EE roaming in China: what it costs, and when an eSIM is cheaper
Data in China is included with Full Works (Zone 1 roaming included). Otherwise, it costs £6.00/day (Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour). An eSIM for 7 days and 6 GB costs from $13.00 (Jetpac).
Rates checked on October 21, 2026 in the official price guide · Source: EE
The best eSIMs in China for a week
For 7 days and 6 GB
- 1Best unlimited
Ubigi
Unlimited · 7 days
$24.00$3.43 per day- 5 GB a day at full speed, then reduced speed
- Network: China Telecom
- Hotspot allowed
- 2Cheapest
Jetpac
10 GB · 7 days
$13.00$1.30 per GB- Lowest total price for 7 days
- Network: China Unicom
- Hotspot allowed
- 3Best price per GB
Orange Travel
20 GB · 14 days
€17.99€0.90 per GB- Lowest price per GB for this trip
- Networks: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom
- Hotspot allowed
Three steps, three questions: the best unlimited plan, the cheapest and the best price per GB, from three different providers. How we pick the podium · Affiliate links
EE or an eSIM in China: our verdict
Depending on your plan and trip length, at the prices read on October 22, 2026.
If your plan includes China
Keep EE
With Full Works (Zone 1 roaming included), data in China is included at no extra cost, within your allowance abroad.
Otherwise, with EE
£6.00/day
Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour. For 7 days and 6 GB, expect £30.00.
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Data in China with EE: our analysis
What EE’s rate sheet and eSIM prices show, as checked on October 22, 2026.
The right pass for your trip length
- 3 days3 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour£18.00
- 1 weekRoaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 7-day£30.00
- 2 weeksRoaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day£50.00
- 1 month2 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day£100.00
Against the cheapest eSIM
EE charges in GBP and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect £30.00 with EE and $13.00 with the eSIM (Jetpac).
eSIMs in China at a glance
- In China, we compare plans from 8 eSIM providers: Airalo, GigSky, GoMoWorld, Jetpac, Nomad, Orange Travel, Ubigi, and Yesim.
- The cheapest unlimited plan for a week is from Ubigi: $24.00 (Unlimited · 7 days).
EE applies the same rate in 14 other destinations we track, including Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Plan by plan
What applies in China depending on your EE plan.
What EE’s official rate sheet sets out in China, offer by offer. “Included” means at no extra cost, within your allowance abroad: your EE account shows the one on your line.
| Plan or offer | Data in China |
|---|---|
| Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1 (24-hour) | £6.00/day |
| Full Works (Zone 1 roaming included) | Included |
| Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1 (7-day) | £30.00 for 7 days |
| Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1 (15-day) | £50.00 for 15 days |
What your trip costs
With the EE roaming rate, against today’s cheapest eSIM, for everyday use.
| Trip | With EE | Cheapest eSIM | The offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days · 3 GB | £18.00 3 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour | $6.50 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 7 days · 6 GB | £30.00 Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 7-day | $13.00 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 14 days · 12 GB | £50.00 Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day | €17.99 Orange Travel | See the plan |
| 30 days · 24 GB | £100.00 2 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day | $29.99 Jetpac | See the plan |
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China with other UK carriers
The same trip with the other UK carriers we track, from their official rate sheets.
Of the 4 UK carriers we track, 3 include China in at least one plan: EE, O2, and Three.
Three
O2
VodafoneTurn off EE roaming and use an eSIM
Four settings, before you leave or on the plane.
- 1
Install the eSIM at home
Buy it and scan its QR code before you leave: with most providers, the plan only starts when you first connect at your destination.
- 2
Keep EE for calls
In your settings, keep your EE line for calls and texts, and pick the eSIM for mobile data.
- 3
Turn off EE roaming
On iPhone: Settings › Cellular › your EE line › Data Roaming. On Android: Settings › Mobile networks › Roaming.
- 4
Keep eSIM roaming on
A travel eSIM uses the local networks: its data roaming must stay on.
EE roaming in China: your questions
Answered from the EE price guide and today’s prices.
Is data in China included in my EE plan?
Yes, with Full Works (Zone 1 roaming included). Otherwise, it costs £6.00/day (Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour).
How much does data cost in China with EE?
£6.00/day (Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour), so £42.00 for 7 days and 6 GB. An eSIM covering the same week costs from $13.00 (Jetpac), checked on October 22, 2026.
Which EE pass should I get for China?
The best EE option depends on how long you stay: for 3 days, 3 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 24-hour (£18.00); for a week, Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 7-day (£30.00); for two weeks, Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day (£50.00); for a month, 2 × Roaming Pass ROW Zone 1, 15-day (£100.00).
EE or an eSIM in China: which is cheaper?
EE charges in GBP and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect £30.00 with EE and $13.00 with the eSIM (Jetpac).
Which UK carriers include China?
Of the 4 UK carriers we track, 3 include China in at least one plan: EE, O2, and Three.
Which network does an eSIM use in China?
The cheapest one-week eSIM (Jetpac) uses China Unicom. Depending on the plan, the 8 providers we compare in China list China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile.
How do I avoid roaming charges in China?
Use a travel eSIM for data and turn off data roaming on your EE line. You keep your number for calls and texts.
Can I keep my EE number with an eSIM?
Yes, on an eSIM-compatible phone: your EE line stays on for calls and texts while the eSIM carries the data.
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