expensive if your phone uses mobile data from your home SIM. Many travelers use maps, translation apps, hotel messages, ride-hailing, train tickets, payments and messaging every day, which can quickly increase roaming costs.
China is not part of the EU roaming area, so European roaming allowances usually do not apply in China. Your home carrier may charge extra daily roaming fees, high pay-per-MB rates or offer a separate China roaming package.
Quick answer: the easiest way to avoid China roaming charges is to turn off data roaming on your primary SIM and use a China travel eSIM for mobile data instead.
Top China eSIMs
Why China Roaming Charges Can Be Expensive
- China is outside the EU roaming area.
- Your normal domestic data plan may not include China.
- Pay-per-MB roaming can be very expensive.
- Daily roaming passes may add up on longer trips.
- Background apps can use data without you noticing.
- Maps, translation and social media can use data quickly.
- Hotspot and video calls can increase costs fast.
Best Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges in China
| Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| China eSIM | Tourists who want mobile data without home SIM roaming |
| Local SIM card | Longer stays or local number needs |
| Hotel WiFi | Large downloads, streaming and evening use |
| International roaming package | Travelers who prefer using their home carrier |
| Public WiFi only | Very light users, but less reliable for travel |
China Roaming vs eSIM vs Local SIM Card
| Feature | Home SIM Roaming | China eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy before travel | Depends on carrier | Yes | No |
| Physical SIM needed | No | No | Yes |
| Risk of high roaming charges | High if not controlled | Low | Low |
| Good for short trips | Can be expensive | Excellent | Good |
| Local phone number | No | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Setup convenience | Easy but may cost more | Easy if phone supports eSIM | May require shop visit |
How to Turn Off Roaming on Your Primary SIM
- Open your phone settings.
- Select your primary SIM or home carrier line.
- Turn OFF Data Roaming on the primary SIM.
- Keep the primary SIM available for calls and SMS if needed.
- Select your China eSIM for Mobile Data.
- Enable Data Roaming only on the China eSIM.
Recommended Settings to Avoid China Roaming Charges
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Mobile Data | China eSIM |
| Calls | Primary SIM |
| SMS | Primary SIM |
| Data Roaming on China eSIM | ON |
| Data Roaming on Primary SIM | OFF |
| Automatic Data Switching | OFF |
| Network Selection | Automatic |
| APN | data.esim if required |
APN Settings for China eSIM
Most phones configure APN settings automatically. If mobile data does not work after arrival in China, enter the APN manually.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | data.esim |
| Username | Leave blank |
| Password | Leave blank |
| Authentication | None |
Common Causes of Unexpected Roaming Charges
- Data Roaming is left ON on your primary SIM.
- Automatic Data Switching is enabled.
- Your phone switches back to your home SIM for data.
- Background app refresh uses mobile data.
- Cloud photo or video backup runs automatically.
- App updates download over mobile data.
- Hotspot is shared from the wrong SIM.
- You use your home carrier without a roaming package.
How Much Data Do You Need in China?
| Trip Type | Recommended Data |
|---|---|
| Short city trip | 3–5 GB |
| One-week China trip | 5–10 GB |
| Two-week China trip | 10–20 GB |
| Multi-city trip | 10–20 GB |
| Hotspot sharing | 20 GB+ |
| Remote work or video calls | 20 GB+ with WiFi backup |
Typical Data Usage in China
| Activity | Approximate Usage |
|---|---|
| Maps and navigation | 5–10 MB per hour |
| Translation apps | Low to Moderate |
| Messaging | Very Low |
| Email and browsing | 50–150 MB per hour |
| Social media browsing | 100–300 MB per hour |
| Video calls | 250 MB–1.5 GB per hour |
| Streaming video | 500 MB–3 GB per hour |
| Hotspot for laptop | Moderate to High |
Does WhatsApp Work with China Roaming or eSIM?
WhatsApp may not work normally on local Chinese internet networks because some apps and services can be restricted. A China eSIM provides mobile data, but app access can still depend on network routing, local restrictions and your specific plan.
Your WhatsApp account can remain linked to your existing phone number, even if your China eSIM is data-only.
Can You Keep Your Main SIM Active Without Roaming Charges?
Yes. Most Dual SIM phones allow you to keep your main SIM active for calls and SMS while using your China eSIM for mobile data.
- Use the China eSIM for internet.
- Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
- Receive verification codes if supported by your home carrier.
- Turn off Automatic Data Switching.
How to Save Data in China
- Use hotel WiFi for large downloads.
- Turn off automatic app updates on mobile data.
- Disable cloud photo backup on mobile data.
- Download offline maps before travel days.
- Use lower video quality when streaming.
- Close unused background apps.
- Use hotspot only when needed.
- Check your data usage regularly.
What to Do If Mobile Data Does Not Work
- Check that your phone supports eSIM.
- Confirm that your phone is unlocked.
- Make sure the China eSIM is turned ON.
- Select the China eSIM for Mobile Data.
- Enable Data Roaming on the China eSIM.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
- Turn off Automatic Data Switching.
- Restart your phone.
- Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.
- Set APN to data.esim if required.
Related China Internet Guides
- China eSIM
- Best eSIM for China
- Buy eSIM China
- China Mobile Data
- Internet in China for Tourists
- Best Way to Get Internet in China
- Local SIM vs eSIM China
- China eSIM APN Settings
FAQ
Are roaming charges expensive in China?
Roaming charges in China can be expensive depending on your home carrier. China is outside the EU roaming area, so normal EU roaming allowances usually do not apply.
How can I avoid roaming charges in China?
Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM, turn off Automatic Data Switching and use a China travel eSIM for mobile data.
Can I keep my home SIM active in China?
Yes. You can keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS while using a China eSIM for mobile data. Keep Data Roaming off on your home SIM.
Do I need Data Roaming for China eSIM?
Yes. Data Roaming should usually be enabled on the China eSIM. Keep roaming data off on your primary SIM to avoid unwanted charges.
Does WhatsApp work in China with roaming or eSIM?
WhatsApp may be restricted on local Chinese internet networks. Mobile data can work, but app access depends on local restrictions and plan routing.
What APN should I use for China eSIM?
If manual APN setup is required for a NoveSIM China eSIM, use data.esim.
Final Recommendation
The safest way to avoid China roaming charges is to turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM and use a China travel eSIM for mobile data. This helps you stay connected for maps, translation, hotel messages, transport and everyday travel internet without relying on expensive home carrier roaming.
Before travel, install your China eSIM on WiFi. After arrival, select the China eSIM for Mobile Data, enable Data Roaming on the eSIM, turn off Automatic Data Switching and use data.esim as the APN if manual setup is required.