[5% Off] China SIM Card: Best Providers, Prices & How to Buy

【5% Off】Popular China SIM Cards & eSIM Plans 2026

Need a China SIM Card or China eSIM? Get cheap plans for 4/5G data. Buy online via Trip.com with 5% Off now!

China Unicom Nihao 5G SIM

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-60 GB + 80-300 min Calls
• PickChina Airports
• Pricefrom US$13.76

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China 5G Universal SIM Card

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-20GB data + calls
• PickChina Airports
• Pricefrom US$13.19

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China/HK/Macau eSIM

• CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
• Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
• Validity1 to 30 Days
• Pricefrom US$0.43

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China SIM Card & eSIM Reviews

Don't just believe what I say - here are reviews of passengers on using these China SIM cards. Get a physical China SIM card or I recommend you to get fast eSIM in China with access to INS/Whatsapp/YT, etc. in China! Don't forget to claim a coupon before you book!

Where to Buy a China SIM Card (4 Easy Ways)

You don’t need a local ID—just your passport. These are the most convenient places to buy, no matter which city you land in:

Major Airports

1. • Where: Kiosks in Arrivals halls (Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, etc.—open 24/7). Look for “Tourist SIM” signs.
   • How: Show your passport, pick a plan, pay with cash or card.
   • Pros: Immediate use—perfect if you land late and need data right away.
   • Cons: Slightly pricier than online (e.g., China Mobile’s 10-day plan may cost $5 instead of $3.85).

Online via Trip.com (5% Off)

1. • How: Book China SIM Card on Trip.com, choose “airport pickup” or “delivery to your hotel” (works in all major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc.).
   • Pros: Cheaper (5% off for new users), English support, no lines at the airport.
   • Cons: Book 1–2 days in advance (for pickup/delivery prep).

Official Carrier Stores

1. • Where: China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom shops (found in city centers—e.g., Beijing’s Wangfujing, Shanghai’s Nanjing Road). Look for red (Mobile), blue (Unicom), or green (Telecom) signs.
   • How: Show your passport, ask for “tourist SIM” (staff often speak basic English).
   • Pros: Most plan options (e.g., China Telecom’s long-stay plans).
   • Cons: Limited hours (9 AM–9 PM; closed on some public holidays).

Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)

1. • Where: Every neighborhood (even small cities). Look for signs outside.
   • How: Ask the cashier for “China tourist SIM”—they’ll help you pick a simple plan.
   • Pros: Open 24/7; easy to find if you need a SIM last-minute.
   • Cons: Only basic plans (no long-stay options).

Best China SIM Card Providers & Telco Operators

China has 3 main carriers—pick based on what you care about most:

1. China Mobile

• Best for coverage: Works even in small towns/rural areas (great if you travel outside big cities like Beijing/Shanghai).
• Catch: Speed is solid, not the fastest.

2. China Unicom

• Best for tourists: Good signal in big cities, plus easier English support (helpful for buying/activating SIMs).
• Bonus: Better international roaming if you need it.

3. China Telecom

• Best for speed: Fastest data, especially in southern China (e.g., Shenzhen) and major cities.
• Catch: Coverage in small towns isn’t as good as China Mobile.

Quick Pick for Tourists

• Need wide coverage (rural trips): China Mobile
• Want English help + city signal: China Unicom
• Priority is fast speed (big/southern cities): China Telecom

Types of SIM Cards in China

Choose based on your trip length and phone type:

Tourist Physical SIM

1. • Best For: Short trips (I mean often within about 7–30 days)
   • Key: Has local number (so this is good for Didi/WeChat), basically works on any unlocked phone.
   • Pros: Relatively cheap (from about ~$3.85), easy to buy (airports/Trip.com). & work with most phones.
   • Cons: Expires after plan ends (can’t extend, or at least really hard to).

Local Physical SIM

1. • Best For: Long stays (longer than 30+ days)
   • Key: Local number, cheaper monthly data.
   • Pros: Saves money on long trips.
   • Cons: Needs passport + visa to register; only at carrier stores.

Tourist eSIM

1. • Best For: New phones (iPhone 11+, Samsung S20+), but actually older can also work, you just need to check.
   • Key: Digital (no chip), activates in minutes.
   • Pros: No SIM swap; keeps home SIM active.
   • Cons: Doesn’t work on old phones; slightly pricier.

Roaming SIM/eSIM

1. • Best For: People who hate setup
   • Key: Uses your home number; no registration.
   • Pros: Super easy.
   • Cons: Very expensive ($10+/day); slow.

How to Use SIM Card in China?

Using a China SIM Card is simple—no tech experience needed. Follow these steps:

1. Check your phone is unlocked: Make sure your phone isn’t tied to your home carrier (e.g., AT&T, Vodafone). Ask your carrier to unlock it before traveling.
2. Insert the SIM Card: Turn off your phone, use a SIM tool to open the slot, swap your home SIM for the China SIM, then turn your phone back on.
3. Activate data: Go to Settings → Cellular (iOS) or Mobile Network (Android) → Turn on “Mobile Data” and “Data Roaming” (this is just for China’s network—no extra charges!).
4. Set APN (if no signal): Most phones auto-set the APN, but if you can’t connect:
5. • iOS: Settings → Cellular → [Your SIM] → Cellular Data Network → Enter “cmnet” (China Mobile), “3gnet” (China Unicom), or “ctnet” (China Telecom).
   • Android: Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Name → Add new APN → Enter the same codes above.
5. Recharge (if needed): If your data runs out, buy a recharge card at 7-Eleven or ask staff to help you recharge via Alipay.

China SIM Card vs. eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi

Each option caters to different needs: esim is suitable for frequent travelers and tech-savvy users, SIM cards are ideal for those who stay in one place or have unlocked their phones, and Pocket WiFi is ideal for groups that need to easily connect multiple devices.

An additional Perk of SIM Card in China is that you can get a phone number in China. The phone number can enable you to use China apps, like China taxi apps, food delivery apps, some China payments apps, shopping apps etc!

Tips for Foreigners Buying China SIM Card

1. A passport is required: All purchases of Chinese SIM cards require a valid passport - staff will scan the passport for registration (this is Chinese law, no exceptions).
2. International apps require a VPN: By default, SIM cards in China do not allow you to use WhatsApp, Facebook or Google. Set up a reliable VPN before arriving in China.
3. Short-term plans automatically expire: Travel plans (7-30 days) are no longer valid after expiration and do not need to be cancelled. If you stay longer, buy a new insurance policy.

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