Buying a Phone in China: A Guide to Unlocked iPhones & Androids

Your phone is lost, stolen, or has taken an unfortunate dive into a bowl of soup. It’s a travel disaster. Before you panic, consider this: buying a new, unlocked phone in China can be a surprisingly good option.

You get access to models with unique features you can't get back home, but there are also a few "China-specific" quirks you absolutely need to know about before you buy. This guide breaks down the pros, the cons, and the safe places to shop.

The Pros & Cons of a Chinese-Market Phone

It's not as simple as just buying the same phone you'd get at home. There are some key differences.

The Pros:

1. Physical Dual SIM iPhones: This is the killer feature for many travelers. iPhones sold in mainland China are among the only ones in the world that have two physical nano-SIM slots. For anyone who juggles multiple numbers, this is a huge advantage over the eSIM + physical SIM combo found elsewhere.
2. Unlocked by Default: When you buy a phone through official channels in China, it comes unlocked. That means it will work perfectly with your SIM card from home and any other country you travel to.
3. Immediate Availability: You can walk into a store and have a brand-new phone in your hands within the hour.

The Cons:

1. The "FaceTime Audio" Block: This is the biggest "gotcha" for iPhones. By law, iPhones sold in mainland China have FaceTime Audio permanently disabled at the software level. FaceTime Video works perfectly fine, but the audio-only call option is completely missing and cannot be enabled.
2. No International Warranty: The warranty for a phone purchased in mainland China is almost always valid only in mainland China. If you have a hardware problem once you get home, Apple or Samsung stores in your country will likely not be able to service it under warranty.
3. Price: It’s a myth that electronics are always cheaper in China. A new iPhone is generally not cheaper than in the US or Hong Kong, but it might be comparable to prices in Europe, Australia, or the UK.

Where to Buy: The Safe and The Risky

To avoid scams and refurbished products, it is critical to buy from a reputable source.

The Safest Bets:

1. Official Apple Store (苹果官方零售店): For an iPhone, this is the #1 best option. It guarantees an authentic, new product, and the staff can usually provide English-language service.
2. JD.com (京东) & Tmall (天猫): These two e-commerce giants are the Amazon of China. Buying from the official brand "flagship stores" on these platforms is extremely reliable. JD.com is particularly famous for its incredibly fast delivery, often within the same day.

The Okay, But Be Careful Bets:

• Major Electronics Chains (Suning 苏宁, Gome 国美): These are large, Best Buy-style retailers. They are generally safe, but you should carefully inspect the packaging to ensure you are buying a new, factory-sealed product.

The Risky (AVOID):

• Large Electronics Malls/Markets: Places like the infamous SEG Plaza in Shenzhen are a paradise for hobbyists but a minefield for the average consumer. These markets are notorious for selling refurbished phones as new, Hong Kong-market models with different software, or outright fakes. Unless you are an expert, avoid these places.

The Tourist Tax Refund: Saving a Little Extra

As a foreign tourist, you may be eligible for a Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund of around 9-11% on your purchase.

• How it Works:
  1. You must make your purchase at a store that displays the "Tax-Free" logo. Official Apple Stores participate in this.
  2. When paying, you must tell the cashier "我要退税 (wǒ yào tuìshuì)" (I want a tax refund) and show them your passport. They will give you a special refund form.
  3. At the airport on your day of departure, you must go to the Customs office before you check in your luggage. They need to see the item and will stamp your form.
  4. After you go through security and passport control, you can collect your refund (usually in cash or to a credit card) at a designated VAT refund counter.

What About Android Phones?

The situation is similar for Android. Buying from an official brand store or a major retailer is safe. The biggest difference is the software.

• No Google Services: Phones sold in China do not come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. This means no Google Maps, no Gmail, and no Play Store out of the box. While it is often technically possible to install GMS yourself on brands like Xiaomi, it can be a hassle and may not work perfectly.

In short, buying a phone in China is a great solution in a pinch and the only way to get a dual physical SIM iPhone. As long as you can live without FaceTime Audio and stick to official retailers, you can walk away with a great piece of tech.