How to Get a SIM Card in China and Stay Connected

Staying connected in China makes it easier to use maps, book rides, translate signs, contact your hotel, and manage mobile payments. Filipino travelers can choose between a local Chinese SIM card, a travel eSIM, or international roaming. The best option depends on your phone, trip length, data needs, and whether you need a Chinese mobile number.

Can Tourists Buy a SIM Card in China?

Yes, foreign tourists can buy a local SIM card in China.

You can purchase one from:

• China Mobile
• China Unicom
• China Telecom

You must show your original passport because Chinese mobile numbers require real-name registration. The store staff will register and activate the SIM card for you.

Best Ways to Stay Connected in China

Travelers have three main choices:

Local Chinese SIM Card

A local SIM card is suitable for longer trips or travelers who need a Chinese phone number.

Benefits:

• Includes mobile data
• Usually includes local calls and SMS
• Provides a Chinese phone number
• Can be topped up when needed
• Useful for some local apps and services

Things to consider:

• Passport registration is required
• You normally need to visit a physical store
• Some international apps and websites may be restricted
• Your phone must support the operator’s network

Travel eSIM

A travel eSIM is convenient for short holidays because you can install it before departure.

Benefits:

• No need to visit a mobile store
• Internet can work soon after landing
• You can keep your Philippine SIM in your phone
• Easy to purchase online

Things to consider:

• Your phone must support eSIM
• Most plans only include mobile data
• You usually will not receive a Chinese phone number
• Hotspot sharing may be limited
• Plan validity may begin after installation or activation

Always check the eSIM provider’s activation instructions before buying.

International Roaming

International roaming allows you to continue using your Philippine mobile number.

It is useful when you need to:

• Receive bank OTP messages
• Keep your regular phone number active
• Avoid changing SIM cards
• Use mobile data immediately after landing

However, roaming packages can be more expensive and may include limited data. Check the latest China roaming package from your Philippine network provider before departure.

China Unicom Nihao 5G SIM Card

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-60 GB + 80-300 min Calls
• PickChina Airports
• PriceFrom PHP 851.16

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China Unicom 5G SIM Card

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-20GB data + calls
• PickChina Airports
• PriceFrom PHP 787.04

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China/HK/Macau 5G eSIM

• CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
• Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
• Validity1 to 15 Days
• PriceFrom PHP 11.61

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Which Mobile Operator Should You Choose?

China’s three main mobile operators are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All three offer mobile services, but available plans and registration support can differ by province and store.

China Mobile

China Mobile is a good option for travelers visiting several cities or traveling outside major urban areas.

It is suitable for:

• Longer trips around China
• Travelers visiting smaller cities
• Those who want wider network coverage

Ask the staff to check whether your phone supports the network before paying.

China Unicom

China Unicom is a common choice for international travelers because many phones purchased outside China are compatible with its network.

It is suitable for:

• Short city trips
• Foreign smartphones
• Travelers visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen

China Telecom

China Telecom also offers mobile data plans in major cities.

Before purchasing, check:

• Phone compatibility
• Data allowance
• Plan validity
• Available network speed

Phone compatibility may depend on your exact device model.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in China

At the Airport

Some major airports have mobile operator counters or SIM card collection points.

Buying at the airport is convenient because:

• You can connect immediately
• Staff may speak basic English
• Activation can be completed before leaving the airport

However:

• Not every airport has a SIM card counter
• Counters may close at night
• Plans may be more expensive
• Choices may be limited

Check your arrival airport’s official information before flying.

At an Official Mobile Store

Buying from an official store in the city usually gives you more plan options.

Search these names in Apple Maps or Amap:

• China Mobile: 中国移动
• China Unicom: 中国联通
• China Telecom: 中国电信

Choose a large flagship store or business hall. Larger branches are more likely to have staff who understand foreign-passport registration.

Order Online Before Your Trip

Some travel platforms allow you to order a physical SIM card before departure.

You may be able to:

• Collect it at the airport
• Receive it at your hotel
• Have it delivered before your trip

Before ordering, check:

• Collection location
• Activation process
• Passport requirements
• Data allowance
• Validity period
• Local network provider
• Whether it includes a Chinese

What Documents Do You Need?

