Staying connected in China is a must for tourists, and China Unicom offers reliable options with its SIM cards and eSIMs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about China Unicom SIM cards and eSIMs – coverage, speed, pricing, plans, where to buy, and how to top up – so you can enjoy easy internet access on your trip
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China Unicom is your reliable connection while traveling in China. Founded in 1994, this telecom giant serves over 330 million subscribers worldwide and operates in 20+ countries including the US, UK, and Canada.
What matters for travelers:
Most travelers find their urban network performance more than sufficient for daily needs, though coverage may weaken in very remote areas.
China Unicom offers excellent coverage in all major tourist destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guangzhou.
The only places you might experience weaker signals are in very remote areas like parts of Tibet or deep in mountainous regions.
If your travel plans include these areas, download offline maps and translation tools before you go. Most hotels and cafes offer WiFi as backup, so you will rarely be completely disconnected.
China Unicom delivers solid speeds that will not disappoint most travelers.
Compared to competitors, China Unicom’s speeds are competitive but slightly trail China Mobile’s. Still, its compatibility with international phones makes it a top choice.
China Unicom has a range of flexible prepaid plans that are perfect for visitors. Here is a quick look at popular options:
Traveler’s Tip: Most tourists find a 10GB package sufficient for a two-week trip with regular map use, photo uploads, and messaging. If you’re planning to stream videos or use navigation extensively, consider 20GB instead.
China Unicom SIM cards and eSIMs are available at airports, city centers, or online before travel.
This is the most convenient choice for most travelers. While slightly pricier than city options, the convenience of walking off your flight and immediately getting connected is worth it for most visitors.
You can purchase a SIM card from China Unicom shops at:
When buying China SIM at airports, expect to pay around $15-$60 (for example, 5GB for $15, or 20GB for $40).
Key Info:
If you’re budget-conscious, wait until you reach the city. SIM cards are available at official China Unicom stores in major cities, including:
Prices are generally about 30% lower than at airports. Expect to pay around $10-$45 (for example, 10GB for $15, or 40GB for $45).
You will need your passport here too.
For peace of mind, consider ordering online before departure through Amazon or similar sites. Prices range from $10-50 depending on data allowance. It takes about 3-10 days for delivery. Note that some SIM cards may be pre-activated.
Yes, China Unicom eSIMs are available for travelers to China, although they are not directly sold to tourists by China Unicom itself in a pre-packaged, travel-specific format. Instead, third-party providers partner with China Unicom to offer eSIM plans tailored for international visitors.
However, most popular eSIM providers like Gigago, Holafly, and Airalo do not offer eSIMs for China that use the services of China Unicom. Therefore, it is not convenient to purchase an eSIM directly through this mobile network carrier if you are a tourist.
If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can buy eSIM for China travel online through Gigago, starting from $1.6/day. The eSIMs provide reliable 4G/5G connectivity across mainland China with 99.8% coverage on the China Mobile network.
Why choose Gigago:
Unlike China Unicom eSIMs, Gigago offers more flexible pricing, no Chinese documentation requirements, and the convenience of purchasing before your trip.
When you runs out on data or minutes, if you choose Unicom SIM cards, here is 5 ways to top up the SIM:
Yes, China Unicom provides eSIM options tailored for tourists, offering flexible data plans to suit various travel needs.
Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality and is unlocked. Most recent models from Apple, Samsung, and Google are compatible. Check your device specifications or consult your manufacturer for confirmation.
Some eSIM plans are single-use and cannot be recharged. If you need additional data, you may need to purchase a new eSIM plan.
Access to certain websites and apps is restricted in China. Some eSIM providers include VPN services to bypass these restrictions. Verify with your eSIM provider whether their service includes VPN functionality.
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