China SIM Card: All You Need to Know to Stay Connected on Your Trip
Whether you're exploring the Great Wall or staying connected in Shanghai, reliable data is essential. Choosing the right China SIM card ensures seamless internet access without the high costs. With BitJoy, discover where to buy SIM cards in China and how to stay connected effortlessly.
Whether you're exploring the Great Wall or staying connected in Shanghai, reliable data is essential. Choosing the right China SIM card ensures seamless internet access without the high costs. With BitJoy, discover where to buy SIM cards in China and how to stay connected effortlessly.
Whether you're exploring the Great Wall or staying connected in Shanghai, reliable data is essential. Choosing the right China SIM card ensures seamless internet access without the high costs. With BitJoy, discover where to buy SIM cards in China and how to stay connected effortlessly.
Table of content
- 1. Can Foreigners Get a SIM Card in China?
- 2. Where Can I Buy a SIM Card for China?
- 3. How to Get a Chinese SIM Card
- 4. How Much Does a Prepaid Chinese SIM Card Cost?
- 5. Best Chinese SIM Cards
- 6. Use an eSIM as an Alternative to a Chinese SIM Card
- 7. Best eSIMs for China
- 8. Pros and Cons of Virtual SIM Cards
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions About China SIM Cards
Can Foreigners Get a SIM Card in China?
Yes, foreigners can easily purchase a SIM card in China, and there are many locations where you can do so. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Your phone must be unlocked: A locked device won’t work with any Chinese SIM card, whether it’s bought locally or from abroad before your trip.
- Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports China’s 3G and 4G network bands. Contact your mobile carrier if you're unsure.
- Passport required: To buy or activate a SIM card in China, you’ll need to show your passport or a copy.
Where Can I Buy a SIM Card for China?
If you’re planning a trip to China, there are several ways to get a SIM card before or during your travels.
Buy an International SIM Card Before You Travel
One convenient option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card for China before your departure. Many online retailers offer international SIM cards that can be delivered to your home, regardless of your location. This approach saves time and ensures you’re connected as soon as you arrive in China.
You can compare different plans and prices online to find the one that best fits your needs. While these SIM cards are purchased outside China, they use local Chinese networks—so always check the coverage in the area you’ll be visiting.
Popular platforms to consider include:
- Amazon
- Simify
- 3G Solutions – a Chinese provider offering delivery to your hotel or airport for a small fee, so your SIM is ready when you land.
Buy a Prepaid SIM Card at the Airport
At major Chinese airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun, you can easily find SIM card kiosks operated by top carriers such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
Buying a prepaid SIM at the airport offers instant connectivity with tourist-friendly plans, though prices are often slightly higher than in the city. You'll need to present your passport for registration, and while some language barriers may exist, airport staff are generally experienced in assisting international visitors.
Buy a SIM Card at Local Stores or Network Providers
You can also purchase a SIM card after arrival at official stores or authorized retailers of China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom, which are widely available in cities. These local shops often offer a wider range of prepaid plans at more competitive prices, especially for longer stays. However, there are a few things to note:
- The registration process may be more involved, and language barriers are more common compared to airport kiosks
- Be sure to bring your passport for identity verification, and having your hotel address written in Chinese can help streamline the process.
- Look for an official brand to ensure you are buying from a legitimate seller.
How to Get a Chinese SIM Card
If you're traveling to China and need a SIM card, you have a couple of convenient options. You can either order a SIM card online before your departure or purchase one directly from mobile carrier stores once you arrive in China. Most providers offer traveler-friendly plans with a range of data options, making it easy to find one that fits your needs.
However, make sure you're prepared with the following:
- A valid passport, as real-name registration is required for all SIM card purchases in China.
- An unlocked phone, so it can accept SIM cards from any carrier.
- A translation app or basic Chinese phrases, as language barriers may arise during the setup process.
How Much Does a Prepaid Chinese SIM Card Cost?
China’s telecommunications market is dominated by three major providers, which limits the variety of SIM card packages available despite the country’s vast size. Generally, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a prepaid SIM card that includes a data plan.
The exact price will depend on the provider, the amount of data included, and where you buy the card—whether at the airport, in a city store, or online. Since each provider has its own terms and coverage options, it’s important to review the plan details carefully to ensure it suits your travel needs.
Best Chinese SIM Cards
With the top three providers China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, you should choose the right China SIM card option for your coverage, data needs and benefits.
China Mobile
As the largest mobile operator in China, China Mobile provides a wide range of prepaid SIM cards designed for tourists. Their plans include:
- 1 GB per day: 18 RMB (~$2.53) — daily data plan.
- 3 GB plan: 88 RMB (~$12.35) — includes 4G global access.
- 20 GB plan: 98 RMB (~$13.75) — with added unlimited benefits.
- 3 GB for 90 days: 90 RMB (~$12.63) — great for extended stays.
- 6 GB for 90 days: 150 RMB (~$21.05) — more data for long-term use.
You can purchase these plans at China Mobile retail stores, widely available in major cities across the country.
China Unicom
China Unicom is the second-largest mobile carrier in China and operates on GSM, WCDMA, 4G, and LTE networks. Its network is often preferred by travelers because it’s compatible with a broader range of international phones—especially devices from Europe and North America.
Here are some of their 30-day data plan options:
- 10 GB for 20 CNY (~$2.81)
- 20 GB for 40 CNY (~$5.62)
- 30 GB for 60 CNY (~$8.43)
To keep your China Unicom SIM card active, you must use it at least once every three months. You can easily top it up via the China Unicom website, making it convenient to maintain if you plan to return to China.
