Best China SIM Cards for Tourists: Types, Where to Buy
A prepaid China SIM card will ensure a smooth online experience throughout your trip, without being restricted.
To fully enjoy your trip in China, you need reliable internet access. While there are many options to stay connected while traveling to China, a China SIM card is more favorable for many reasons. However, because China applies distinct internet regulations, travelers may find it challenging to stay connected and informed throughout their adventure.
This article will answer everything you need to know about China SIM cards, from the types available for tourists, best plans, where to buy them to what to prepare, alternative options, and essential advice for overcoming internet limitations.
In this article
I. Can foreigners get a SIM card in China?
Yes, foreigners can buy prepaid SIM cards in China, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
While SIM cards are widely available throughout the country, not every point of sale caters to foreign customers.
In general, larger, official stores of Chinese mobile operators (such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom) are equipped to register foreigners using passports. Smaller retailers or street vendors may only serve Chinese citizens using national ID cards. We will discuss further in the next sections.
Also, there are two crucial things to check:
- Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked to receive signals from Chinese mobile networks.
- Check network compatibility by confirming with your mobile service provider whether your phone is compatible with China’s 3G and 4G (and emerging 5G) networks. Not all phones are internationally compatible.
Why you need a local SIM card for China
Using a local SIM card is cheaper than international roaming. It provides access to Chinese mobile networks, allowing you to make calls, texts, and use cellular data at local rates.
Besides, having a Chinese phone number can be helpful for booking services during your stay, such as booking restaurants, ordering taxis. It is also easy to contact locals when necessary.
II. Can I use a local China SIM Card to access Facebook, Google, or Youtube?
No, using a local SIM card purchased in mainland China will not allow you to access to websites and apps like Facebook, Google or Youtube. These platforms are blocked by China’s internet censorship system, often referred to as the “Great Firewall.”
It is important to understand that these restrictions are enforced at the network level, not the SIM card level. This means that having a Chinese SIM card will not grant you access.
To bypass these blocks and access these websites or services, you will need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in addition to your Chinese SIM card. So this option is not recommended for short-term travelers.
III. Which type of China SIM cards does a tourist need?
There are 02 main categories of China SIM cards available for tourists:
1. Prepaid local SIM cards
This type of SIM are readily available in mainland China and are typically used by Chinese citizens and foreigners staying for extended periods (usually longer than one month). The disadvantage for tourists is that these SIM cards are restricted to access platforms like Facebook, Google, YouTube, Instagram, and others.
Suitable for: Chineses and long-term travelers
Where to buy: official stores of Chinese mobile carriers and other vendor shops.
2. Prepaid tourist SIM cards
This type of SIM comes with pre-defined data, call and text allowances (vary by plan). It is specifically designed for travelers visiting China and often equipped with the capability to bypass the Great Firewall, allowing you to access blocked content, websites, and apps that local SIM cards cannot.
Suitable for: short-term travelers
Where to buy: before arriving in China through travel agents, online retailers or upon arrival at major airports.
► For the best connectivity experience in China, travelers should choose a prepaid tourist China SIM card, also known as a China international SIM card.
So which type of prepaid tourist SIM card to buy?
Regarding tourist SIM cards, there are also smaller categories, varied by criteria: form and function.
Let’s compare the different types of tourist SIM cards based on each criteria to help you decide which one best suits your needs:
| Criteria | Type of SIM card | Pros | Cons |
| By form | Physical SIM card | – Widely compatible with most devices – Easy to switch between devices | – Requires physically inserting the SIM card – May need to manage multiple SIMs if you have a dual SIM phone |
| eSIM | – Online purchase, get eSIM after 5-10 minutes after payment – Can be bought anywhere, anytime – Instant activation by scanning QR code, no physical card needed | – Limited phone compatibility (check if your phone supports eSIM) – May be slightly more expensive than physical ones | |
| By function | Data-only SIM plan | – Usually more affordable – Sufficient if you primarily need internet access and use apps to make/receive calls/texts | No voice calls/ SMS messages included |
| Data with voice and text SIM plan | – Offer comprehensive features – Convenient for making local calls and sending texts | Typically more expensive than data-only plans |
From the comparison table, we can see that data-only China tourist eSIM plan is an ideal option for those who have eSIM-compatible devices and primarily need internet access during their trip to China.
