T-Mobile roaming in China: what it costs, and when an eSIM is cheaper
Data in China is included with most T-Mobile plans. Otherwise, it costs $10.00/day (International Pass). An eSIM for 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
T-Mobile 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 T-Mobile
With most T-Mobile plans, data in China is included at no extra cost, within your allowance abroad.
Otherwise, with T-Mobile
$10.00/day
International Pass. For 7 days and 6 GB, expect $50.00.
With an eSIM, 7 days and 6 GB
$13.00
Today’s lowest price, from Jetpac. That’s $37.00 less than T-Mobile’s rate.
See the planAffiliate links
Data in China with T-Mobile: our analysis
What T-Mobile’s rate sheet and eSIM prices show, as checked on October 22, 2026.
The right pass for your trip length
- 3 days3 × International Pass$30.00
- 1 week10 Day Pass$50.00
- 2 weeks and 1 month30 Day Pass$75.00
Against the cheapest eSIM
The cheapest eSIM costs less on the trip lengths we can compare.
- 3 dayseSIM$6.50T-Mobile$30.00
- 1 weekeSIM$13.00T-Mobile$50.00
- 1 montheSIM$29.99T-Mobile$75.00
Without a pass
Without a pass, T-Mobile charges $1.00/MB for data: 100 MB comes to $100.00.
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).
T-Mobile applies the same rate in 21 other destinations we track, including Australia, Egypt, France, Greece, and Iceland.
Plan by plan
What applies in China depending on your T-Mobile plan.
What T-Mobile’s official rate sheet sets out in China, offer by offer. “Included” means at no extra cost, within your allowance abroad: your T-Mobile account shows the one on your line.
| Plan or offer | Data in China | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| International Pass: 1 Day Pass USD 10 (2GB), 10 Day Pass USD 50 (15GB), 30 Day Pass USD 75 (30GB); roaming data included on most current plans | $10.00/day | Destination is in the 'Simple Global' group (215+ countries) of T-Mobile's travel API and in the included-countries list. Calls USD 0.50/min on all postpaid plans. |
| Better Value | Included | 30GB high-speed then 256 Kbps |
| Experience Beyond / Go5G Next | Included | 15GB high-speed then 256 Kbps |
| Experience More / Go5G Plus / MAX / One Plus | Included | 5GB high-speed then 256 Kbps |
| Go5G / Magenta / One | Included | Unlimited data at 256 Kbps |
| Other T-Mobile Plans | $1.00/MB | Pay-per-use data |
| International Pass 10 Day (15GB) | $50.00 for 10 days | 10 Day Pass |
| International Pass 30 Day (30GB) | $75.00 for 30 days | 30 Day Pass |
What your trip costs
With the T-Mobile roaming rate, against today’s cheapest eSIM, for everyday use.
| Trip | With T-Mobile | Cheapest eSIM | The offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days · 3 GB | $30.00 3 × International Pass | $6.50 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 7 days · 6 GB | $50.00 10 Day Pass | $13.00 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 14 days · 12 GB | $75.00 30 Day Pass | €17.99 Orange Travel | See the plan |
| 30 days · 24 GB | $75.00 30 Day Pass | $29.99 Jetpac | See the plan |
Affiliate links
China with other US carriers
The same trip with the other US carriers we track, from their official rate sheets.
All 4 US carriers we track include China in at least one plan: AT&T, Google Fi, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
AT&T
Google Fi
VerizonTurn off T-Mobile 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 T-Mobile for calls
In your settings, keep your T-Mobile line for calls and texts, and pick the eSIM for mobile data.
- 3
Turn off T-Mobile roaming
On iPhone: Settings › Cellular › your T-Mobile 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.
T-Mobile roaming in China: your questions
Answered from the T-Mobile price guide and today’s prices.
Is data in China included in my T-Mobile plan?
Yes, with most T-Mobile plans. Otherwise, it costs $10.00/day (International Pass).
How much does data cost in China with T-Mobile?
$10.00/day (International Pass), so $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 T-Mobile pass should I get for China?
The best T-Mobile option depends on how long you stay: for 3 days, 3 × International Pass ($30.00); for a week, 10 Day Pass ($50.00); for two weeks and for a month, 30 Day Pass ($75.00).
T-Mobile or an eSIM in China: which is cheaper?
Against today’s cheapest eSIM, T-Mobile costs more: for a week, $13.00 for the eSIM against $50.00 with T-Mobile; for a month, $29.99 for the eSIM against $75.00 with T-Mobile.
What does T-Mobile charge in China without a pass?
Without a pass, T-Mobile charges $1.00/MB for data: 100 MB comes to $100.00.
Which US carriers include China?
All 4 US carriers we track include China in at least one plan: AT&T, Google Fi, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
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 T-Mobile line. You keep your number for calls and texts.
Can I keep my T-Mobile number with an eSIM?
Yes, on an eSIM-compatible phone: your T-Mobile line stays on for calls and texts while the eSIM carries the data.
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