Discovering the Best SIM Card in China: Compare China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom

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If you’re still unsure about getting a physical SIM card when traveling to China, the answer is Yes! A physical Chinese SIM card offers you the cheapest and fastest 4G/5G data with full signal coverage. An added perk is a local phone number, which is essential for smoothly booking tickets, hotels, and other services via Chinese apps. Whether you’re looking for a prepaid China SIM card or long-term options, understanding the differences between China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom can guide your decision.

Which is the Best Mobile Operators for China SIM Cards

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the three major telecommunications operators in China, each offering mobile communication services. Due to differences in network standards, wireless frequencies, coverage areas, and pricing among these operators, choosing the right SIM card that suits your needs is crucial for tourists and residents alike.

Network Standards

Comparison table of network technologies for China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom showing the evolution from 2G to 4G technologies, including GSM, WCDMA, CDMA1x, VDO, FDD-LTE, and TD-LTE standards. This table highlights the current use and phase-out status of each technology type for these major Chinese telecom operators.

Here’s a simple breakdown: the lower the frequency band, the stronger the signal penetration and the wider the coverage, though at slower speeds. For instance, frequencies like 700M, 800M, and 900M are ideal for covering rural areas and city outskirts, providing reliable 5G signal coverage, but with internet speeds typically around 100-200Mbps. On the other hand, higher frequencies, like 3.5G and 4.9G, have weaker penetration but much faster speeds, often exceeding 1000Mbps. Each frequency also has a bandwidth; the wider the bandwidth, the more users it can support simultaneously with high-speed internet.

China Telecom and China Unicom have jointly built and shared over 1.3 million 5G base stations, while China Mobile has established over 1.7 million, with 800,000 of those shared with China Broadnet (covering 2.6G and 700M). China Unicom has repurposed its 900M frequency, previously used for 2G/3G/4G, to strengthen 5G coverage, while China Telecom is gradually reallocating its prized 800M spectrum from 3G/4G to improve wide-area 5G coverage.

Signal Coverage: China Mobile > China Telecom > China Unicom

All three major carriers provide nearly nationwide wireless signal coverage in China, but the strength of the signals can vary significantly between different areas:

  • China Mobile: Offers the best nationwide coverage, ensuring that whether you’re in urban or rural areas, you stay connected. It’s ideal for those frequently traveling between various regions in China.
  • China Unicom: Known for stronger signals in northern China, it is recommended for visitors and residents in these areas.
  • China Telecom: Provides robust coverage in southern China, perfect for travelers exploring these regions.

In urban areas, the difference in the number of base stations between the three carriers is minimal. Since network speed is linked to the proximity and quantity of nearby base stations, the signal quality provided by all three carriers is fairly similar in major cities.

Technical Note: With FDD, a 20M carrier can achieve a speed of 150Mbps, while with TDD, a 20M carrier has a theoretical speed of only 100Mbps. This distinction might influence your choice depending on your specific needs for speed and coverage.

Though China Mobile shows competitive, China Unicom’s 4G travel SIM card is the most popular choice among foreign tourists, primarily due to its high compatibility with international phones.

Subscriber Numbers: China Mobile > China Unicom > China Telecom

As of July 2024, China Mobile leads with 528 million 5G subscribers, followed by China Telecom with 334 million, and China Unicom with 279 million. This subscriber base reflects the extensive reach and reliability of China Mobile in the competitive market.

Pricing: China Mobile > China Unicom > China Telecom

China Mobile often has higher rates due to its market dominance, while China Telecom and China Unicom offer competitive pricing to attract customers, making them appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

China Mobile

For detailed information on China Mobile’s product offerings, you can view their official product list here. These plans are available for both SIM and eSIM cards. It’s important to note that international models of iPhone X and earlier do not support eSIM. For Android devices compatible with eSIM, please consult the “eSIM Service – Applicable Models” section. Additionally, iPhone users can only share hotspots if their iOS is upgraded to version 13.6 or higher.

