Is there data throughout the Shenzhen Metro?

Yes. Shenzhen's extensive metro has strong underground coverage, so you can navigate, message and generate scan-to-ride QR codes across the network. It is the easiest way to move between Huaqiangbei, the OCT parks and Shenzhen Bay.

Do Western apps work in Shenzhen without a VPN?

Often, yes. Many travel eSIMs route data internationally, so Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail can load without a VPN, unlike hotel Wi-Fi behind China's firewall. It is wise to save an offline map and translation app before you fly.

Shenzhen eSIM.

Name: Shenzhen travel eSIM
Brand: My Holiday SIM

From the Huaqiangbei tech markets to the Hong Kong border, stay connected across Shenzhen.

from $2.59/day · unlimited dataAll of China →

Unlimited data5G where availableInstant QR by emailKeep your number

1 · How many days?

10 daysOther:days

2 · How much data?

3GBBest pricevalid 15 days$7.60$0.76/day

Cheapest plan covering your trip: 3GB, valid 15 days.

Travellers (one eSIM each)

1 × 3GB (valid 15 days) · 10-day trip$7.60

Good to know in Shenzhen

Your China eSIM does not cover Hong Kong, so if you cross at Luohu or Futian your data stops at the border, so sort a separate Hong Kong plan or a China-plus-Hong Kong option in advance if your trip spans both.

Two simple ways to buy

Shenzhen eSIM plans: unlimited, or by the GB.

Every Shenzhen eSIM from My Holiday SIM is one of two straightforward types. Pick whichever fits how you travel in Shenzhen — you can always top up or switch on your next trip.

Traveller streaming and browsing freely on an unlimited-data travel eSIM

Unlimited plans

High-speed data, nothing to count

Priced per day — the longer you stay, the better the daily rate. Ideal for streaming, hotspot and longer trips where you'd rather not watch a data meter. A fair-use policy keeps speeds fast for everyone; see each plan for the detail.

Best for streaming, video calls & hotspot
Great for longer or open-ended trips
One price per day — no GB anxiety

By-the-GB plans

3GB10GB20GB

A set bundle, brilliant value

A fixed data allowance (say 3 GB or 10 GB) valid for your travel days. The best-value pick for lighter trips built around maps, messaging and a bit of browsing. Running low? Top up in a couple of taps — nothing to reinstall.

Best value for lighter, shorter trips
Clear allowance — pay only for what you need
Top up any time from your phone

Compare plans →Not every destination has both types — the picker shows what's available where you're headed.

Plan your data

How much data do you need in Shenzhen?

A rough, honest guide to sizing your Shenzhen eSIM so you're not guessing. Most travellers in Shenzhen are comfortable on 3–5 GB a week — heavy streamers just go Unlimited.

Traveller checking maps and messages on her phone using a My Holiday SIM eSIM

Not sure? Start with a 5 GB plan — you can top up in seconds if you run low.

Light

~1 GB / week

Maps, messaging & email

Google Maps, WhatsApp, email and the odd search. Plenty for a city break where you mostly need directions.

Suits 1–3 GB plans

Balanced

3–5 GB / week

Everyday holiday use

Everything above plus social scrolling, music, cloud photo backups and a little video. Where most travellers land.

Suits 5–10 GB plans

Shenzhen eSIM: your local data guide.

China's youngest megacity, Shenzhen races from the sprawling Huaqiangbei electronics markets to skyline-view towers, theme parks and the border crossings into Hong Kong. A Shenzhen eSIM keeps DiDi, maps and translation live from Bao'an Airport, whether you are hunting gadgets in the world's largest tech bazaar, riding the vast metro or heading to Shenzhen Bay Park at dusk.

One eSIM for Shenzhen and all of China. It's the national China eSIM — from $2.59/day with unlimited data, working the same in Shenzhen as it does the moment you leave it.

Landing at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)?

Install the QR at home, then switch the eSIM on as you taxi in — you're online before you reach the arrivals hall.