China Telecom
China Telecom uses a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network, which differs from the more widely used GSM technology found in many countries. CDMA networks are known for their efficiency in densely populated areas by assigning unique codes to each user, allowing multiple users to share the same frequency band.
Here’s a breakdown of their plans, all of which include unlimited nationwide calls and texts:
- 2 GB for 14 days – 168 CNY (~$25)
- 5 GB for 30 days – 268 CNY (~$40)
- 10 GB for 30 days – 368 CNY (~$55)
Before choosing China Telecom, confirm that your phone supports CDMA to avoid service interruptions.
Use an eSIM as an Alternative to a Chinese SIM Card
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards, offering instant connectivity for your device. With an eSIM, you can activate your service without the hassle of swapping physical cards, making it a great option for travelers.
eSIMs provide the flexibility to choose data plans that suit your specific needs. Whether you need a few gigabytes for a short trip or an unlimited plan for extended stays, you can easily customize your data usage.
How Much Does a Tourist eSIM in China Cost?
The cost of a tourist eSIM for China varies based on factors like the provider, data requirements, and the length of your stay. One flexible option is offered by BitJoy, which allows you to choose plans based on the number of days you need. You can select plans ranging from 1 to 90 days, with longer durations offering lower daily rates.
An eSIM lets you bypass the limitations of traditional SIM cards while enjoying reliable and seamless connectivity throughout your trip.
Best eSIMs for China
Here are some of the best eSIM providers for China, with BitJoy standing out as a top choice thanks to its user-friendly setup and built-in VPN support.
The BitJoy – Preloaded eSIM With VPN Support
BitJoy provides a preloaded eSIM designed specifically for use in China, with the key feature of built-in VPN support. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want unrestricted access to apps and websites that are typically blocked in China, such as Google and WhatsApp, without having to set up a separate VPN service.
These eSIMs typically come with a data plan and a specific validity period, ensuring a smooth internet experience upon arrival in China. However, details such as data allowances, pricing, and VPN reliability may vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or recent reviews for the latest information.
Holafly
Holafly offers eSIMs for China with unlimited data and easy setup via QR code, starting at $6.90. They also provide regional coverage with an Asia eSIM and multi-country options like China + Hong Kong + Macau. Monthly plans through Holafly Connect are available for frequent travelers, including VPN access.
One key drawback of Holafly’s eSIM is that it doesn’t support tethering or hotspot sharing. Some users also report inconsistent speeds in certain regions.
Nomad
Based in Singapore, Nomad provides global eSIM services in over 170 countries, including China. A key benefit of Nomad is that their eSIMs often allow access to restricted services like Google and Reddit—thanks to data being routed through external servers, bypassing China’s internet firewall.
However, users report slower speeds, especially outside major urban areas. The eSIM typically connects to 4G, not 5G, which may limit performance for heavy data users.
Yesim
Yesim offers eSIM plans that ensure travelers stay online with no need for a physical SIM. Though originally focused on Europe, Yesim now supports multiple regions, including China.
Some travelers report using an unlimited Yesim plan in China for $60 over 30 days, even using it as a hotspot. However, switching the eSIM between devices may cause issues, according to user feedback.
GigSky
GigSky provides eSIM coverage in more than 190 countries, offering travelers global access with no contract.
Many users note that GigSky eSIMs successfully bypass China’s firewall, but speeds are often slower compared to local SIM cards.
Rebtel
Rebtel is primarily geared toward low-cost international calls, not mobile data. Their offerings include:
- Unlimited global calling subscriptions
- Pay-as-you-go international calling credits
They do not provide data-based eSIM plans for China. Additionally, users have reported issues with billing and unexpected charges, making it a less reliable option for travelers seeking internet access.
Pros and Cons of Virtual SIM Cards
Before choosing an eSIM provider for China, it’s important to weigh the advantages and limitations.
Pros of eSIMs
- Instant setup: You can buy and activate an eSIM in just a few minutes—ideal for last-minute travel or remote activation.
- Tailored travel plans: Most eSIM providers offer flexible plans made for travelers, giving you plenty of options based on data needs and trip length.
- Unlimited data options: Some providers, like BitJoy, include unlimited data. BitJoy’s unlimited data eSIM offers high-speed connectivity with no daily caps or throttling, making it ideal for streaming, video calls, and seamless browsing.
- Easy top-ups: Just add a top-up for the same destination. No need to reinstall the eSIM.
- Multi-country coverage: Providers often include regional plans—like eSIMs for Asia or Cambodia—making them great for multi-country trips.
Cons of eSIMs
- Device compatibility required: Not all smartphones support eSIMs. Be sure to check whether your device is compatible before making a purchase.
Staying online in China is now easier than ever. Just pick your data amount, set your duration, and skip the roaming fees—simple, fast, and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions About China SIM Cards
Got questions about using SIM cards in China? Here are some quick answers to help you stay connected with ease.
Which SIM Card Is Best in China?
The best SIM card depends on your needs—whether that’s high-speed data, local calls, or budget-friendly pricing. Be sure to compare plans by data limits, duration, and coverage. Also, check if your phone is compatible with Chinese networks before making a purchase. BitJoy could be the right choice for travelers, offering built-in VPN, fast internet speeds, unlimited data, and a budget-friendly price.
Does a Chinese SIM Card Work in the USA?
No, a Chinese SIM card typically won’t work in the US. Most prepaid SIMs are region-specific and don’t include global roaming. If you return to the US with unused data, it won’t carry over or function outside the covered area.
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