For travelers to China, a prepaid SIM card keeps you connected affordably, avoiding pricey roaming fees. This guide covers everything tourists need: China SIM card types, top carriers, where to buy, costs, and how to bypass internet restrictions like the Great Firewall.
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A China SIM card saves money compared to roaming, gives you a Chinese number for booking taxis, restaurants, or contacting locals. However, China’s internet censorship blocks sites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube, so a local China SIM alone will not fix if not paired with a VPN or a special tourist plan.
Yes, foreigners can buy prepaid SIM cards in China, but it’s not always straightforward. You will need:
Small shops in China often only serve locals with Chinese IDs, so as a tourist, you should choose official stores or airports to buy SIMs from.
No. Local SIMs from mainland China (e.g., China Mobile, Unicom) don’t bypass the Great Firewall. You will need a VPN to access blocked sites.
Some tourist SIMs or eSIMs claim to include VPN in their plans. However, it is not guaranteed, you should read carefully the SIM description before buying or check with the provider.
► See more: Using VPN in China
This SIM card is typically used by Chinese citizens and foreigners staying for extended periods (usually longer than one month) o those needing a local number.
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.
For short trips, you should go for a tourist SIM, also known as a China international SIM. Choose the plan based on your phone and needs. There are options varying by format that you can consider:
Let’s see the pros and cons of two formats of tourist SIM cards so you can decide which one best suits your needs:
| Type of SIM card | Pros | Cons |
| 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 – May be slightly more expensive than physical ones |
We can see that a China tourist eSIM 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 physical tourist SIM plan is still a good option.
► See more: Is eSIM better than physical SIM?
China has three primary carriers:
1. China Mobile: It is the largest provider, offers the widest coverage, and ideal for rural areas, with reliable 4G/5G. See details: China Mobile SIM cards.
2. China Unicom: It excels in cities and tourist spots, providing fast 4G/5G and broad phone compatibility. China Unicom’s 4G/5G services are outstanding. See more: China Unicom SIM
3. China Telecom: It primarily uses CDMA technology in the past, which is not compatible with most new mobile devices, but now it serves LTE technology so it can work with LTE-compatible devices. However, due to particular spec and unstable signals, some foreign phones may not support China Telecom, even if purchased locally in China. You can see details about China Telecom SIM.
According to the statistics, China Mobile is preferred for coverage, while Unicom suits urban travelers.
The price of a China SIM card depends on which option you choose (SIM type and plan).
For short trips, eSIMs are the cheapest. The provider like Gigago offers plans starting at just $1.6/day ($4.9 for 3 days), according to their latest pricing data. This option is ideal if your phone supports eSIM.
Prepaid physical SIMs cost a bit more. Basic local SIM cards from China Unicom or China Mobile charge 50 RMB ($3), meaning the total to $10-12 USD.
Airport SIMs are the most expensive. At Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG), China Unicom’s 20GB/30-day plan with 30 minutes of calls runs 200 RMB (~$28 USD. Smaller 5GB plans still hit $20 USD, a 30-40% markup over online rates.
To sum up, you should expect to pay $5-11 USD for China eSIMs, $7-12 USD for prepaid SIMs, and $20-28 USD at airports.
Tourists can buy a China SIM cards in 02 ways:
You can order a SIM card from platforms like KKday, Amazon, etc. This way, you can ensure you are ready online the moment you land. Many packages cater to China or Asia-wide travel, though most of them focus on data-only plans.
Most providers can ship to your hotel or airport (pickup service) for a small fee – around $3 USD. It is found that 68% of travelers prefer pre-buying online for convenience (according to Traveltomtom.net).
You do not need to present any personal documents to buy SIM for China online.
There are plenty of spots in China sell SIM cards, but costs and availability vary:
To buy China SIM upon arrival, you need to present passport, but the process is quick.
If you are planning to stay in China for a longer period of time, a full plan with a Chinese carrier might save your money. Choose either China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile.
For tourists and expats, China Unicom stands out thanks to its traveler-friendly packages.
Some SIM plans from China Unicom’s official plans are:
Registration requires uploading your passport, visa, and entry stamp, the process is quite complicated for travelers.
If your phone supports eSIM, you should choose eSIM instead of physical tourist SIM cards for China to reap the following benefits:
So where to buy prepaid China eSIM for your trip?
Try Gigago, a reliable eSIM provider. Plans start at $4.90 (500MB/day, 3 days) up to $103 (50GB, 30 days), with fast 4G/5G and 24/7 support. You can buy online anytime.
Quick Tips:
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.
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.
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