Buying a SIM card at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) is easy but requires some advice to make the buying experience smoother and worry-free. This guide will help you navigate the process of buying a SIM card at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, covering where to find SIM card shops, the costs involved, and the registration process..
In this article
Here are some common worries travelers have when getting a SIM card at Guangzhou Airport, and we will address them all in this guide:
By addressing these common concerns upfront, we aim to make your SIM card buying experience at Guangzhou Airport as smooth and stress-free as possible.
To get a SIM card at Guangzhou Airport, there are several easy ways:
At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, you have 03 convenient spots to purchase a SIM card:
These stores all operate 24/7 and are conveniently located in the arrival halls of both terminals, making it easy to get connected as soon as you land.
Most tourist SIMs offer 30-day validity with unlimited data (speed throttled after high usage). Prices range from ¥100-200 depending on the plan.
Here are the SIM card plans available at Guangzhou Airport, offered by the three main carriers:
| Carrier | Plan Name | Data | Validity | Price (RMB) | Price (USD) |
| China Mobile | Daily Data Plan | 1 GB/day | 30 days | 18 | 2.52 |
| 30-Day Unlimited Plan | 30 GB high-speed | 30 days | 128 | 17.92 | |
| 60-Day Unlimited Plan | 40 GB high-speed | 60 days | 238 | 33.32 | |
| China Unicom | 1-Month Data-Only SIM | 4 GB | 30 days | 30 | 4.2 |
| 7-Day Tourist SIM | 2 GB | 7 days | 58 | 8.12 | |
| Hong Kong 1-Month SIM | 8 GB | 30 days | 160 | 22.4 | |
| China Telecom | General Data Plan | 20 GB | 30 days | 98 | 13.72 |
Notes:
To get a SIM card at Guangzhou Airport, you need to prepare your passport, an unlocked phone, and about 150 Chinese Yuan (RMB) in cash ready. Cash is king, ensuring a smooth transaction at most kiosks. While China Unicom might accept credit cards, cash guarantees you won’t have any delays.
Once you’re through customs, head to the SIM card kiosks in the arrivals hall. You will need to show your passport for quick registration (they might take your photo), pick the plan that fits your needs, and pay. The staff will help you activate your SIM, usually in 15 minutes only.
Note: Be aware that there is reportedly a lifetime limit of 03 SIM cards registered per passport in China, so consider this if you are a frequent visitor.
If you worry about roaming charges or carrying a physical SIM card, you can buy and activate your eSIM for China travel in just a few minutes, no matter where you are. Whether you are on a trip to explore, work, or relax, you can buy eSIM online before departure, receive the eSIM via email about 5-10 minutes after payment, install in by scanning a QR code and have it activated automatically upon arrival.
For 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 .
Three main benefits you will get if buying Gigago eSIM for China travel:
Physical SIM Success (Terminal 2): One traveler reported a smooth experience buying a physical SIM at a stand just after customs in Terminal 2. They paid around 150 RMB (about $20 USD) for a SIM with 30GB of data. The registration process, including a photo and passport check, took about 15 minutes. Importantly, this SIM allowed them to use Alipay and DiDi (China’s Uber equivalent) without issues.
Potential Physical SIM Headaches: Other travelers have warned that the experience with physical SIM vendors can vary greatly. The quality of service and ease of the process can depend heavily on the specific shop and staff.
VPN required: Some SIM vendors at CAN airport will install a VPN for customers, enabling access to apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, which are normally blocked in China. However, it is generally safer to use a reputable, paid VPN service if you need access to blocked sites.
Yes, you can purchase SIM cards from kiosks in the arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with Chinese network frequencies. China Unicom is often recommended for better compatibility with foreign phones.
Yes, Guangzhou Airport offers free Wi-Fi for 300 minutes per session. Connect to the “AIRPORT-WIFI-FREE” network.
Yes, you can consider purchasing an eSIM online before your trip, which can be activated upon arrival without the need for a physical SIM card.
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.
This guide will help you explore everything about purchasing a SIM card at Shanghai Airport, from finding the right store to understanding the costs and registration process.
Discover everything you need to know about buying a SIM card at Beijing Airport, including where to find them, prices, registration process, and better alternatives like eSIMs for China.
This guide is perfect for Beijing travelers who want reliable mobile data and calls. With tips from locals, you’ll discover the best SIM card in Beijing, compare plans and prices, and learn where to buy one easily.
This guide is here to make your trip easier! You’ll learn all about China Unicom SIM cards – their coverage, speed, and the types of options perfect for tourists.
In this article, you’ll discover everything about pocket wifi in China – from why it’s useful to alternative options like eSIMs, how to rent one, and which pocket WiFi devices are best for your trip.
