My eSIM Box
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Everything you need to know before buying.
China eSIM
Does Google really work in China with this eSIM?
Yes. Your data routes through Hong Kong servers before reaching the open internet. The Great Firewall inspection points never see your traffic. Google Maps, Gmail, Drive, Meet, ChatGPT, WhatsApp calls and Instagram all load normally.
What does not work: hotel WiFi (blocks Google regardless of star rating), local Chinese SIM cards, and most consumer VPNs since April 2026.
Does WhatsApp work — calls and photo transfers, not just text?
Yes. WhatsApp messages, photo transfers, voice calls, and video calls all work. The Hong Kong routing bypasses the block that affects local Chinese networks.
Exception: if you are also in the UAE, WhatsApp voice calls are restricted by UAE law. Use Zoom or Teams there instead.
Why can I not install the eSIM after I arrive in China?
Install the QR code at home before your flight. 90 seconds. Done.
eSIM activation servers are blocked on mainland Chinese networks. The QR scan fails inside China. Already there? Email us — we can provide manual activation credentials.
Does it work at the Canton Fair? Venue WiFi is Chinese internet.
Yes. This eSIM uses your phone's mobile data — completely independent of venue WiFi. WhatsApp photo transfers and Zoom calls work in every exhibition hall. Venue WiFi is irrelevant.
Is international roaming legal in China?
Yes. International telecommunications roaming is explicitly permitted for foreign nationals. This is standard cross-border telecom — legally distinct from unauthorized circumvention software. Millions of business travelers use it annually.
Before You Buy
Which devices are compatible?
Any unlocked device with eSIM support. Generally: iPhone XS (2018) and above, Samsung Galaxy S20 and above, Google Pixel 3 and above.
Quick check: dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM. Phones bought in mainland China may have eSIM disabled — check for EID first.
How much data do I need?
5GB · 15 Days — Canton Fair 5 days, WhatsApp and Gmail, occasional Zoom.
5GB · 30 Days — Standard 1–2 week business trip.
10GB · 30 Days — Factory circuit, daily video calls, or hotspot with 1 colleague.
20GB · 30 Days — Long stay, remote worker, or team hotspot for 3–4 people.
Can I share the hotspot with my team?
Yes. Enable mobile hotspot after connecting. Colleagues and laptops share the international routing. For 3 people sharing: choose 10GB minimum. For 4+ people: choose 20GB.
After Purchase
How is the eSIM delivered?
By email within minutes. No physical card, no shipping. QR code arrives in your inbox. Scan it on your phone to install. Done.
When does the validity period start?
From your first network connection in the destination country — not from purchase. Buy now, use it on your trip next month. The clock only starts when you actually connect.
Can I reuse the eSIM on future trips?
The eSIM profile stays on your phone after installation. When your plan expires, contact us to add data — no re-scanning needed. Buy a new plan, it activates on your existing profile.
Can I transfer the eSIM to another phone?
No. eSIM profiles bind to the installed device. Do not delete the profile — it cannot be reinstalled once removed.
Refunds and Support
What is the refund policy?
Uninstalled plans: full refund. Once the QR code has been scanned and the eSIM installed: no refund, as the digital product has been delivered. Technical failure on our end: full refund or replacement.
The eSIM is not working. What do I do?
Email hello@chinacheckpick.com with: order number, device model, iOS or Android version, current city, and a screenshot of your Cellular settings. Most issues resolved within a few hours.
I am already in China and cannot install the eSIM.
Email us immediately. We can provide manual SM-DP+ activation credentials that work around the QR scan block in most cases.