Best China SIM Cards for Tourists: Detailed Guide 2024

This article is for those who are going to visit China and looking for the best way to stay connected during their trip. We suggest China SIM cards as a means of connection while traveling China.

Though travelers can get the Internet when traveling abroad by WiFi, pocket WiFi, or roaming, using a SIM card stands out as the most comprehensive option. This also applies for China. Find out the reasons below. Here, you will learn which types of SIM card tourists should choose for their trip to China, where to buy, up-to-date price and best plans for tourists.

I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for China?

Here are the options for buying a tourist SIM card for China:

1. Buying online before departure

How: Purchase from prestigious websites before traveling.

Requirements: Compatible device, receipt for verification.

Cost: Around $10-$30 depending on data quantity.

Convenience: Sim reaches before trip, no registration hassle.

Pros: Internet access right upon arrival, English support, be well-prepared.

Cons: May not work if device is incompatible.

2. Buying at airports

How: Purchase at China Mobile/Unicom counters at Beijing, Shanghai airports etc.

Requirements: Passport copy, visa page copy, unlocked phone.

Cost: Expensive than online prices and in-city prices.

Convenience: Can activate immediately but only 50% airports have stores.

Pros: Internet access right instant upon arrival, English support, SIM setup support

Cons: Kiosk at airports may not open if arriving late at night, higher price, limited plan options, need to queue at stands.

3. Buying in cities – NOT APPLIED FOR TOURISTS

How: Purchase from shops displaying China Mobile/Unicom signboards, convenience stores, phone shops.

Requirements: Chinese ID, address in China, unlocked phone, Chinese skills needed.

Cost: cheaper than buying at airports.

Convenience: Avoid airport rush but need local navigation help.

Pros: Immediate activation, can get local assistance, affordable price, often get discounts, many plan options to choose

Cons: Limited opening hours, language and location challenges, NOT APPLIED for travelers to China (without Chinese ID and Chinese address).

▶ Our conclusion + recommendation: Overall, 80% of tourists find online purchase before travel most convenient due to assured delivery and English interfaces. Airports are alternatives but involve hassles in 50% cases. City purchases is not possible for travelers to China.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to research the prepaid SIM card plan in advance at home and buy it online before departing to get the best deal for your China trip.

If your phone is eSIM-compatible, there is no reason not to buy a prepaid tourist eSIM China with data before departure. However, it is better to set up the eSIM just one day before the departure date so as to remain the maximum days of validity.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are 03 major China mobile network operators: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. Each has plans designed specifically for travelers to China. Take a look at each provider’s plans:

1. Buy China Mobile SIM Card Plans and Price

Here are the main SIM card plans offered by China Mobile for tourists:

• 120GB of high-speed data, valid for 365 days = HK$268 (US$34). It works on 4G network.
• 15GB of high-speed internet data, valid for 30 days = CNY128 (US$18).
• 30GB of mobile data per month + 300 minutes of local calls, valid for 90 days = CNY258 (US$36).
• unlimited 4G data, valid for 30 days in mainland China and Hong Kong = HK$100 (US$13).

2. Buy China Telecom SIM Card Plans and Price

There are 02 prepaid SIM card plans offered by China Telecom for tourists:

• 2GB of high-speed internet data valid for 30 days = 15 USD.
• 8GB of high-speed internet data valid for 30 days = 20 USD.

Both plans DO NOT include local or international calls. Only mobile internet data is included for browsing and using apps.

3. Buy China Unicom SIM Card Plans and Price

China Unicom SIM card packages for tourists are:

• 20GB data +300 minutes of calls + 300 texts, valid for 30 days = $20. This plan works on 5G network.
• 10GB high-speed data, valid for 30 days = $10.
• Unlimited data but limited to 2G speed after 10GB usage = $15.
• unlimited data with VPN access, valid for 90 days = $30.

Note: Prices and plan details mentioned above are approximate and may change over time. Tourists must check the latest details on the China mobile network operator’s official website before purchasing a plan.

▶ Our recommendation:

The major operators all deliver reliable high-speed 4G networks. Choosing the right plan duration and size ensures affordable Internet on your China trip.

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for China Travel?

Yes. 

It is highly recommended to buy an international SIM card for China travel because global roaming with your own operator is very expensive in China (over $10 per MB). Local prepaid SIMs make travel connectivity budget-friendly.

Buying a prepaid China SIM card seems to be the most convenient option overall. They are widely available, affordable, and offer a variety of plans. But,  it’s important to choose the China SIM card plans that meet your needs.

▶ Our recommendation: Surely, you can use a China SIM card to fully enjoy your rewarding experience in the country. But, if your phone is compatible with eSIM, bravo!!! it is your better choice thanks to its extra convenience. We will discuss further below.

IV. What to Prepare to Buy a China SIM card?

To get a local SIM card from Chinese mobile network companies, you need to present your Chinese ID and a Chinese address. This is not suitable for travelers. So in this guide, we do not mention international tourist SIM cards.

V. What Types of China SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

There are 02 main types of China SIM cards for tourists, based on the form.

