Staying connected in China is essential — from navigation to payments, your phone is your lifeline. Here is how to get the right SIM card.
Major Carriers
- China Mobile — Largest coverage, best for rural areas. Uses TD-LTE.
- China Unicom — Best compatibility with foreign phones (FDD-LTE). Recommended for most travelers.
- China Telecom — Good coverage, competitive data plans.
Where to Buy
At the Airport — The easiest option. Kiosks in arrival halls at major airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Staff usually speak basic English. Prices: 100–200 RMB.
Official Stores — Found in every shopping district. Bring your passport — it is legally required for registration.
Convenience Stores — Some 7-Eleven and FamilyMart locations sell prepaid SIMs, but registration still requires passport verification.
Online — Platforms like Taobao and JD.com sell SIMs, but they require a Chinese phone number for delivery verification (catch-22). Best for return visitors.
Popular Plans
- 30-day tourist SIM: 100–150 RMB for 20–50GB data
- Short-term data-only eSIM: Available via providers like 3HK or CSL for dual-SIM phones
- Pay-as-you-go: 30 RMB/month base + data packages
Important Notes
- VPN: Many foreign apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked. Download a VPN before arriving in China.
- Real-name registration: All SIMs must be linked to your passport. Unregistered SIMs will be deactivated.
- eSIM: China Unicom and China Telecom now support eSIM on certain plans, but availability is limited.
- 5G: Available in all tier-1 and most tier-2 cities at no extra charge if your phone supports it.
Pro Tips
- Get Unicom if your phone is from outside China — best frequency compatibility
- Top up via Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Save your SIM for future trips — just top up to reactivate
- If staying 1+ month, visit a carrier store for better monthly plans
Stay connected, stay safe!