Best China SIM Card for Tourists 2025 - Where to Buy & Prices

Staying connected in China is essential for navigation, translation, and payments. Here's everything you need to know about getting a Chinese SIM card as a tourist.

Quick Recommendation

For most tourists: Buy a China Unicom tourist SIM at the airport. ¥200-300 ($28-42) gets you 10-20GB data for 30 days with some international minutes.

Your Options

Option 1: Chinese SIM Card (Recommended)

• ✅ Cheapest data rates
• ✅ Best coverage everywhere
• ✅ Required for some apps (bike sharing, etc.)
• ❌ Requires passport registration
• ❌ Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, etc.

Option 2: Hong Kong/International SIM with China Roaming

• ✅ Bypasses Great Firewall (access Google, WhatsApp)
• ✅ No registration needed
• ❌ More expensive
• ❌ Some apps don't work with foreign numbers

Option 3: eSIM

• ✅ No physical card needed
• ✅ Instant activation
• ✅ Often bypasses firewall
• ❌ Requires compatible phone
• ❌ More expensive than local SIM

The Big 3 Chinese Carriers

Carrier	Coverage	Best For
China Mobile (中国移动)	Best in rural areas	Traveling outside cities
China Unicom (中国联通)	Best in cities	Tourists (English service)
China Telecom (中国电信)	Good overall	Budget options

Where to Buy

At the Airport (Easiest)

All major airports have carrier booths after customs:

• Beijing Capital (PEK): Terminal 3 arrivals
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Terminal 1 & 2 arrivals
• Guangzhou (CAN): Near exit gates

Prices are slightly higher but it's convenient and staff speak English.

In City (Cheapest)

• Official carrier stores (look for 中国移动/联通/电信 signs)
• Bring your passport - it's required
• Staff may not speak English - use translation app

Online Before Arrival

• Amazon: Search "China SIM card" - delivered to your home
• Klook/Trip.com: Pick up at airport
• Airalo: eSIM, instant delivery

Tourist SIM Card Plans (2025 Prices)

China Unicom Tourist SIM

• 7 days: 3GB data - ¥98 (~$14)
• 15 days: 6GB data - ¥168 (~$24)
• 30 days: 20GB data - ¥268 (~$38)

China Mobile Tourist SIM

• 7 days: 5GB data - ¥128 (~$18)
• 30 days: 10GB data - ¥228 (~$32)

Setup Process

1. Go to carrier booth/store with your passport
2. Choose a plan - show them your trip length
3. Real-name registration - they'll scan your passport
4. Facial recognition - look at the camera
5. Pay - cash or mobile payment
6. Insert SIM - staff will help if needed
7. Wait for activation - usually instant, sometimes up to 1 hour

Important Notes

Great Firewall Warning: Chinese SIM cards are subject to the Great Firewall. You won't be able to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. without a VPN.

Phone Compatibility

• Make sure your phone is unlocked
• Most modern phones work fine
• 4G/LTE bands: B1, B3, B39, B40, B41 are used in China

Alternative: eSIM Providers

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, newer Android):

• Airalo: 1GB/7 days for $5, 10GB/30 days for $26
• Holafly: Unlimited data, $19/5 days
• Nomad: 3GB/15 days for $14

Benefit: Many eSIMs route through Hong Kong and bypass the Great Firewall!

Pro Tips

• 📱 Save your Chinese number - you'll need it for apps
• 💾 Screenshot your plan details before leaving the store
• 🔋 Check data usage in Settings regularly
• 🔄 Top up at convenience stores (7-Eleven) if you run out
• 📶 WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and malls

Related Guides

• Best VPNs for China - Access blocked apps
• WeChat Pay Setup - Mobile payments
• Didi Guide - Ride-hailing app

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Last updated: December 2025