Yalla China · Guide · Getting a SIM Card in China
📶 China SIM Card Guide for Foreigners
Getting a SIM Card in China
How to buy a local Chinese SIM card — stay connected without paying roaming charges.
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Carriers
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Buying steps
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eSIM options
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Passport required
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SIM validity is tied to your visa: Chinese SIMs are automatically deactivated when your visa expires. If you extend your stay or renew your visa, visit the carrier's store to update your registration.
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No domestic roaming fees in China: Domestic roaming and long-distance charges were abolished in September 2017 and data roaming charges in July 2018, so using your SIM outside its home province adds no roaming fees.
The three main carriers
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China Mobile (中国移动)
Largest — over half of all subscribers
World's largest carrier by subscriber count. Best rural and small-city coverage. Foreign customer hotline: 10086.
- Daily plan: ¥5/day (1 GB)
- Monthly plans: ¥49–199 (30–100 GB)
- Tourist pre-paid SIM: ¥98 (30 days, 10 GB)
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China Unicom (中国联通)
Third by subscribers
Best coverage in major cities. Works with Apple SIM and easy to activate. Partnerships with AT&T and Vodafone. Hotline: 10010.
- Daily plan: ¥5/day (1 GB)
- Monthly plans: ¥58–188 (20–80 GB)
- Visitor plan: ¥99 (30 days, 20 GB)
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China Telecom (中国电信)
Second by subscribers
Strong 4G/5G network in southern China. Offers eSIM for compatible phones. Hotline: 10000.
- Daily plan: ¥5/day (1 GB)
- Monthly plans: ¥49–199 (20–100 GB)
- Tourist eSIM: ¥128 (30 days)
How to buy a SIM card
Choose a purchase point
Buy from: official carrier stores (best for full activation), international airports (available on arrival), or licensed telecoms shops. Avoid unlicensed street vendors.
Bring your passport
Your passport is required by law (Anti-Terrorism Law 2015) to buy any SIM in China. Some stores also ask for a photocopy.
Choose a plan
Ask for a "tourist card" (游客卡) or a visitor plan matching your stay length. Major city stores usually have English-speaking staff.
Activation
Activation is usually instant at the store. Some SIMs take 1–2 hours. You'll need this number to register WeChat, Alipay, and DiDi.
Top-up
Top up via the carrier's app, any convenience store (便利店), or through WeChat/Alipay → "Telecom Services". Minimum top-up is usually ¥10.
International roaming SIMs
Airalo
Global eSIM app. Buy a China virtual SIM before departure. Works with most modern phones. Price: ~$4/1 GB.
GigSky
eSIM for frequent travelers. International data plans including China, activated instantly from the app.
BNESIM
Physical pre-paid SIM shipped to your country. Supports data in China without requiring a VPN.
Hong Kong SIM
If transiting through Hong Kong, buy a Three HK or China Mobile HK SIM — affordable mainland China coverage included.
Practical tips
- 📶 5G is available in 300+ Chinese cities. Check that your phone supports bands n41, n77, or n78.
- 🔒 Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook are blocked on Chinese networks. Install a VPN before arriving in China.
- 🔄 eSIM: Most iPhone 14+ and many Android phones support eSIM. Verify compatibility before travelling.
- 🏪 Top-up at convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson sell top-up cards for all carriers.
- 📞 For English support call: China Mobile 10086 → press 9 / Unicom 10010 → press 9.
- 🔃 Your Chinese number cannot be ported to apps like Talkatone or TextNow; number porting (携号转网) only works between Chinese carriers within the same local network.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Gulf/Arab phone in China?
Yes, most modern phones work in China. Confirm your carrier enables international roaming and that frequency bands are compatible. Roaming charges are high (roughly $8–40/day).
Can I get a Chinese number without being there in person?
You can buy an eSIM via apps like Airalo before travelling. Physical SIMs require in-person presence with your passport.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Yes, if you want to use Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Install a trusted VPN before arriving — it cannot be easily downloaded from inside China. Search for a VPN with documented China support recommended by users in your region.
How long is the SIM valid?
Depends on the plan. Tourist SIMs are typically 7–30 days. After expiry you can top-up to extend (usually up to 90 days without use before the number is deactivated).