I was standing in a Starbucks in Shanghai, watching my travel buddies frantically switch between VPN apps that kept cutting out, while I was casually scrolling Instagram and checking Google Maps without a single hiccup.
No VPN. No local SIM. No airport queue at 6am.
Just my phone, a Holafly eSIM I’d activated the night before, and full access to every Western app China normally blocks.
Why China Is Different From Every Other Country
Most people know about the Great Firewall — China blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most Western apps. Travellers usually handle this one of two ways:
- Buy a local Chinese SIM (subject to the same blocks)
- Use a VPN (unreliable, often throttled, sometimes illegal for tourists)
What most people don’t know: international roaming data bypasses the firewall entirely. Because you’re technically still on your home network routed through an international carrier, China’s blocks don’t apply.
That’s exactly what a Holafly eSIM gives you — international roaming data, not a local Chinese connection. It’s the legal, zero-hassle way to use Google and Instagram in China as a tourist.
What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a physical card at the airport (or waiting in a 45-minute queue), you scan a QR code and you’re connected — usually in under 2 minutes.
I’ve used physical SIM cards across Asia for years. The eSIM switch was one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” moments. Here’s why:
- No airport queue
- Activate the night before your flight
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and banking
- Works in 200+ countries with one provider
I Tested Holafly Across 4 Asian Countries
I’ve now used Holafly eSIM in South Korea, Japan, China, and Hong Kong. Here’s the honest breakdown:
🇰🇷 South Korea
Fast, reliable, unlimited data. Korea has some of the best mobile infrastructure in the world — the eSIM just plugs into it. Used it daily for subway navigation, Kakao Maps, and streaming on long bus rides.
🇯🇵 Japan
Worked perfectly in Tokyo and Osaka. Speeds were strong enough to video call without issues. Japan’s network coverage is excellent — no dead zones I could find.
🇨🇳 China
This is where it gets interesting. Google Maps worked. Instagram worked. WhatsApp worked. No VPN, no settings to change — it just worked from the moment I landed in Shanghai. This alone is worth the price of the eSIM.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
I lived in Hong Kong for a year studying at City University of Hong Kong. The local data is fast and the eSIM handled everything from dim sum restaurant research to typhoon weather alerts.
How to Get 5% Off Holafly
Use code KIMCHIBOY at checkout for 5% off any Holafly plan.
I don’t recommend things I haven’t used personally — I’ve run this eSIM across four countries and it’s the one thing I always pack now, along with my power bank.
Which Plan Should You Get?
Holafly sells unlimited data plans by destination and duration. For most trips I recommend:
- Korea only: the Korea plan (unlimited, great speeds)
- Multi-country Asia trip: the Asia regional plan — covers Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and more
- China specifically: any plan that includes China — the firewall bypass is the key feature
See all current plans and prices on the KimchiBoy eSIM guide.
Is Your Phone Compatible?
Most phones made after 2018 support eSIM. This includes all iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most modern flagship Android phones.
One exception: some phones bought in China have eSIM disabled by the manufacturer. Check your settings under Mobile Data → Add Data Plan — if you see that option, you’re good.
The Bottom Line
If you’re travelling to Asia — especially China — an eSIM is no longer optional. The days of hunting for a SIM card shop after a 12-hour flight, hoping the staff speaks enough English to help you, are over.
Scan a QR code. Connect instantly. Use Google in Shanghai.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use personally.