Telstra roaming in China: what it costs, and when an eSIM is cheaper
With Telstra, data in China costs A$10.00/day (International Roaming Day Pass - Zone 2), so A$70.00 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
Telstra or an eSIM in China: our verdict
Depending on your plan and trip length, at the prices read on October 22, 2026.
Your Telstra plan
Not included
No plan on Telstra’s rate sheet includes China: data there costs extra.
With Telstra
A$10.00/day
International Roaming Day Pass - Zone 2. For 7 days and 6 GB, expect A$45.00.
Affiliate links
Data in China with Telstra: our analysis
What Telstra’s rate sheet and eSIM prices show, as checked on October 22, 2026.
The right pass for your trip length
- 3 days14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 minA$25.00
- 1 week3 × 7 Day Travel Pack, 2GB, 25 SMS/MMS, 25 minA$45.00
- 2 weeks3 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 minA$75.00
- 1 month6 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 minA$150.00
Against the cheapest eSIM
Telstra charges in AUD and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect A$45.00 with Telstra 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).
Telstra applies the same rate in 20 other destinations we track, including Canada, Egypt, France, Greece, and India.
Plan by plan
What applies in China depending on your Telstra plan.
What Telstra’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 |
|---|---|---|
| International Roaming Day Pass - Zone 2 | A$10.00/day | 2GB per day plus unlimited standard calls and SMS; Data Top-Up 2GB for AUD 10 (valid 31 days). Upfront plans: 24 hours from first use; other plans: until 11:59pm AEST. |
| Pre-Paid | A$10.00 for 3 days | 3 Day Travel Pack (400MB, 15 SMS/MMS, 15 min) |
| Pre-Paid | A$15.00 for 7 days | 7 Day Travel Pack (2GB, 25 SMS/MMS, 25 min) |
| Pre-Paid | A$25.00 for 14 days | 14 Day Travel Pack (4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min) |
What your trip costs
With the Telstra roaming rate, against today’s cheapest eSIM, for everyday use.
| Trip | With Telstra | Cheapest eSIM | The offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days · 3 GB | A$25.00 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min | $6.50 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 7 days · 6 GB | A$45.00 3 × 7 Day Travel Pack, 2GB, 25 SMS/MMS, 25 min | $13.00 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 14 days · 12 GB | A$75.00 3 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min | €17.99 Orange Travel | See the plan |
| 30 days · 24 GB | A$150.00 6 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min | $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) |
|---|---|---|
 Optus | — | A$35.00 7 × Optus Daily Roaming |
 Vodafone Australia | — | A$35.00 $35 Roaming Add-on, 7 days, 7GB, 350 min, 250 texts |
Turn off Telstra 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 Telstra for calls
In your settings, keep your Telstra line for calls and texts, and pick the eSIM for mobile data.
- 3
Turn off Telstra roaming
On iPhone: Settings › Cellular › your Telstra 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.
Telstra roaming in China: your questions
Answered from the Telstra price guide and today’s prices.
Is data in China included in my Telstra plan?
No, not with the standard Telstra plan: A$10.00/day (International Roaming Day Pass - Zone 2).
How much does data cost in China with Telstra?
A$10.00/day (International Roaming Day Pass - Zone 2), so A$70.00 for 7 days and 6 GB. An eSIM covering the same week costs from $13.00 (Jetpac), checked on October 22, 2026.
Which Telstra pass should I get for China?
The best Telstra option depends on how long you stay: for 3 days, 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min (A$25.00); for a week, 3 × 7 Day Travel Pack, 2GB, 25 SMS/MMS, 25 min (A$45.00); for two weeks, 3 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min (A$75.00); for a month, 6 × 14 Day Travel Pack, 4GB, 50 SMS/MMS, 50 min (A$150.00).
Telstra or an eSIM in China: which is cheaper?
Telstra charges in AUD and the cheapest eSIM is sold in USD: we convert nothing. For a week, expect A$45.00 with Telstra 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 Telstra line. You keep your number for calls and texts.
Can I keep my Telstra number with an eSIM?
Yes, on an eSIM-compatible phone: your Telstra line stays on for calls and texts while the eSIM carries the data.
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