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.

We’ll also show you a smart way to pay for it, with the Wise card. It’s ideal for low cost spending and cash withdrawals in 150+ countries, including China.

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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 3G Solutions. 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
• Convenience stores
• Online.

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

How to buy an eSIM in China?

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

If you’ve not heard of this before, an eSIM is a relatively new concept. It’s a virtual SIM card inside your phone, that you can connect to any operator offering eSIM services. Essentially, it lets you use a new SIM in your phone without having to physically buy and insert a new SIM card.

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

If so, one of the best places to go for an eSIM is Airalo. It offers a choice of packages ranging from 1GB of data for 7 days, right through to 10 GB for 30 days. Prices range from just $5 through to $28.³

This can be one of the easiest ways to get your phone working in China. You can do everything online (or on the Airalo app), including buying, installing and activating your new eSIM.

Another option is Holafly. For $19, you’ll get 5 days of unlimited data and a VPN for unrestricted browsing. Packages go all the way up to $99 for unlimited data for 90 days, which is ideal if you’re planning an extended stay in China.⁴

China SIM card rates - how much does it cost?

Now we come to the all-important issue of cost. How much can you expect to pay for a SIM card in China?

Ultimately, it depends which option you go for. An eSIM card is probably the cheapest and easiest option for short trips, with options available from just $5 from the likes of Airalo. Although of course, this is only feasible if your phone is compatible with eSIM cards.

Prepaid SIM cards may cost a little more, especially if you need to pay both an upfront fee and a charge to top up with data. The most expensive option is likely to be a SIM card purchased at the airport, or one delivered to your hotel. However, you may consider it worth it for the convenience.

Low-cost spending in China with the Wise card

While you get your SIM card sorted, it’s also worth thinking about how you’ll cover your costs when in China.

The Wise card is the ideal choice for low-cost international spending, as it offers the following features:

• Spend and withdraw cash from ATMs in 150+ countries, including China
• Have your USD automatically converted to CNY at the mid-market exchange rate, whenever you spend. There’s just a small fee to convert the currency, and no transaction fees.
• Withdraw up to $100 from overseas ATMs for free (although ATM operators may charge their own fees).

The Wise card is available for a one-time fee of just $9 when you open a Wise Account. This account also lets you send money to and from China with low and transparent fees. And of course, you can use it to pay for your new SIM card.

Wise is a money service business, offering a multi-currency account, international money transfer services and a debit card.

Get a Wise Account today

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

Bottom line

And there you go - all the essentials you need to know about buying a SIM card for China travel. We’ve covered the options available, from prepaid SIMs and plans right through to eSIMs.

It’s completely up to you whether you get organized and buy your SIM in advance, or wait until you arrive. But to avoid any delays, where you may not be able to use your phone, it could be a good idea to order your prepaid SIM before you arrive on Chinese soil.

And while you’re planning your trip, make sure to check out the Wise card. It’s a super convenient, low-cost way to spend in China, and for ATM withdrawals too.

Learn more about Wise

💡 Planning to move to China? Read our handy guides to opening a Chinese bank account, starting a business and getting a work visa.

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.

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Sources used for this article:

1. 3G Solutions - China SIM card
2. My China Unicom - Prepaid and Go
3. Airalo - China eSIM
4. Holafly - eSIM China

Sources checked on 18-Jul-2023.