Planning a trip to China? If your home phone plan doesn’t offer international roaming, you’ll need another solution.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in China. This includes how and where to buy one, and the options available.
外国人能在中国获得SIM卡吗？
Can foreigners get a SIM card in China?
Yes, anyone can buy a SIM card in China, and there are lots of different places to get them - we’ll run through these next. However, there are a couple of important things you need to know.
Firstly, your phone will need to be unlocked. Otherwise, no China mobile SIM card will work in it, whether you buy a prepaid SIM before leaving the US or buy one when landing in China.
You may also need to check with your mobile service provider that your phone will work with the 3G and 4G networks in China.
Lastly, you may need to provide your passport (or a photocopy of it) in order to buy or activate a Chinese SIM card. This is because the Chinese government requires real-name registration for anyone activating a SIM card.
在哪里购买中国移动SIM卡
Where to buy a China mobile SIM card
You have a few different options for getting your hands on a SIM card for use in China. Let’s take a look:
01
Buy a prepaid SIM card for China online before you travel
在旅行之前，在线购买中国的预付SIM卡
You’ll find many options for prepaid SIM packages which work in China or across Asia, although many tend to be data-only.
Places to start your search include sites like Amazon, Simify or 3G Solutions. The latter is a local Chinese provider, which can deliver the SIM card to your hotel concierge or to the airport for a small shipping charge. This means it’ll be ready for you on arrival in the country.
02
Buy a prepaid SIM once you arrive in China
一到中国就购买预付费SIM卡
There are lots of places to pick up a SIM card in China. This includes:
International airports - be aware though that this can be an expensive option, and not all airports have SIM card stores.
Mobile provider stores
Convenience stores
Online
03
Sign up for a phone plan with a Chinese cellular provider once you arrive
到达后，请向中国的手机运营商注册电话
If you’re staying in China for a while, it could be worth signing up for a phone plan with a Chinese cellular provider.
There are three major providers in China. These are China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile.
Of these, the best option for tourists, expats and foreigners is likely to be China Unicom. The network is compatible with more foreign phones, and it has packages designed just for travelers.
Here are just a few of the data plan options available to buy online (for delivery to Chinese mainland) with China Unicom SIM card plans:
10GB data - 20 CNY a month, $80 upfront
20GB data - 40 CNY a month, $100 upfront
30GB data - 60 CNY a month, $120 upfront.
You can also add an optional calls package to your plan if you wish.
When buying a prepaid China UN prepaid 3G or 4G SIM card, you’ll need to complete the registration process before you can place your order.
Don’t worry though - this is pretty simple. All you need to do is upload a copy of your passport, Chinese visa and entry stamp page before payment.
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