Choose your starting point

Two plan models, two different kinds of convenience.

Defined allowance

Start with Airalo

Best when your use is measurable and you want to see the data budget before paying.

  • Light or standard phone use
  • A visible allowance
  • Hotspot terms checked on the selected package
Check current planFrom $4
Duration-based

Start with Holafly

Best when heavy on-phone use makes monitoring a fixed allowance inconvenient.

  • Frequent streaming or video calls
  • Unlimited mobile data, subject to terms
  • Daily hotspot allowance checked separately
Check current planFrom $11.90 / 3 days

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Quick comparison

Compare the facts that change the decision.

Provider-published plan details appear alongside our interpretation of who each plan model suits. Confirm the exact live package before checkout.

Decision factorAiraloHolafly
Data modelChoose a defined data allowanceUnlimited mobile data, subject to provider terms
ValidityPackage-dependentSelect the exact number of travel days
HotspotCheck the selected package before purchaseCurrently advertised as 1 GB of sharing per day
Current priceFrom $4From $11.90 / 3 days
Best forLight to standard use with a defined data budgetHeavy on-phone use without daily high-volume tethering
Main limitationYou need to estimate the allowance before buyingHotspot sharing is a separate, limited allowance
Last checked2026-08-082026-08-08

Unlimited plans can remain subject to provider terms and network management. Prices automatically hide when their review date becomes stale.

Three common scenarios

Match the plan to what could actually go wrong.

01

Regular sightseeing trip

Maps, messaging, social media, translation, and occasional video usually point to a fixed allowance with a reasonable buffer.

Start with the data calculator, then compare current Airalo packages.
02

Heavy use on one phone

Frequent streaming and video calls make an unlimited plan easier to manage when hotspot use is not central.

Compare the full trip price and current Holafly terms.
03

Daily laptop or tablet hotspot

Do not select unlimited phone data without checking the separate tethering allowance.

Compare a high fixed allowance with the advertised daily hotspot cap.
Sources and boundaries

Published facts, clearly separated from our judgment.

Airalo China eSIM product pageProvider source · checked 2026-08-08 ↗Holafly China eSIM product pageProvider source · checked 2026-08-08 ↗
ChinaSIMGuide interpretation: the “best for” and scenario guidance comes from our published rules, not a paid ranking. Read the full method →
FAQ

Questions to settle before you buy

Which is cheaper for a short China trip?

A correctly sized fixed-data plan is often the better-value starting point for light or standard use, but compare current prices for your exact dates.

Which is better for heavy data use?

An unlimited plan is simpler for heavy on-phone use. If you tether every day, compare the hotspot allowance before choosing it.

Do either of these providers guarantee every app will work?

No. Routing, app availability, network conditions, and provider policies can change. Avoid treating app-access claims as permanent guarantees.