• China prepaid physical SIM cards
• China prepaid virtual SIM card (eSIM)

1.  China Prepaid Physical SIM Card

What it is:

• A physical SIM card that you can purchase and insert into your phone.

How it works:

• Once you insert the SIM card into your phone, you’ll need to activate it by following the instructions provided by the carrier.
• You can then choose a data plan that suits your needs and start using your phone in China.

Cost:

• Varies depending on the carrier and the data plan you choose.
• Generally, you can expect to pay around $10 for a basic plan with 1GB of data.

Who it is suitable for:

• Tourists who are planning to stay in China for a short period of time (less than a month) and who want a simple and affordable way to stay connected.
• Tourists who are not comfortable with setting up a virtual SIM card.

Pros:

• Convenient to purchase and activate.
• Widely available at airports, train stations, and convenience stores.
• No need to worry about compatibility issues with your phone.

Cons:

• You need to carry a physical SIM card with you.
• You may need to cut the SIM card to fit your phone.
• You may need to register your SIM card with the carrier, which can be time-consuming.

2. China Prepaid Virtual SIM Card (eSIM)

What it is:

• A digital SIM card embedded into the motherboard of a mobile device. You can purchase and activate online. 
• eSIM can only work on mobile devices with the eSIM function.
• Some mobile operators in China now offer prepaid eSIM plans targeted at tourists. China Unicom and China Mobile are starting to provide this service.

How it works:

• Once you purchase an eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code that you can scan with your phone to install the eSIM on your phone.

Cost:

• Typical eSIM plans are around 30-50 yuan ($5-8 USD) for 30 days with talk/text and a data allowance (1-2GB usually).

Who it is suitable for:

• Tourists who are planning to stay in China for a short period of time (less than a month) and who want a convenient and flexible way to stay connected.
• Tourists who have a phone that supports eSIM technology.

Pros:

• Convenient to purchase and activate.
• No need to carry a physical SIM card with you.
• Can be easily transferred to another eSIM-compatible device.

Cons:

• Not all phones support eSIM technology.
• You may need to register your eSIM with the carrier, which can be time-consuming.
• Limited availability compared to physical SIM cards.

▶ Our Recommendation: 

A tourist to China should choose a prepaid physical SIM card with data only if they are planning to stay in China for a short period of time (less than a month) and want a simple and affordable way to stay connected without the need to maintain contacts with analog calls and texts.

However, if they have a phone that supports eSIM technology and want a more convenient and flexible option, they should choose a prepaid virtual SIM card (eSIM) with data. See a full list of eSIM-compatible devices.

VI. China eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in China

There you see that eSIM is more convenient compared to a physical SIM due to:

• 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.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in China?

The duration a tourist SIM card lasts in China typically depends on several factors, such as: expiry period, top-ups, roaming rules,… Most prepaid SIM cards in China have an expiry period that ranges from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the package you choose.

For example, China Telecom now offers short-term SIM cards for tourists and visitors to Shanghai, with options ranging from seven to 30 days, making it easier to access Chinese telecommunications services.

Always check the specific terms and conditions provided by the SIM card provider.

VIII. How to Use China Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

1. Using prepaid China tourist SIM Cards

Here are the quick steps to use a China tourist SIM card:

• Check if your phone is unlocked by other carriers in your home country. Chinese SIMs only work on unlocked phones.
• Purchase a China SIM card from China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom stores at airports or in cities.
• Switch off your current SIM by removing the tray. Keep your home SIM safely aside.
• Insert the China SIM card into your phone. Switch on and allow it to activate (1-2 minutes).
• Go to Settings > Mobile Network and select the correct operator (usually default option).
• Check if APN settings are needed for data access. Details provided with SIM.
• Turn on mobile data/roaming in Settings after APN configuration.
• Check purchased data package details for usage limits and expiry date.
• Monitor data usage against packages in Settings. Top-up as required.
• When leaving China, switch to home SIM. Keep China SIM for future trips.

2. Setting up and activating China eSIM

Here are quick steps to use a China tourist eSIM:

• Check if your phone supports eSIM profiles. eSIM only works on compatible devices.
• Purchase a China eSIM plan online from a provider like Gigago.
• A QR code will be emailed upon payment. Installation guide also provided.
• Open mail and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera app.
• Select “Install” to download the eSIM profile when prompted.
• Go to Settings > Cellular and pick the operator plan from available options.
• Mobile data will automatically switch on with eSIM activation.
• Check data package details for limits and expiry date sent via email.
• Usage can be monitored in Settings. Top-up online before expiry if needed.
• No need to switch SIMs when leaving China. eSIM remains installed.
• eSIM eliminates hassles of carrying physical cards. Ideal for short trips.

IX. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

In conclusion, an international/travel China SIM card is essential for travelers to China to stay connected conveniently during their visit. By buying SIMs from China’s travel SIM providers, users can benefit from affordable data plans, seamless coverage across the country and of course, avoid roaming charges. Compared to roaming with international plans, China SIM options provide much better value at a fraction of cost.