topic eSim in China in Discussions & Feedback

eSim in China

dan1080 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:19:12 GMT

Hi, I am travelling to China next week for the first time since switching to eSim. There is conflicting information on whether the eSim is supported in China. Can anyone confirm whether or not I can roam with eSim in China? Many Thanks

Re: eSim in China

MI5 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:50:33 GMT

@dan1080

What makes you think it wouldn't?

It works in USA so can't see it's any different in China.

Beware of costs though

Re: eSim in China

dan1080 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:55:27 GMT

@MI5

Thanks for the reply, the Apple website suggests it won’t work.

https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT209044

But one tripadvisor user suggested it might. Also an eSim store offers local eSims but it’s not clear if O2 eSim will work when roaming.

Just wondering if anyone had any direct experience.

Re: eSim in China

dan1080 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:57:31 GMT

Regarding charges I have a Chinese physical sim for data and local calls, hence I moved my O2 plan to eSim, but still want to be able to use my normal number if required, I’ll just take the £4.99 a day hit in that case.

Re: eSim in China

MI5 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:59:33 GMT

@dan1080

I believe that means Chinese spec phones don't have eSim capability, not that you can't use your phone with eSim when visiting.

Re: eSim in China

dan1080 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 22:04:57 GMT

@MI5

Good point, I really hope that’s the case. The fact that other companies are offering local eSims would suggest they’re supported. Fingers crossed! Thanks for your advice. I’ll report back next week.

Re: eSim in China

MI5 — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 22:12:38 GMT

@dan1080

I'm 99.99% certain it will work. All the roaming carrier cares about is your identity. eSIMs still have an ICCID just like regular SIMs and roaming should, therefore, work just like a normal SIM.