Holafly China eSIM Review: The Built-In VPN That Actually Works (2026)
Holafly China eSIM includes built-in VPN that actually works - we tested it against ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Mullvad in Shanghai. Get 5-10% off with code ADAMANDLINDS.
Most travel blogs will tell you to buy a China eSIM and then separately subscribe to ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Mullvad. We tested all of them in Shanghai. They didn't work. What did work? Holafly's built-in VPN feature that comes included with their China eSIM at no extra cost.
We Tested It All in Shanghai
Let's skip the theoretical stuff. We were on the ground in Shanghai with our family of five, and we tested the major VPN options alongside Holafly's integrated solution. The results weren't even close.
ExpressVPN: Connected intermittently. Dropped constantly. Spent more time reconnecting than actually browsing.
NordVPN: Similar story. The obfuscated servers that supposedly work in China mostly didn't.
Mullvad: Known for privacy, but struggled to establish stable connections behind the Great Firewall.
Holafly's Built-In VPN: Connected immediately. Stayed connected. We accessed Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Gmail without issues throughout our stay.
The difference is that Holafly has specifically engineered their China eSIM to include VPN functionality that actually bypasses the Great Firewall. It's not a separate app you need to configure or troubleshoot - it just works when you activate your data.
Why Holafly's Approach Works Better
Traditional VPNs struggle in China because the Great Firewall actively detects and blocks VPN protocols. The cat-and-mouse game between VPN providers and Chinese censors means connections are unreliable at best.
Holafly takes a different approach. Their China eSIM routes your data in a way that provides access to Western services without relying on traditional VPN protocols that get flagged and blocked. The result is more stable, more reliable connectivity to the apps and services you actually need.
What we accessed without issues:
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Photos)
- WhatsApp and FaceTime for family calls
- Instagram and Facebook
- YouTube
- Western news sites
- Basically everything that's normally blocked
Holafly China eSIM Pricing (2026)
Here's what you're looking at cost-wise. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off any plan.
| Plan Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $3.90 | $3.71 | $3.71 |
| 3 days | $11.37 | $10.80 | $3.60 |
| 10 days | $36.90 | $35.06 | $3.51 |
| 14 days | $47.90 | $45.51 | $3.25 |
| 30 days | $74.90 | $71.16 | $2.37 |
What's included:
- Unlimited data on China Mobile's network
- Built-in VPN access to Western services (no extra cost)
- 500MB daily hotspot allowance
- 3G/4G/5G speeds depending on location
- 24/7 customer support
For stays longer than 30 days, Holafly's Monthly Global Plans offer better value. The Light Plan runs $49.90/month for 25GB, while the Unlimited Plan costs $64.90/month with coverage across 113+ destinations.
Get your Holafly China eSIM here - use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off.
The Math: One Purchase vs The Old Way
The traditional advice for China travel connectivity looked like this:
| Old Approach | Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget eSIM (data only) | $15-30 |
| ExpressVPN annual plan | $100+ |
| Total | $115-130+ |
Plus the frustration of a VPN that doesn't reliably work.
| Holafly Approach | Cost |
|---|---|
| Holafly China eSIM (10 days) | $35.06 with ADAMANDLINDS |
| Built-in VPN | Included |
| Total | $35.06 |
Plus it actually works.
You're saving $80+ and getting a solution that doesn't require troubleshooting VPN connections while your kids are asking why Google Maps won't load and you're trying to find your hotel.
Setup: Do This Before You Board
Critical point: set up your Holafly eSIM before entering China. The Holafly website and most eSIM provider sites are blocked within China, so purchasing or troubleshooting after arrival becomes extremely difficult.
Before departure (24-48 hours out):
- Purchase your Holafly China eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS
- Receive your QR code via email (arrives within minutes)
- Install the eSIM profile on your phone
- Don't activate data roaming yet - wait until arrival
- Screenshot your QR code and confirmation as backup
Upon landing in China:
- Enable data roaming on your Holafly eSIM line
- Keep your home carrier's data roaming OFF
- Connection should establish within minutes
- Test access to Google or WhatsApp to confirm VPN functionality
- You're done - no VPN apps to configure
The whole process takes maybe 10 minutes spread across two days. Compare that to the hours we've seen travelers spend trying to get traditional VPNs working in Chinese airports and hotels.
Coverage and Performance
Holafly connects to China Mobile, the largest carrier in China with the most extensive network. Our experience in Shanghai showed consistent 4G LTE speeds throughout the city, including in the subway system and inside buildings.
Excellent coverage:
- Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
- Major tourist areas (Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc.)
- High-speed rail routes
- Most urban and suburban areas
Variable coverage:
- Remote western regions (Tibet, Xinjiang)
- Very rural areas
- Some underground locations
For typical tourist itineraries hitting major cities and attractions, coverage is solid. The built-in VPN functionality worked consistently everywhere we had signal.
What Still Works Without VPN
Even with Holafly's VPN access, you might want to embrace some local apps that work natively:
WeChat: China's everything app. Messaging, payments, mini-programs, ride-hailing. Worth installing even if you have full Western app access. Many businesses only accept WeChat Pay.
Alipay: The other major payment platform. Some places prefer this over WeChat Pay.
Didi: China's Uber equivalent. Works well for getting around cities.
Maps.me: Download offline maps of China before your trip as a backup. Works without any internet connection.
Baidu Maps: The local Google Maps alternative. More accurate for China-specific locations and transit directions.
Common Questions
Does Holafly's China eSIM really include VPN?
Yes. Unlike most eSIM providers that just give you data (which routes through the Great Firewall), Holafly's China product specifically includes functionality to access blocked Western services. We verified this ourselves in Shanghai.
Is this legal for tourists?
Foreign tourists using VPNs in China is generally tolerated. The restrictions primarily target Chinese citizens and businesses. Millions of foreign visitors access Western services in China every year.
Will it work for my whole family?
Each device needs its own eSIM. The 500MB daily hotspot allowance can help connect devices without eSIM capability (like kids' WiFi-only iPads), though heavy users will want individual plans.
What about Hong Kong and Macau?
The China eSIM covers mainland China only. Hong Kong and Macau are separate coverage areas with different regulations (and no Great Firewall). If you're visiting multiple regions, check out Holafly's China + Hong Kong + Macau regional plan or purchase separate eSIMs.
Can I top up if I stay longer?
Yes. Holafly allows top-ups through their app or website. The ADAMANDLINDS code works on top-ups too.
The Bottom Line
Stop paying for separate VPN subscriptions that don't work in China. Holafly's China eSIM includes built-in VPN functionality that actually bypasses the Great Firewall, and we've tested it personally in Shanghai. For under $40 for a 10-day trip, you get unlimited data plus reliable access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and everything else you need.
Get your Holafly China eSIM and use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off.
Need help planning the rest of your China trip? Lindsay offers personalized travel planning services at [email protected]. From 240-hour transit visa strategies to full itinerary building, she can help you navigate China travel logistics.
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we've personally tested and believe will help your travels. All opinions are our own based on real-world use in Shanghai.
