Getting a working phone number in China is essential — you need it for DiDi (ride-hailing), Meituan (food delivery), hotel check-ins, and even public Wi-Fi that requires SMS verification. But buying a Chinese SIM card as a foreigner isn't as straightforward as walking into a store. This guide covers everything: where to buy, what documents you need, which carrier to choose, and the eSIM alternatives.
Option 1: Buy a Physical SIM Card in China
Where to buy: Official carrier stores (not resellers or street vendors). Look for China Mobile (中国移动), China Unicom (中国联通), or China Telecom (中国电信) stores. Airport stores are convenient but charge higher prices and may have limited English support. City center stores offer better deals and are more likely to have English-speaking staff.
Documents you need: Your passport (original, not a copy). That's it — since 2024, foreigners no longer need a residence permit or Chinese ID to get a SIM card. The store will scan your passport and take a photo of you for real-name registration, which is required by Chinese law.
The process: 1) Go to an official carrier store (not a reseller). 2) Show your passport. 3) Choose a plan (the staff will show you options — use Google Translate if needed). 4) They'll register your passport, take your photo, and activate the SIM. 5) Test it before leaving the store — make a call and check data works. The whole process takes 15-30 minutes.
Prices: A basic prepaid plan with 10-20GB data and a Chinese phone number costs ¥50-100 ($7-14) per month. Tourist-specific plans are available at airports for ¥100-200 for 7-15 days. These are more expensive but include English setup assistance.
Option 2: eSIM (No Physical SIM Required)
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS/XR and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel 4+), you have easier options:
Airalo / Nomad / Holafly: These international eSIM providers offer China data plans. You buy online before your trip, scan a QR code, and you're connected when you land. Prices: $5-30 depending on data amount and duration. Major advantage: no need to visit a store or show your passport.
The catch: Most international eSIMs are data-only — they don't give you a Chinese phone number. This means you can't receive SMS verification codes, which are required for many Chinese apps. Some providers (like 3HK and China Unicom Hong Kong) offer eSIMs with Hong Kong numbers that work in mainland China and can receive SMS.
Option 3: International Roaming
Check your home carrier's China roaming rates. Some carriers (T-Mobile US, Three UK, Vodafone) include free China roaming in certain plans. This is the easiest option — you land and your phone just works. But data speeds are often throttled, and you won't have a Chinese number for app verification.
Carrier Comparison
China Mobile (中国移动): Largest network, best coverage in rural areas and on high-speed trains. Slightly more expensive. Best for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
China Unicom (中国联通): Good urban coverage, generally faster 4G/5G speeds in cities. More foreigner-friendly — their stores in major cities often have English-speaking staff. Best for travelers staying in major cities.
China Telecom (中国电信): Smallest of the three. Good coverage in southern China. Less foreigner-friendly than Unicom.
Essential Tips
The Bottom Line
For most travelers, the best approach is: get an international eSIM for immediate data when you land, then visit a China Unicom store in the city for a physical SIM with a Chinese phone number. Total cost: about $20-40 for a 2-week trip. The Chinese phone number is worth the effort — it unlocks DiDi, food delivery, bike sharing, and all the apps that make traveling in China smooth.