Bring your original passport when purchasing a local SIM card.

The store may also ask for:

• Your hotel address
• Your expected length of stay
• A local contact number
• Your travel or entry information

Requirements can differ between branches. It is better to visit a large official service center instead of a small reseller.

How to Buy a SIM Card in China

Step 1: Check Your Phone

Make sure that:

• Your phone is unlocked
• It can accept another operator’s SIM card
• It supports the required network bands
• You know whether it uses a physical SIM or eSIM

Step 2: Visit an Official Store

Look for a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom business hall.

You can show this message to the staff:

“I am a foreign tourist. I would like to buy a prepaid SIM card with mobile data.”

Chinese version:

我是外国游客。我想购买一张有流量的预付费电话卡。

Step 3: Show Your Passport

The staff will register the SIM card under your passport details. They may also take a photo for identity verification.

Step 4: Choose a Plan

Ask about:

• Total price
• Data allowance
• Validity period
• Calls and SMS
• Hotspot sharing
• Speed after using the data limit
• Top-up method
• Monthly renewal

For a short trip, choose a prepaid plan that matches your travel dates.

Step 5: Activate and Test the SIM

Before leaving the store, check that:

• The network signal appears
• Mobile data works
• Calls and SMS work if included
• You know your Chinese phone number
• You know when the plan expires

Ask the staff to help with the phone settings when necessary.

How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in China?

There is no single fixed price for tourist SIM cards in China.

The cost depends on:

• Mobile operator
• City or province
• Data allowance
• Plan validity
• Airport or city purchase
• Calls and SMS included
• Activation fees

Before paying, ask the staff to confirm the full price and whether the plan renews automatically.

Can You Use eSIM in China?

International travel eSIMs can usually be purchased before your trip. They provide mobile data through a partner network in China.

However, local mainland Chinese carrier eSIM support is more limited and depends on:

• Your phone model
• Where the phone was purchased
• The mobile operator
• Identity verification requirements

Do not assume that every eSIM-compatible phone can activate a local Chinese carrier eSIM. Check with your phone manufacturer and mobile provider first.

Will Google, WhatsApp and Instagram Work?

Some international websites, apps, and social media platforms may be unavailable or restricted when using local Chinese mobile data or public Wi-Fi.

Access through international roaming or a travel eSIM may work differently, but it is not guaranteed.

Before departure:

• Download important apps
• Save hotel and flight details offline
• Download offline maps
• Save important contact numbers
• Check your eSIM or roaming provider’s service information

Local SIM Card vs Travel eSIM

Do You Need a Chinese Number for Alipay and WeChat?

Foreign visitors can normally register Alipay and WeChat using an overseas mobile number. Supported international bank cards can also be linked.

A Chinese phone number may still be useful for:

• Some ticketing platforms
• Local delivery services
• Public Wi-Fi registration
• Domestic customer support
• Certain local apps

However, it is not always required for the basic use of Alipay and WeChat.

What to Do If a Store Refuses to Sell You a SIM Card

Some smaller branches may not know how to process a foreign passport or may not have the correct registration system.

Do not argue with the staff. Try these steps:

1. Ask for the nearest directly operated business hall.
2. Visit a larger branch in a central shopping or business district.
3. Show the Chinese name of the operator in your map app.
4. Call the operator before visiting another branch.
5. Ask your hotel reception to help locate a suitable service center.

The customer service numbers listed in Beijing’s official guide are:

• China Mobile: +86 10086
• China Unicom: +86 10010
• China Telecom: +86 10000

Service and English-language support may differ by location.

China SIM Card Tips for Filipino Travelers

• Keep your Philippine SIM active for OTP messages.
• Turn off data roaming unless you have purchased a roaming package.
• Use the Chinese SIM or eSIM as your main mobile data line.
• Save your hotel address in English and Chinese.
• Download Alipay, WeChat, Amap, and translation apps before departure.
• Take a screenshot of your eSIM installation instructions.
• Do not delete your eSIM until your trip is finished.
• Ask the store staff to test the internet before you leave.

❤️ Travel Tip: For a short holiday, a travel eSIM is usually the easiest choice. For a longer stay or when you need a Chinese phone number, purchase a physical SIM card from a large official operator store.