Shenzhen eSIM pricingbest-value plan · per day

Days

Per day

Total

Saving

3 days1GB

$0.67

$2.00

—

5 days1GB

$0.40

$2.00

−40%

7 days1GB

$0.29

$2.00

−57%

10 days3GBPopular

$0.76

$7.60

—

15 days3GB

$0.51

$7.60

−24%

30 days3GB

$0.35

$10.42

−48%

Each trip length shows the best-value plan that covers it. Total always shown before you pay.

eSIM vs the old ways in Shenzhen

eSIM

ROAMING

AIRPORT SIM

Data allowance

Unlimited

Usually capped

Rarely unlimited

Price known upfront

Prepaid

Billed after

Varies at the desk

Ready when you land

Instantly

After the queue

Keep WhatsApp number

SIM swapped

Shenzhen eSIM from $2.59/day — the whole bill, agreed before you fly.

On the ground

Where you'll lean on data in Shenzhen.

Huaqiangbei

Navigate the multi-storey electronics malls, look up components and mobile-pay across the world's biggest tech market.

OCT & Window of the World

Book theme-park tickets and hop between Happy Valley, Splendid China and the OCT-LOFT art district.

Shenzhen Bay Park & Nanshan

Cycle the waterfront promenade facing Hong Kong and summon a DiDi back through the tech district.

The Hong Kong border (Futian / Luohu)

Check crossing times and queues, but remember your China eSIM stops at the boundary.

The practical bit

Getting around Shenzhen on your eSIM.

Apps you'll want online in Shenzhen

DiDi— Shenzhen's main ride-hailing app; switch to English to book taxis and private cars.
Shenzhen Metro— Official app for the huge subway; scan-to-ride QR codes across the network.
WeChat— Headquartered in Shenzhen; messaging, WeChat Pay and mini-programs run the city.
Amap (Gaode Maps)— Accurate navigation and transit across Shenzhen's fast-changing districts.

How long to stay in Shenzhen

Two to three days covers Shenzhen well, from Huaqiangbei and the OCT theme parks to a skyline viewpoint and Shenzhen Bay, often paired with Hong Kong or Guangzhou.

How much data for Shenzhen

A balanced 3-5 GB covers DiDi, metro navigation, translation and QR payments over a few days; go Unlimited if you will stream, hotspot devices or work remotely from this connected tech city.

Coverage in Shenzhen

Shenzhen has some of China's densest 5G across the centre, the metro, Huaqiangbei and Bao'an Airport; coverage is excellent citywide and realistically only your plan itself stops, at the Hong Kong border.

Where you're headed

Discover Shenzhen.

Shenzhen, China — skyline and landmarks · stay connected with a Shenzhen eSIM from My Holiday SIM

Shenzhen, China — streets and everyday scenes · stay connected with a Shenzhen eSIM from My Holiday SIM

Shenzhen, China — sights worth exploring · stay connected with a Shenzhen eSIM from My Holiday SIM

Shenzhen, China — a travel moment · stay connected with a Shenzhen eSIM from My Holiday SIM

How to activate your Shenzhen eSIM.

Full installation guide →

A traveller happily planning her next trip with a map and phone

Buy your plan

Choose your days — the QR code arrives by email in seconds.

A traveller installing her eSIM from the sofa in two minutes

Install at home

Scan the QR on Wi-Fi before you fly. About two minutes, no app needed.

Friends laughing together while packing for a holiday

Fly relaxed

Nothing counts down yet — your days start only at first connection.

A joyful family reunion at the airport arrivals hall

Switch on in Shenzhen

Turn the line on when you land. Connected before baggage claim.

New to eSIM in Shenzhen?

What is a Shenzhen eSIM?

A Shenzhen eSIM is a digital SIM that's already built into your phone. Scan one QR code and a local Shenzhen data plan installs alongside your home SIM — no plastic, no tray tool, no swap. Your number and WhatsApp stay exactly where they are.

