Optus roaming in China: what it costs, and when an eSIM is cheaper
With Optus, data in China costs A$5.00/day (Optus Daily Roaming), so A$35.00 for 7 days and 6 GB. An eSIM covering 7 days and 6 GB costs from $13.00 (Jetpac).
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
Optus or an eSIM in China: our verdict
Depending on your plan and trip length, at the prices read on October 22, 2026.
Your Optus plan
Not included
No plan on Optus’s rate sheet includes China: data there costs extra.
With Optus
A$5.00/day
Optus Daily Roaming. For 7 days and 6 GB, expect A$35.00.
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Data in China with Optus: our analysis
What Optus’s rate sheet and eSIM prices show, as checked on October 22, 2026.
The right pass for your trip length
- 3 days3 × Optus Daily RoamingA$15.00
- 1 week7 × Optus Daily RoamingA$35.00
- 2 weeks14 × Optus Daily RoamingA$70.00
- 1 month5 × International Roaming add-on $25, 14 days, 5GBA$125.00
Against the cheapest eSIM
Optus charges in AUD and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect A$35.00 with Optus and $13.00 with the eSIM (Jetpac).
eSIMs in China at a glance
- In China, we compare plans from 7 eSIM providers: GigSky, GoMoWorld, Jetpac, Nomad, Orange Travel, Ubigi, and Yesim.
- The cheapest unlimited plan for a week is from Ubigi: $24.00 (Unlimited · 7 days).
Optus applies the same rate in 23 other destinations we track, including Canada, Egypt, France, Greece, and Iceland.
Plan by plan
What applies in China depending on your Optus plan.
What Optus’s official rate sheet sets out in China, offer by offer. No plan includes it: each offer below is charged on top of your subscription.
| Plan or offer | Data in China | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Optus Daily Roaming | A$5.00/day | 5GB per 24 hours (another 5GB auto-added for AUD 5 if used up) plus unlimited standard national talk and text. Destination is on the Zone 1 list; available on Choice Plus/Promo Plus plans, Qantas plans and MBB plans. |
| Optus $10 Roaming Pass | A$10.00/day | 1GB per 24 hours plus unlimited standard talk and SMS (selected postpaid plans) |
| Optus Prepaid | A$5.00/day | International Roaming add-on $5 (1 day, 1GB) |
| Optus Prepaid | A$25.00 for 14 days | International Roaming add-on $25 (14 days, 5GB) |
| Optus Prepaid | A$45.00 for 28 days | International Roaming add-on $45 (28 days, 10GB) |
What your trip costs
With the Optus roaming rate, against today’s cheapest eSIM, for everyday use.
| Trip | With Optus | Cheapest eSIM | The offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days · 3 GB | A$15.00 3 × Optus Daily Roaming | $6.50 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 7 days · 6 GB | A$35.00 7 × Optus Daily Roaming | $13.00 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 14 days · 12 GB | A$70.00 14 × Optus Daily Roaming | €17.99 Orange Travel | See the plan |
| 30 days · 24 GB | A$125.00 5 × International Roaming add-on $25, 14 days, 5GB | $29.99 Jetpac | See the plan |
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China with other Australian carriers
The same trip with the other Australian carriers we track, from their official rate sheets.
None of the 3 Australian carriers we track includes China in a plan.
| Carrier | Included with | A week (6 GB) |
|---|---|---|
 Vodafone Australia | — | A$35.00 $35 Roaming Add-on, 7 days, 7GB, 350 min, 250 texts |
 Telstra | — | A$45.00 3 × 7 Day Travel Pack, 2GB, 25 SMS/MMS, 25 min |
Turn off Optus 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 Optus for calls
In your settings, keep your Optus line for calls and texts, and pick the eSIM for mobile data.
- 3
Turn off Optus roaming
On iPhone: Settings › Cellular › your Optus 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.
Optus roaming in China: your questions
Answered from the Optus price guide and today’s prices.
Is data in China included in my Optus plan?
No, not with the standard Optus plan: A$5.00/day (Optus Daily Roaming).
How much does data cost in China with Optus?
A$5.00/day (Optus Daily Roaming), so A$35.00 for 7 days and 6 GB. An eSIM covering the same week costs from $13.00 (Jetpac), checked on October 22, 2026.
Which Optus pass should I get for China?
The best Optus option depends on how long you stay: for 3 days, 3 × Optus Daily Roaming (A$15.00); for a week, 7 × Optus Daily Roaming (A$35.00); for two weeks, 14 × Optus Daily Roaming (A$70.00); for a month, 5 × International Roaming add-on $25, 14 days, 5GB (A$125.00).
Optus or an eSIM in China: which is cheaper?
Optus charges in AUD and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect A$35.00 with Optus and $13.00 with the eSIM (Jetpac).
Which Australian carriers include China?
None of the 3 Australian carriers we track includes China in a plan.
Which network does an eSIM use in China?
The cheapest one-week eSIM (Jetpac) uses China Unicom. Depending on the plan, the 7 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 Optus line. You keep your number for calls and texts.
Can I keep my Optus number with an eSIM?
Yes, on an eSIM-compatible phone: your Optus line stays on for calls and texts while the eSIM carries the data.
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