Buying China Unicom SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Mia Moore

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Published: December 2024

China Unicom SIM cards are a reliable and affordable way to stay connected when exploring China.

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. We’ll also share tips on the best plans, where to buy them, and how to top up, so you can enjoy stress-free internet access during your adventure.

I. Overview of China Unicom – What you need to know

China Unicom is one of the top telecom providers in China, and it is known for its strong coverage and reliable services. Here’s a quick look at what makes this network stand out:

• Foundation: 1994
• Popularity: Operates in 20+ countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, serving millions of customers worldwide.
• Rank: Ranked as China’s 3rd largest telecom operator and listed 267th on the Fortune Global 500 in 2023.
• Coverage:
  • Strong in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
  • Weaker in remote areas and less populated regions.
• Speed: Offers competitive internet speeds, with median download speeds of 134.20 Mbps in late 2023.
• Highlights:
  • Partnered with Huawei to roll out 5.5G networks, achieving up to 10 Gbps in Beijing.
  • Serves over 345 million mobile and 115 million broadband subscribers.

China Unicom’s combination of strong urban coverage and advanced technology makes it a popular choice for locals and travelers alike.

II. Unicom Coverage in China

Source: nperf.com

China Unicom has strong coverage in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, making it a great choice for urban areas. You’ll also find excellent network strength in Shenzhen and Hong Kong hubs. 

However, coverage worsens in remote areas like the Tibetan Plateau and Xinjiang. If you’re sticking to cities, you’ll enjoy reliable service and fast speeds, especially with their growing 5G network.

III. Unicom Speed in China

Source: SpeedGeo 

China Unicom offers reliable mobile speeds that are good enough for browsing, streaming, and staying connected while traveling.

• Download Speed: Averages 42.2 Mbps, suitable for most online activities.
• Upload Speed: Around 10.9 Mbps, fine for casual uploads.
• Ping: 59 ms, slightly higher than competitors but manageable for everyday use.
• City Performance: Performs well in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

While not the fastest, it’s a solid choice for reliable mobile internet in urban areas.

IV. Types of China Unicom SIM Card Options for Tourists

China Unicom offers two main types of SIM card options for tourists:

• Physical SIM Cards: You insert plastic SIM cards into your phone.
• eSIMs: Digital SIMs that are downloaded directly onto your compatible device.

Here’s a quick comparison between the two:

For tourists, using an eSIM is often more convenient. You can purchase and activate it online before your trip, avoiding the hassle of finding a store and dealing with potential language barriers upon arrival. Plus, with an eSIM, there’s no need to handle tiny SIM cards or worry about losing them. Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality, and you’re ready!

V. Top China Unicom SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

China Unicom offers a wide range of SIM card plans for tourists, with prices starting at $3 and going up to $58. These plans cater to various data needs, from light browsing to heavy data use.

► Recommendation:

• Best Overall: 4G Data King Plan (188 RMB / 28 USD) – 25GB, perfect for most tourists.
• Best for Heavy Use: Ice God Plan (288 RMB / 43 USD) – 50GB, ideal for long trips or high data needs.
• Best Budget Option: 4G Data-only Plan (38 RMB / 6 USD) – 3GB, great for short trips or light use.

VI. Where to buy China Unicom SIM cards for tourists?

You can buy a China Unicom SIM card in 3 ways – at the airports, in the city and even before your departure! Let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Buy China Unicom SIM Cards at Airports

You can buy China Unicom SIM cards at the following airports:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Arrival areas in Terminals 1 and 2.
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Arrival level kiosks in Terminals 1 and 2.
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Arrival counters near baggage claim.

Key Information:

• Requirements: Passport required for registration.
• Price Range: $13 – $58 depending on the plan.
• Considerations: Limited options, queues, and counters may close late at night.

Buy China Unicom SIM at Shanghai Airport

2. Purchase in China City Centers

You can buy China Unicom SIM cards in popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Specific locations include China Unicom stores (e.g., Wangfujing in Beijing, Nanjing Road in Shanghai, Tiyu East Road in Guangzhou) and major electronics markets such as Zhongguancun in Beijing or Xujiahui in Shanghai.

Key Information:

• Requirements: Passport for registration.
• Price Range: $3–$43, cheaper than at airports.
• Considerations: Buying in the city is affordable but takes time due to paperwork and finding a store.

China Unicom Store in Beijing, China

3. Purchase Online Before Departure

Buying a SIM card online is the easiest and most stress-free option for tourists. You can order from trusted websites like Amazon or eBay and have it delivered to your address before your trip.

Key Information:

• No complicated registration – just provide your name and shipping address.
• Prices range from $3 to $50, depending on the plan.
• Some SIM cards are pre-activated, so you’re ready to connect as soon as you land.

VII. A Better Alternative to China Unicom SIM cards – China eSIM

One of the best ways to stay connected in China is using an eSIM – no physical SIM (meaning without lost), activated right away, and protects the environment to some extent. Let’s look at China eSIM plans’ from Gigago – the best provider in the market. If you are searching for a better Chinese mobile carrier, grab China Mobile eSIM immediately. 

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 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip to China is; with Gigago, you always have an option.

VIII. How to top up a China Unicom SIM Card?

Here are the ways to top up your China Unicom SIM card:

1. Online Recharge:

• Use the official China Unicom website or app to recharge with a credit card.
• Visit third-party platforms like Recharge.com to add credit by entering your phone number.

2. Mobile Payment Apps:

• Recharge directly through apps like WeChat or Alipay using the “Mobile Top-up” feature.
• Link your bank card for payments within the app.

3. Physical Locations:

• Visit China Unicom service halls for assistance with recharging.
• Buy top-up vouchers from authorized resellers or convenience stores, then follow the instructions on the voucher.

4. Via Phone:

Call the China Unicom customer service hotline at 10010 and follow the automated instructions.

IX. FAQs about China Unicom SIM Cards 

X. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful in choosing the best China Unicom SIM card for your trip. Staying connected while exploring China is easy because of its flexible plans and reliable coverage. Whether you opt for a physical SIM or an eSIM, you’ll be ready to enjoy stable connectivity throughout your journey.