Buying China Telecom SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Mia Moore

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Published: January 2025

China Telecom SIM cards offer a reliable way for travelers to stay connected while exploring China. This guide provides all the essential information you need.

In this article, you’ll learn about China Telecom SIM cards, including their coverage, speed, types available for tourists, pricing, and where to purchase both SIM cards and eSIMs. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the best option for your trip.

I. Overview of China Telecom – What you need to know

China Telecom is a leading telecommunications provider in China, offering a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and digital television. Below are some key points about it:

• Foundation: September 10, 2002
• Popularity: Operates in many countries, including the US, UK, and Singapore, and serves 360+ million users.
• Rank: The second-largest wireless carrier in China, known for its reliable services.
• Coverage: Strong coverage in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Coverage may weaken in remote or rural areas.
• Speed: Offers fast mobile internet with impressive download speeds, making it ideal for streaming and browsing.
• Highlights: Plays a key role in China’s 5G rollout and is part of China Tower, the world’s largest telecom tower company.

II. China Telecom Coverage 

Source: zenlayer

China Telecom, shown in dark blue on the map, dominates several central and southern provinces. These include regions like Sichuan, Hunan, and Jiangxi. It has a strong presence in areas with significant population density, ensuring reliable service. 

However, it does not dominate in northern provinces, where other providers take the lead. Its focus seems to be on regions with significant demand for high-speed mobile internet.

III. Telecom Speed in China

Source: SpeedGeo 

China Telecom delivers good internet speeds, providing reliable connections for daily use. However, it doesn’t match the top-speed leader, China Mobile. Here’s how China Telecom performs:

• Download Speed: An average of 42.2 Mb/s, slower than China Mobile but decent for streaming and browsing.
• Upload Speed: 10.9 Mb/s, suitable for activities like uploading photos or videos but not as fast as competitors.
• Ping: Measures at 59 ms, slightly higher latency compared to China Mobile’s 34 ms, but still acceptable for casual internet use.

While not the fastest provider in China, CT offers solid and consistent performance in its coverage regions.

IV. Types of China Telecom SIM Card Options for Tourists

China Telecom offers 2 main types of SIM card options for tourists:

• Physical SIM Cards: Traditional plastic SIM cards that you insert into your device.
• eSIMs (Embedded SIMs): Digital SIMs that allow you to activate a cellular plan without a physical card.

The differences between China’s physical SIMs vs eSIMs:

For tourists, eSIM is the perfect solution for your trip. With an eSIM, you can skip the time finding a store or handling physical cards – it’s all done online in minutes! Plus, you can switch plans or carriers effortlessly, giving you total freedom and flexibility during your trip.

V. Top China Telecom SIM Cards for Tourists & Prices

The table below includes all prepaid plans of China Telecom for you to consider:

VI. Where can tourists buy China Telecom SIM cards?

Here are specific locations where tourists can buy a China Telecom SIM card:

• China Telecom Stores: Find them on Wangfujing Street (Beijing) or Nanjing Road (Shanghai).
• Airports: Available at PEK, PVG, and CAN airports.
• Convenience Stores: Visit 7-Eleven or FamilyMart in cities.
• Electronics Markets: Check Huaqiangbei Market (Shenzhen) or others in big cities.
• Online Stores: Buy on JD.com or Taobao from trusted sellers.

China Telecom Store in Shanghai

VII. A Better Alternative to China Telecom SIM cards – China eSIM

For faster speeds and stronger coverage, Gigago China eSIM is the perfect choice. Powered by the China Mobile network, we ensure that visitors will receive a smooth and reliable internet wherever they travel in China.

Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $4.90 . What is great about Gigago’s China eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.90 – $128.00 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip to China is; with Gigago, you always have an option.

VIII. How to top up a China Telecom SIM Card?

There are many ways to top up your China Telecom SIM card. They’re:

• Online Recharge: Use the China Telecom website or app to top up your SIM card with a credit card or payment app like WeChat Pay.
• Physical Recharge Card: Buy a recharge card from a China Telecom store or an authorized retailer. Scratch the card to reveal the code, then follow the instructions to enter it on your phone.
• At a Store: Visit a China Telecom store and ask the staff to help you add credit to your SIM card.
• WeChat or Alipay: Use these popular apps to recharge by searching for China Telecom’s service and entering your phone number.
• Via Telephone: Dial 10000 and follow the voice guidance.

IX. FAQs about China Telecom SIM Cards 

X. Conclusion

I hope this post helps you learn about the China Telecom SIM card. It’s a good option, but the Gigago China eSIM is faster and easier. No physical card, no waiting – just quick setup and reliable internet. Try Gigago for an amazing trip ahead!