Getting a local SIM card is one of the most important steps for any foreigner entering China, as your phone number is linked to almost every essential service, including mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat), ride-hailing (Didi), and public Wi-Fi access.
Here is a guide on how to handle this and which plans to choose in 2025.
1. Where to Buy a SIM Card
Option A: Airport Service Desks (Most Convenient)
Location: Major airports like Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), and Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) have dedicated booths for China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom in the arrival hall.
Pros: Staff usually speak English and are experienced in setting up phones for foreigners.
Cons: Prices might be slightly higher or plans more restricted than in-city branches.
Option B: Official Carrier Retail Stores (Best Value)
Location: Look for large "Business Halls" (营业厅 - Yíngyè tīng) in the city center.
Pros: You get access to the full range of standard local packages.
Cons: You may need a translator app, as English proficiency varies.
2. Required Documents
By law, all SIM cards in China require real-name registration.
Original Passport: Digital copies or photos are usually not accepted.
Your Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Chinese network frequencies (most modern iPhones and flagship Androids are fine).
3. Choosing a Carrier
4. Recommended Plans (2025 Estimates)
Most carriers offer "Prepaid" or "Month-to-Month" plans. For a short-to-medium stay, look for these types:
A. Short-Term Tourist/Traveler SIM
Cost: 100 – 200 RMB (One-time payment).
Inclusions: Usually 30GB to 50GB of data and some local minutes valid for 7–30 days.
Note: These are often sold at airports and automatically expire.
B. Standard Monthly "5G Packages" (Post-paid/Contract-free)
Cost: 59 – 99 RMB per month.
Inclusions: * 59 RMB Plan: ~20GB Data + 100 mins talk.
99 RMB Plan: ~40GB Data + 200 mins talk.
Tip: Ask for the "lowest base plan" if you only need the number for apps and use Wi-Fi frequently.
5. Important Tips for Foreigners
Data Usage: China is a data-heavy country. Apps like TikTok (Douyin) and WeChat consume data quickly. 40GB is usually the "sweet spot" for most travelers.
Check the Balance: Download the carrier’s app (though it’s in Chinese) or send a text code to check your balance so you don't get cut off.
Keep the Number: If you plan to return to China, you can downgrade to a "Maintenance Plan" (as low as 8–10 RMB/month) to keep your number active and receiving SMS while abroad.
Roaming: If you use a Hong Kong SIM card (like CSL or CMHK) in the Mainland, you can access international websites (Google, IG) without a VPN, but you won't have a Mainland (+86) number, which is required for many local apps.
