One NZ roaming in China: costs, data, and how to save
A plain-English guide to the One NZ Daily Roaming, what you'll pay, and a cheaper alternative if you want one.
How One NZ roaming works in China
A plain-English explainer of One NZ's One NZ Daily Roaming — so you know exactly what you're paying for before you fly.
One NZ's Roaming Daily Pass activates automatically when your phone connects to a partner network in China. You're billed a flat daily fee on any calendar day you use mobile data, calls, or texts — even a single inbound text can trigger the pack.
| Cost for ~1GB of data per day | $10.00 NZD per day in China — based on One NZ's published rates |
|---|---|
| Daily data allowance | You use your existing One NZ plan's data allowance overseas — there is no separate daily cap on the pass itself. |
| Calls & texts | Calls and texts within China and back to NZ are included in the daily pass. |
| Hotspot / tethering | Included — the daily allowance can be tethered to other devices. |
| What happens after the daily allowance | Once you exceed your plan's Max Speed Data allowance, data drops to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps on Endless plans. Other plans need to purchase additional data via Flexi Data. |
| Countries covered alongside China | Mainland China is in One NZ’s extended roaming zone. Hong Kong and Macau are billed separately. |
| How to activate or deactivate | The pass activates automatically the first time you use your One NZ SIM in China. To avoid any charge, switch off "Data roaming" on your One NZ SIM before you fly, or disable roaming inside the One NZ app. |
You could save big by using a KiwiSim eSIM when roaming in China, compared to using your One NZ SIM.
KiwiSim vs One NZ — cost over a trip
Cumulative NZD cost in China from day 1 to day 30, based on getting around 1GB of data per day from each provider at their published rates. Prices accurate as at 18 May 2026.
Daily Unlimited Plan
1GB of full-speed data every day, then unlimited data at standard speed. Resets every 24 hours.
- 1GB at top 5G speed daily, then unlimited at standard speed
- Hotspot & tethering enabled — share with any device
- Connects to China Mobile
- Activate when you land — no rush
How long is your trip?
Fixed Data Plans
Get a fixed amount of data that can be used across your entire trip as you need it.
KiwiSim vs One NZ — feature comparison
A side-by-side look at how KiwiSim and One NZ stack up for travel to China.
| KiwiSim | One NZ |
|---|---|
| How data is sold | |
| Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Daily pack — $10/day; you use your existing One NZ plan's data, calls, and texts overseas |
| When the allowance runs out | |
| Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | On Endless plans, drops to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps. Other plans need to top up via Flexi Data. |
| Hotspot / tethering | |
| Networks used in China | |
| China Mobile & China Unicom 5G/4G | China Mobile partner network |
| Activation method | |
| Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Auto-activates when you turn on your phone overseas — no setup |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | |
| Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | |
| 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | |
| Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
| Feature | KiwiSim | One NZ |
|---|---|---|
| How data is sold | Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Daily pack — $10/day; you use your existing One NZ plan's data, calls, and texts overseas |
| When the allowance runs out | Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | On Endless plans, drops to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps. Other plans need to top up via Flexi Data. |
| Hotspot / tethering | ||
| Networks used in China | China Mobile & China Unicom 5G/4G | China Mobile partner network |
| Activation method | Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Auto-activates when you turn on your phone overseas — no setup |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
One NZ's Daily Roaming is the easiest option if you don't want to bother with eSIM setup — your NZ number keeps working and there's nothing to install. KiwiSim takes a couple of extra minutes but the daily cost is a fraction of the roaming pass.
Why KiwiSim?
Built by Kiwis, for Kiwis travelling the world.
Locally Owned & Operated
Know you're in good hands with our kiwi team
Global 5G/4G Network
Enjoy fast and reliable coverage in over 200 locations worldwide
Simple to Setup
Get globally connected in a matter of minutes, all online
Hotspot/Tethering Enabled
Share your data connection with phone, tablet, or friends - all included
Keep your NZ Number
Our data-only SIMs give you the full flexibility of still receiving calls to your NZ number
Compatible with most phones
Majority of modern phones are compatible with eSIMs - use our device checker to double-check
Regional Plans
Tripping around? Have a look at some regional plans that include China for better value.
One NZ roaming in China — FAQ
The questions Kiwis ask before they travel — answered honestly.
Other roaming comparisons for China
Compare your other NZ carrier options for travel to China.
