Where to get China SIM Card or China eSIM for foreigners - Learn best providers, prices & how to buy below!
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【5% Off】Popular China SIM Cards & eSIM Plans 2025
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 SIM Card (Mail Delivery)
- CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
- Data4G-Total-3GB
- Validity3-14 days
- Pricefrom US$5.39
China 5G Universal SIM Card
- CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
- Data30GB data + 60 min calls
- PickShanghai Pudong Airport
- Pricefrom US$22.17
China/HK/Macau eSIM
- CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
- Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- Pricefrom US$0.43
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!
Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau | SIM card | Total/daily traffic | Physical card | Surface mail delivery | Limited delivery to certain areas China/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan
4.5/5
99 reviewsThe customer service representative who responded was very prompt and friendly, but it was quite difficult to receive the actual item. It might be easier to just buy one at the airport and have it fitted.
Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan | 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Package | 24H | 1-30 days | QR code
4.6/5
4979 reviewsThe internet is okay, maybe a little slow, but it's worth it. You can use any app that China blocks. Buy the 100 GB per day package. It's really worth it. Social media users shouldn't miss this.
![[5G SIM Card] China 5G Universal SIM Card Total 10GB/15GB/30GB/45GB High-speed 5G Unlimited Data (Pick up at Shanghai Pudong Airport)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352g12000fctosaw654A_C_750_480.jpg)
[5G SIM Card] China 5G Universal SIM Card Total 10GB/15GB/30GB/45GB High-speed 5G Unlimited Data (Pick up at Shanghai Pudong Airport)
4.3/5
14 reviewsSIM card pickup very simple and easy inside the baggage hall, very fast and easy to set up with the app!
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
- 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)
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!).
- Set APN (if no signal): Most phones auto-set the APN, but if you can’t connect:
- 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.
- 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.
Feature | SIM Card | eSIM | Pocket WiFi |
How it Works | Uses a physical card in an unlocked, compatible device. | Embedded digital SIM allows activation without physical SIM. | Portable device that creates a WiFi network. |
Advantages | High-speed data, direct carrier connection. | No physical SIM needed, can host multiple profiles. | Connect multiple devices, no device compatibility issues. |
Disadvantages | Requires unlocked device, compatibility issues possible. | Limited device and carrier compatibility. | Bulky, requires charging, performance varies by area. |
Best For | Those with unlocked phones, staying in one country. | Frequent travelers, those using multiple carriers. | Travelers with multiple devices or sharing connectivity. |
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
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FAQs about China SIM Card
Which SIM card is best for China?
For travelers to China, choosing the right SIM card involves considering network compatibility, coverage, and data packages. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the major operators, each with their own advantages. China Unicom is often recommended for international visitors as it frequently offers the best compatibility with foreign phones and provides good coverage across both urban and rural areas. They offer a variety of plans which can include substantial data allowances at reasonable prices. However, the best SIM card for you might depend on your specific data needs, the duration of your stay, and the regions of China you plan to visit.Can foreigners get a SIM card in China?
Yes, foreigners can obtain a SIM card in China. To purchase a SIM card, you will need to provide your passport as identification. This is part of a registration process that aligns with China's regulations on telecommunications. SIM cards are available at international airports, official stores of mobile network operators, and sometimes at convenience stores or kiosks in city centers. It's important to ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Chinese network frequencies to use a local SIM card effectively.How to activate a SIM card from China Mobile?
To activate a China Mobile SIM card, the process is generally straightforward and can often be completed automatically upon inserting the SIM into your phone. For SIM cards that require manual activation, you would typically need to follow instructions included with the SIM package. This might involve calling a specific number or sending an activation SMS. Ensure that your phone is unlocked and supports the network bands used in China. If there are any issues or if the SIM does not activate automatically, visiting a local China Mobile store or contacting their customer service for assistance would be advisable.Do I need a passport to buy a China SIM card?
Yes—Chinese law requires passport registration for all foreign SIM purchases.Can I use WeChat with a China SIM card?
Absolutely—the local number lets you sign up for WeChat and WeChat Pay (essential for cashless payments).Which provider is best for rural travel?
China Mobile—its coverage is the widest, even in small towns and villages.Can I buy a China SIM card online before arriving?
Yes—book via Trip.com for airport pickup or hotel delivery.Where to buy a China SIM Card at the airport?
Go to the Arrivals hall—look for China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom kiosks near baggage claim. They’re open 24/7 at major airports.