A Comprehensive Guide to China SIM Cards & eSIM

Blogging

Introduction

When planning a trip to China, there is a very important issue to consider: how to ensure that your mobile phone can access the internet after arriving at the airport.

If your home phone plan doesn’t offer international roaming, or the cost of roaming data is prohibitively expensive, you’ll need another solution.

black smartphone on black table top

Here, we will introduce to you how to use a mobile phone to access the internet in China, which mainly has two solutions: purchasing an eSIM card online in advance, or handling a physical SIM card from the official Chinese operators for foreign tourists after arriving at the airport.

SIM vs. eSIM: Pros and Cons

CapabilitiesSIM card (China Unicom)eSIM (Airalo)
Receive text messages and phone calls from ChinaYesNo
Network Speed and CoverageVery Fast & Coverage across all areasDepends on the service provider
Purchased in advanceYesYes
VPN necessary for Google, Etc.NececessaryNot required
Data and costs$35 (50GB valid for 30 days)$49 (20GB valid for 30 days)
Long-term rental supportPay monthlyUp to 30 days valid
Hong Kong & Macao supportYes （a little additional fee）Depends on the service provider

Notice：Many popular apps in China require registration through SMS verification, such as WeChat.

TOP 9 Must-Have China Apps for International Tourists

WeChat Regisration

Get a SIM card in China

Any foreign tourist can purchase a SIM card in China by registering with their passport. However, there are some important things you need to know.

  • Ensure that your mobile phone supports the following specifications for a physical SIM card slot：
    • Standard SIM card(85.6*53.4*0.76mm)
    • Mini SIM card(25*15*0.76mm)
    • Micro SIM card(15*12*0.76mm)
    • Nano SIM card(12.3*8.8*0.67mm)
  • You need to check with your mobile service provider that your phone will work with the 4G or 5G networks in China.
  • Due to the requirements of the Chinese government, anyone must register with their real names when activating a SIM card. You may need to provide your passport in order to buy a Chinese SIM card.

Chinese SIM card operators’ networks cover 4G signals nationwide, and most urban areas already support 5G signals. If your phone does not support the 5G standard, you can still use 4G signals for internet access.

How to buy a China mobile SIM card

You have several different options for obtaining a SIM card for use in China. Let’s take a look:

You’ll find some options on Amazon for prepaid SIM packages which work in China. But many tend to be data-only. 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.

If you plan to land in Beijing or Shanghai, we recommend a more suitable product for you, which is a prepaid SIM card product newly launched by local operators in China specifically for foreign tourists. It can not only receive text messages and calls but also supports online reservation services on this website. After you land, you can redeem and activate it at the airport according to the instructions. We will also provide more online support services before your trip (such as pre-registering WeChat, etc.).

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.
  • Operator’s service centers in the city – Please note that not all service centers provide English service.

Get an eSIM in China

Another option for using your phone in China is to buy an eSIM.

eSIM cards are a modern innovation in mobile technology, offering a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This technology allows users to switch carriers and plans without changing the SIM card, making it an excellent option for travelers who want the flexibility to choose from different mobile services while in China.

In order to use an eSIM in China, you’ll need to check that your phone supports this technology.

Purchasing eSIM Cards for China online

3 GB China eSIM valid for 30 Days · Airalo

China eSIM from $5.90 – Prepaid Unlimited Data – Holafly

To purchase an eSIM card in China, you can visit the online stores such as Airalo or Holafly.

Once you’ve selected a plan that suits your needs, you’ll receive an eSIM activation code. To use it, you’ll need to access your device’s settings, find the option to activate a new eSIM, and enter the provided code. After activation, you’ll be able to make calls, send messages, and access the internet using your new eSIM plan. Remember to check if your device supports eSIM functionality and if the carrier offers eSIM services in the areas you plan to visit.

eSIM/SIM Cost Comparison

Tips & FAQs

  1. If your SIM card is suddenly not recognized by your phone, you can try the following methods:
    • Turn on Airplane mode and then turn it off.
    • Restart your phone.
    • Remove the SIM card, clean it and the card slot, and reinsert it.
    • If the above methods are ineffective, it may be that the SIM card is damaged; contact your operator to replace the SIM card.
    • Change the card slot position; if it’s a dual-SIM phone, try moving the SIM card to the other slot.
    • Update your phone’s system to resolve potential compatibility issues.

According to Chinese government regulations, purchasing and using a mobile phone SIM card must be registered with real-name identification. This means you need to provide valid identification to purchase a SIM card.

SIM cards typically come in three sizes: standard, Micro, and Nano. When purchasing a SIM card, ensure it is compatible with your phone’s card slot.

Most SIM cards support 2G/3G/4G networks, but ensure your phone is unlocked to use the SIM card.

After receiving a SIM card overseas, you may need to activate and register it according to the operator’s instructions. This usually involves providing personal information and uploading relevant documents.

You can check your balance by sending specific SMS codes to the operator’s service number or by recharging through the operator’s app or website.

It depends on the type of SIM card product you purchased.

The long-term monthly rental SIM cards requires cancellation, while a prepaid SIM card with an expiration date does not need to be canceled.

If you no longer need the SIM card, you may need to contact the operator to cancel the number.

It 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.

Here are the official website links in English for China’s three major carriers, for detailed information, please refer to:

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