Do You Need a VPN in China If You Have an eSIM or Roaming?

Why roaming gets past the firewall

When you roam, your mobile data is usually routed back through your home carrier or the eSIM provider's partner network outside mainland China. Your traffic leaves China before it hits the internet, so the Great Firewall does not filter it the same way.

This applies to your own SIM on international roaming and to most travel eSIMs. It does not apply to a Chinese SIM bought locally, which is fully filtered.

When you still need a VPN

• On hotel, cafe and airport Wi-Fi, which is filtered like any other Chinese connection.
• On a laptop, unless you tether it to your phone.
• On a Chinese SIM, if you are staying long enough to get one.
• When the eSIM's routing changes. Some eSIM plans use local breakout, which means your traffic is filtered. Check the plan details before you buy.

Our recommendation

Use both. Get an eSIM or roaming plan for your phone, and carry a VPN for Wi-Fi and laptops. Roaming data can be expensive, so a VPN on hotel Wi-Fi saves money too.

Questions

Does Airalo or Holafly work in China without a VPN?

Most travel eSIMs, including popular ones like Airalo and Holafly, route data outside mainland China, so blocked apps usually work without a VPN. Check the specific plan, because routing can vary and can change.

Can I tether my laptop to an eSIM in China?

Usually yes, and the laptop then shares the same unfiltered connection. Check that your eSIM plan allows hotspot use, and watch your data allowance.