Don't get me wrong — my China Mobile SIM worked fine. Great coverage, cheap data, no complaints about the service itself.
BUT.
The process of GETTING it? Absolute chaos.
The Airport SIM Counter Experience
I walk up to the China Mobile kiosk at Shanghai Pudong. There's a queue of about 8 people. The guy ahead of me is arguing about something in rapid Chinese. The staff member is trying to help three people at once.
When it's my turn, I hand over my passport. She types for what feels like forever. Then she hands me a form — in Chinese. I just sign where she points.
Then she takes my photo. Then more typing. Then she hands me a SIM and a receipt. Total time: 22 minutes.
Total data plan: ¥150 for 20GB, 30 days. Fine, but not amazing.
Meanwhile, My Friend Just Scanned a QR Code
My friend who flew in the same day? She had an eSIM.
She literally landed, connected to airport WiFi, scanned the QR code from her email, and was online in 3 minutes. No queue. No passport. No forms. No awkward photo.
Her plan: $15 for 10GB via Airalo. Worked immediately.
When a Physical SIM Makes Sense
Okay so I don't totally regret it because:
• I got a Chinese phone number, which some restaurants and services require
• China Mobile coverage in rural areas was legitimately better than her roaming eSIM
• It was cheaper for heavy data users
But if you're just doing a 1–2 week trip in major cities? The eSIM is 100% the move.
My Honest Recommendation
Get an eSIM if:
• You're traveling for under 2 weeks
• You're mostly in big cities
• You hate paperwork and queues
• You want Google/WhatsApp to work without a VPN (some eSIMs route through HK)
Get a physical SIM if:
• You're staying long-term
• You need a local number for registrations
• You're traveling to remote areas
• You use a LOT of data
P.S. I now have both — eSIM for quick trips, physical SIM for long stays. Best of both worlds.
What's your setup? Team eSIM or team physical SIM?
Posted on 2026-5-22 12:20:37