Yes, eSIM works in China if installed and activated before you arrive, as new eSIMs cannot be purchased or installed in mainland China. International eSIMs provide data and WhatsApp access, but China's Great Firewall still blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, X, and other restricted services.
Airalo eSIM prices in 2026 range from about $4 for small local data plans to $159 for a 30-day global plan. Local plans suit short, light-data trips, while regional and global unlimited plans work better for longer or multi-country travel. Airalo is prepaid with no subscriptions or auto-renewals.
Green messages on iPhone mean the message was sent through RCS, SMS, or MMS instead of iMessage. Check whether the recipient uses iMessage, turn iMessage on, verify Send & Receive settings, check your internet connection, restart your iPhone, and update iOS to turn eligible messages blue.
Jetpac eSIM is a strong choice for Japan, with affordable data plans, KDDI and Rakuten coverage, unlimited data, and hotspot sharing. It works well across major cities and travel routes, while deep rural areas may benefit from Docomo-based coverage. It is data-only with no Japanese phone number.
To remove an eSIM from iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular, select the eSIM plan, tap Delete eSIM or Delete Plan, and confirm. Deleting removes the profile but does not cancel the plan or stop billing. Turn off the eSIM instead if you may need it again for future travel.
Every Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air from the 3rd generation (2019) onward supports eSIM, while M2 and M3 models are eSIM-only. Wi-Fi-only models cannot use eSIM. Setup uses a QR code or manual activation if the iPad is unlocked, making travel eSIMs a practical option for international trips.
The Netgear Nighthawk M7 is the best unlocked mobile hotspot with eSIM for loading third-party plans. An unlocked eSIM phone is an affordable alternative, while Acer and Solis use proprietary connectivity. Most eSIM plans support hotspot, but tethering rules vary by provider.
Learn how to transfer an eSIM from one iPhone to another in minutes using Quick Transfer or a QR code. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to switch your eSIM before traveling.
Holafly suits heavy data users who want unlimited-style plans, but it is expensive and caps hotspot on standard plans. Jetpac is a strong Holafly alternative for value, travel perks and unrestricted hotspot, while Airalo, Nomad and Saily suit coverage, lower cost per GB and simple setup.
Jetpac suits travellers who want a lower starting price, multi-network connectivity and practical travel perks. Saily is better for built-in security, long-validity Global data, and an optional US phone number.
Jetpac suits travellers who want flexible pricing, hotspot support, lounge access, Voice calls, and essential apps after data runs out. Holafly works better for travellers who want simple unlimited data, but it costs more and usually limits tethering.