✓ 2-minute install✓ Keep your number✓ Works on phones from 2018+

How eSIM works →Check my phone

A traveller with a backpack smiling at her phone — online abroad with My Holiday SIM

Connected · 5G

Home SIM · calls & WhatsAppHoliday eSIM · unlimited data

30-day refund promiseUnused, uninstalled eSIM? Full refund, no questions.

The price is the billPrepaid and final — roaming charges can't happen.

Days start when you landInstall early with zero pressure; counting begins at first connection.

Humans, 24/7Real people answer, before, during and after the trip.

Peace of mind

Your Shenzhen eSIM: data-only, zero bill shock.

Your Shenzhen eSIM handles the internet while you travel. Your home number stays exactly where it is — no surprise roaming charges in Shenzhen, no swapping your real SIM out.

Keep your number & WhatsApp

The eSIM is data-only and runs alongside your home SIM. Your number, iMessage and WhatsApp keep working exactly as they do at home.

No roaming bills, ever

Turn data roaming OFF on your home SIM and ON for the eSIM. You pay once, up front — no overage, no metered surprises, no bill waiting when you land home.

One thing worth knowing

Because it's data-only, the eSIM can't receive bank verification (OTP) text codes — those still go to your home number. Keep it reachable on Wi-Fi calling, or use app-based codes.

Traveller relaxed and connected on her phone, no roaming bill to worry about

Why travellers choose My Holiday SIM for Shenzhen.

Instant eSIM deliveryQR code in your inbox seconds after checkout — even at the departure gate.

No physical SIMNothing to collect, lose or poke out with a paperclip. Your home SIM stays put.

Keep your WhatsApp numberData flows through us; WhatsApp stays on your home number. Family always reaches you.

A traveller at the departure gate, eSIM ready on her phone

eSIM ready in ~2 minutes

No bill shock, everOne clear price before you fly. Roaming charges simply can't happen.

Secure paymentsCards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Klarna — encrypted end to end.

Real human supportReal people — before, during and after your trip. Live chat and email, no bots. Easy top-ups too.

Coverage in China.

5G where available, fast 4G everywhere else

Connected · 5G

Your eSIM joins China's partner networks automatically — no settings to choose, no manual network hunting. If signal drops in a remote spot, toggling Airplane Mode for a few seconds forces a fresh connection.

China Mobile
China Unicom
China Telecom

Popular places covered

BeijingShanghaiXi'anChengduGuilinHangzhouGuangzhouShenzhen

Keep data roaming ON for the eSIM line only — that's the switch travel eSIMs use, and it never adds charges on our plans.

Trusted networks, honest numbers.

No invented star ratings behind your Shenzhen eSIM — just the numbers we actually stand behind.

Friendly globe with location pins — coverage on every continent

My Holiday SIMSTAY CONNECTED. ANYWHERE.

200+

destinations — every continent covered

regions covered by a single regional eSIM

~2 min

typical install — QR to connected

Live

chat & email support

Before you fly

Shenzhen eSIM questions, answered.

No. This is a mainland China plan, so your data stops at the Shenzhen to Hong Kong border at crossings like Luohu and Futian. If your trip covers both, arrange a separate Hong Kong eSIM or a plan that explicitly includes both regions.

Your Shenzhen eSIM glossary.

eSIMA SIM built into your phone's hardware. Plans install onto it digitally — no plastic card involved.

QR profileThe code we email you. Scanning it downloads your holiday plan onto the eSIM. One scan per device.

Data roaming (the switch)The toggle travel eSIMs use to join partner networks abroad. On our plans it never adds charges — keep it ON for the eSIM, OFF for your home SIM.

Hotspot / tetheringSharing your phone's data with laptops and tablets. Included on our plans wherever networks allow.

Top-upExtra days added to a live plan from your account. They append to the end — nothing overlaps.

First connectionThe moment your eSIM first joins a network at the destination — that's when your days start counting, not before.

Travelling wider in China?