A complete guide to China SIM Cards: All you need to know

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.

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.

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:

1: Buy a prepaid SIM card for China online before you travel

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 Seeepanda. 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.¹ This means it’ll be ready for you on arrival in the country.

2: Buy a prepaid SIM once you arrive in China

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

3: Sign up for a phone plan with a Chinese cellular provider once you arrive.

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 mainland China) with China Unicom SIM card plans:²

• 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.²

Frequently asked questions

Which SIM card is best in China?

It all depends on what you’re looking for, as you’ll need to look at data, calls, price and duration when comparing China SIM card options. It’s also important to check whether Chinese SIMs will work in your phone.

Does a Chinese SIM card work in USA?

A China SIM card will not work back home in the US, as the network won’t have coverage there. If you buy a prepaid SIM package, it’s likely to only cover certain regions (i.e. Asia).

So unfortunately, if you have data left on your China SIM card, you won’t be able to continue using it in the US when you return from your trip.