If your phone does not support eSIMs, choosing a data-only physical tourist SIM plan is still a good option.
IV. China SIM card rates – How much does it cost?
The price of a China SIM card depends on which option you choose.
A prepaid SIM card for China is rather reasonable, typically starting from about 100 CNY (about 15 USD) for a basic package with limited data.
More comprehensive can cost about 300 CNY (about 45 USD) and have an amount of 15 dollars.
V. Which is the best mobile network in China?
China has 03 major mobile operators: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
1. China Mobile: the largest provider, offers extensive coverage. It is a reliable choice for tourists visiting both urban and rural areas. China Mobile has the most stable quality of signal, and most foreign phones support China Mobile’s network bands these days.
2. China Unicom: has an advantage in cities and tourist hotspots. Regarding signals, China Unicom has stable and perfect signals, offering better compatibility with a wide range of phones worldwide. Its 4G/5G services are outstanding.
3. China Telecom: primarily uses CDMA technology, with potential compatibility issues. Due to particular spec and unstable signals, some foreign phones may not support China Telecom, even if purchased locally in China.
For the most convenience, it is wise to choose either China Mobile (preferred) or China Unicom for your SIM card plan in China.
VI. Where to buy a tourist SIM card for China (with VPN included)?
Tourists can buy a China SIM card with VPN in 02 ways:
- online before departure, and
- at airports upon arrival
Local SIM cards sold in China are restricted by the Great Firewall and do not come with VPN.
1. Buy online before travel
You can either buy a China SIM plan online and have it delivered to your location or pre-order online and pick it up at airports. Either way, it allows you to get instant connectivity upon arrival.
- Buy online and get it shipped:
You can find many prepaid SIM plans for China or Asia easily on the Internet, despite many tending to be data-only.
Ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Simify offer a service to deliver SIM cards to your place for a small shipping fee. Make sure you read the reviews to ensure it is legit.
- Pre-order online and pick up at airports:
The process is simple. You select the plant, pay, and get the ticket, so you can use it to pick up your SIM after arriving at the meeting point at a defined international airport.
For example, you can pre-order a China SIM card online from KKday, and pick it up at Arrival Hall A09, Passenger Terminal T1, Hong Kong International Airport.
2. Buy at airports upon arrival
You can buy SIM cards for China at mobile carriers’ SIM kiosks at international airports like Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
The options are limited and mainly for short-term stays. You must show your passport to the staff at kiosks when purchased. The plan information is shown on paper, in English.
For example, if you arrive in Beijing PEK, you can find SIM card shops in arrivals, near baggage claim areas. The packages are demonstrated in English, so you can easily choose the one for your needs.
Below are the phone plans of China Unicom sold at airports:
¥200 China Unicom 3G/4G phone card plan:
- Price: 200 yuan
- Data: 20 GB
- Domestic calls: 30 minutes
- Answer Calls: free in China
- International call: Not Available
- Validity: 30 days
¥300 China Unicom 3G/4G phone card plan:
- Price: 300 yuan
- Data: 100 GB
- Domestic calls: 50 minutes
- Answer Calls: free in China
- International call: Not Available
- Validity:30 days
VII. Best China SIM card options for tourists in China
If you choose to buy a China SIM card after arrival, get it from one of the Chinese cellular operators.
China offers a wide range of SIM card plans to fit different needs. Choosing which plan to go for depends on which type of user you are, either light user who only needs cellular data for map navigation, web browsing, messaging, or a heavy user who often streams videos. But there is always a plan for you.
