중국에서 데이터는 얼마나 필요할까?
Set the hours you'll actually use each thing — get your daily GB, your trip total, and the eSIM package that fits.
Quick answer: data needed for China, by traveler type
These are the working numbers we use across our eSIM guides — verified against traveler reports and provider stats, updated for 2026. If you want the two-second version instead of the calculator above:
| Traveler profile | 1 week | 2 weeks | 1 month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (messaging, maps) | 1–2 GB | 3–5 GB | 5–10 GB |
| Medium (+ social media, browsing) | 3–5 GB | 7–10 GB | 15–20 GB |
| Heavy (+ video calls, streaming) | 10+ GB | 20+ GB | Unlimited |
The big China-specific surprise for most visitors: Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Gmail are all blocked, so reaching them means a VPN — which adds roughly 10–15% data overhead. Local apps (WeChat, Amap, Alipay) work without one. The [Internet Survival Guide](/guide/essentials/chinese-internet-survival-guide) maps what works and what doesn't.
What burns data, hour by hour
| Activity | Approx. data per hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 지도·내비게이션 | 5 MB | Offline maps cut this to nearly zero — download Amap regions before you fly. |
| 메신저·이메일 | 30 MB | WeChat/WhatsApp texts use almost nothing; this rate covers photo-heavy chat. |
| SNS·웹 서핑 | 100 MB | Instagram, Reddit, news sites — image-heavy feeds sit at the top of this range. |
| 음악 스트리밍 | 80 MB | Normal quality. Offline playlists before departure cost zero. |
| 동영상 스트리밍 | 700 MB | SD/HD mix. One hour of HD video alone can pass 1 GB. |
| 화상 통화 | 600 MB | Zoom/FaceTime/WeChat video. A workday of calls burns 4–5 GB. |
| 클라우드 동기화·파일 전송 | 150 MB | Photo backup, Drive/Dropbox sync. Turn auto-backup off on a small plan. |
How to use this estimate
- Set your trip length and drag each slider to the hours you realistically expect per day — most people overestimate streaming and underestimate messaging.
- Tick the VPN box if you'll keep one running for Instagram, Gmail, or Google — that's the +15%.
- Match your total to a package below, then verify current prices on the provider's site — our table was last checked in January 2026.
China eSIM packages that match the math
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Fits when your trip total is… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 | Weekend city break, messaging + maps only |
| Medium | 3 GB | 30 days | $13.00 | 1 week light use, or 2 weeks very light |
| Large | 5 GB | 30 days | $19.00 | 1 week of typical tourist use |
| XL | 10 GB | 30 days | $26.00 | 2 weeks typical use, or 1 week with streaming |
| 20 GB / Unlimited | 20 GB + | 30 days | from $40 | Heavy streamers, remote workers, tethering a laptop |
See Airalo's current China plans →
Affiliate disclosure: that Airalo link is an affiliate link — if you buy through it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We recommend it because our editors use it, not because of the commission. Prices are as of January 2026 and change often; the full provider comparison (including Holafly unlimited and Saily budget options) lives in the eSIM for China guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 GB enough for a week in China?
For most travelers, yes. A typical tourist week — messaging, navigation, an hour or two of social browsing, and a little streaming — lands around 4–5 GB. If you stream video daily or take video calls, step up to 10 GB.
How much data does WeChat use?
Texting on WeChat uses almost nothing — kilobytes. A voice call runs roughly 30 MB per hour, and video calls around 200–300 MB per hour. Sending photos and voice messages is what adds up on a small plan.
Does using a VPN in China use extra data?
Yes — encrypting and relaying your traffic through a VPN adds roughly 10–15% overhead. If you'll run a VPN most of the day (to reach Instagram, Gmail, or Google), budget your plan one tier larger. See our VPN for China guide for setup before you fly.
Can I use Google Maps offline instead of burning data?
Google Maps itself is blocked in mainland China and its China data is poor even over a VPN. The local apps are the real answer — Amap and Baidu Maps both support offline regions and work without a VPN. Our Google Maps alternatives guide walks through the switch.
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip?
Top-ups are normal. Airalo and most travel eSIM providers let you buy more data on the same eSIM from their app, and unlimited plans simply slow down instead of cutting you off. Hotel and café Wi-Fi can bridge the gap while you top up.
Should I just buy an unlimited eSIM?
If your math above lands over ~10 GB, unlimited often costs less stress than counting megabytes. Two caveats from our testing notes: "unlimited" plans may slow after 2–3 GB of heavy daily use, and tethering on some unlimited plans is capped around 500 MB/day. The eSIM for China guide compares providers.