Data pricing table for China Mobile showcasing costs for local high-speed traffic plans over 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. The table lists prices for daily data packages of 500MB, 1GB, and 2GB, with costs ranging from $2.19 for 500MB for one day to $37.64 for 2GB for ten days.

China Unicom

For detailed information on China Unicorn’s product offerings, you can view their official product list here.

Data pricing table for China Unicom showcasing costs for local high-speed traffic plans over 7, 15, and 30 days. The table lists prices for daily data packages of 5GB, 10GB, and 30GB, with costs ranging from $28 for 5GB for 7 days to $60 for 30GB for 30 days.

China Unicom offers free shipping for its services within mainland China. If you want immediate connectivity upon arrival, consider opting for a prepaid SIM card from simcardchina.com. If you are arriving in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, our retail stores are conveniently open 24 hours. Additionally, our customer service assistants are available around the clock, 24/7, to provide any help you may need.

China Telecom

China Telecom offers prepaid services for short-term SIM cards through the WeChat Mini Program. Simply search for “上海电信” within the Wechat to explore their offerings. If you encounter any issues with WeChat registration, assistance is available here. However, please note that purchases can only be made in person at offline business halls.

Data pricing table for China Unicom showcasing costs for local high-speed traffic plans over 7, 15, and 30 days. The table lists prices for daily data packages of 5GB, 10GB, and 30GB, with costs ranging from $11.97 for 20GB for 7 days to $27.46 for 50GB for 30 days.

Where to Buy a China SIM Card

You can purchase SIM cards online at platforms, at airport counters, or in stores across major Chinese cities. Each method has its benefits, whether it’s the convenience of online ordering, the immediate availability at airports, or the local access to city shops.

Comparison chart showing different methods to purchase SIM cards in China, categorized by 'Online', 'At Airports', and 'In Cities'. Each method is detailed with 'How' to purchase, 'Requirements', 'Pros', and 'Cons'. Online purchases can be made at simcardchina.com with PayPal and include benefits like no activation needed and English support, but may have device compatibility issues. Airport purchases offer immediate activation and support, though may have stock limitations. City purchases provide potentially cheaper options without English assistance and have limited store hours. The SIMCARD logo is displayed, emphasizing the ease of purchase for travelers.

Conclusion

When choosing a SIM card in China for tourists, consider your specific needs for coverage, speed, and service. China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom each offer unique advantages that can enhance your experience depending on your travel patterns and connectivity requirements. If you are also thinking about buying an eSIM, you can check the detailed comparison in this guide – A Comprehensive Guide to China SIM Cards & eSIM.

Comparative table listing the pros and cons of using China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. For China Mobile: Pros include good signal and wide coverage area, flexible package options; Cons are high calling rates and potential compatibility issues with international 4G devices. For China Unicom: Pros are affordable data plans, good signal in northern cities, and high compatibility with international phones; Cons include weaker rural area signal compared to China Mobile. For China Telecom: Pros are cost-effective calling and data plans, good signal in southern cities; Cons are weaker rural signal compared to China Mobile and availability limited to offline purchases in Shanghai. The SIMCARD logo is also displayed.

Reference

https://www.sohu.com/a/715895121_348265

https://esim.holafly.com/sim-card/china-sim-card

https://www.trip.com/guide/phone/china-sim-card.html

FAQs

China Mobile offers the widest coverage and is ideal for travelers who move frequently between rural and urban areas. China Telecom provides strong signal coverage in the southern regions of China, while China Unicom is known for better services in northern China.

Yes, compatibility can vary. For instance, China Mobile’s network primarily uses TD-LTE technology, which may not be supported by all foreign phones. It’s essential to check if your device supports the necessary bands for TD-LTE (Bands 39, 40, 41).

You can purchase a SIM card online from websites like simcardchina.com, at major international airports, or in local shops within major cities across China. Online purchases often offer convenience and English language support.

Yes, all three major telecom operators offer prepaid SIM card options suitable for tourists. These can be purchased and activated quickly, often with just a valid ID (passport).

Check your smartphone’s specifications to ensure it supports the network technologies used in China, such as FDD-LTE and TD-LTE. You might also need to ensure your home carrier unlocks it.

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