Below we list some best China SIM card plans of the top 3 major mobile carriers:
| Carrier | Plan name | Data + features | Validity | Price |
| China Mobile | 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day | – 3GB shared data in Mainland China and Macau (512 kbps after high speed) | 3 days | HK$ 58 (~ $7.44) |
| China Mobile | China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day | – 5GB shared data in Mainland China and Hong Kong (128 Kbps after high speed) | 10 days | HK$ 108 (~ $13.85) |
| China Mobile | China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day | – 10GB shared data in Mainland China and Macau (512 kbps after high speed) – 10 Minutes voice call | 10 days | HK$ 148 ( ~ $18.98) |
| China Mobile | China Mobile – 5G Mainland China and Macau 3-Day | – 15GB shared data in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau – 10 Minutes voice call | 15 days | HK$ 188 (~ $24.11) |
| China Unicom | 4-day data only / web surfing pass (4G上网卡) | 1 GB – 3GB | 30 days | 18 RMB – 38 RMB (~ $3 – $6) |
| China Unicom | 4G data king plan ((流量王套餐) | 8GB – 35 GB | – | 88 RMB – 238 RMB ($8 – $35) |
| China Unicom | Ice Gold Plan (冰神套餐) (High usage) | 20 GB – 80 GB | – | 128 RMB – 388 RMB (~ $19 – $58) |
| China Telecom | 4-day data only / web surfing pass (4G上网卡) | 3GB | 30 days | 38 RMB (~ $5.5) |
| China Telecom | Data Pack 2 (流量包2) | 6GB | 30 days | 58 RMB (~ $8.4) |
| China Telecom | Data Pack 3 (流量包3) | 10GB | 30 days | 88 RMB (~ $12.7) |
► Our recommendation:
- We can see that for short-term travelers (3- 15 days), China Mobile tourist SIM cards offer the best combination of convenience, data and coverage.
- For longer stays (over 15 days), SIM cards from China Unicom provide more cost-effective data plans.
VIII. Should I buy a SIM card in China? Where and How?
It depends. Most standard SIM cards sold in mainland China are restricted by the Great Firewall. So, if you need to access blocked services, you should not buy a SIM card in China. Instead, it is better to buy international China SIM cards or eSIM before departure.
Local SIM cards are more suitable for those staying in China for an extended period as they provide a a local phone number, which can be useful for tasks like booking taxis, ordering food, and other local services.
Where to buy SIM cards in China’s cities?
To buy a SIM card in China, you will need to visit a big official store of a major Chinese mobile network operator (like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom).
Smaller stores typically only serve locals with Chinese ID cards.
How to buy SIM cards in China’s cities?
You need to show your passport and ID card (of your country) for registration because Chinese government requires real-time registration. The fee is about 108 RMB (Yuan). While buying, it takes time to wait for the staff there to check your document’s information.
After choosing your desired phone number, you will be required to take a photo for your be taken a photo for your profile. therefore, you cannot have someone else buy a SIM card for you. Be wary of scams where someone claims they can buy a local Chinese SIM card on your behalf.
The SIM card allows you to use all apps in China. You can also add credit to your digital wallet to buy goods or pay for services during your trip.
IX. China eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
If your phone supports eSIM, you should choose eSIM instead of physical tourist SIM cards for China to reap the following benefits:
- No waiting or hunting for SIM cards on arrival.
- Hassle-free installation by scanning a QR code.
- Dual SIM functionality
- Better security
- …
So where to buy prepaid China eSIM for your trip?
As a trusted eSIM provider for China that offers excellent value and seamless connectivity, Gigago offers multiple data plan options for China, starting from a 3-day plan with 500MB of data per day for $4.90 as their most minimal plan. They also have 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 500MB to 50GB of data, or 1GB to 3GB per day, with prices from $4.90 up to $103.
Gigago plans offer reliability on China’s 4G/5G networks with 24/7 support assistance. So it is highly recommended to buy Gigago China eSIM for a hassle-free digital experience during your China trip.
X. FAQs
Do I need to buy a separate SIM for data in China?
No, a single SIM card from any of the major Chinese networks like China Mobile will provide both voice and data connectivity. Just ensure you purchase a plan that includes an adequate data allowance for your travel needs.
Can I use my China SIM card outside of China?
No, SIM cards purchased in China are meant for use within the country only. Once you leave China, the SIM will not work for calls, texts or data in other countries. You need a roaming plan from your home carrier or a local SIM for international use.