Do I Need a Chinese Phone Number? (2025 Traveler's Guide)

For most short-term tourists: No, you don't need one.

But understanding when you might need one helps you decide.

When You DON'T Need a Chinese Number

Most Tourist Situations

You can travel China without a local number:

• Booking hotels (passport number works)
• Booking trains (Trip.com, passport number)
• Using Alipay (international version)
• Using DiDi (international app)
• Visiting attractions
• Eating at restaurants
• Shopping

Alipay International

Alipay's "Tour Pass" for foreigners:

• Register with international phone number
• Link international credit card
• Works at most merchants
• No Chinese number required

DiDi Global

International version of Didi:

• Register with your home number
• Use international credit card
• Works throughout China
• English interface

Hotel Bookings

Hotels accept:

• Passport number for registration
• International booking platforms
• Foreign phone numbers for contact

When You MIGHT Need a Chinese Number

Full WeChat Pay Setup

While WeChat works with foreign numbers:

• Some features restricted
• Payment setup more limited
• Full features require Chinese number

Some App Registrations

Certain Chinese apps require local number:

• Some food delivery features
• Certain mini programs
• Local-only services
• Membership programs

Extended Stays

If staying weeks/months:

• More convenient for local services
• Better app functionality
• Local calls/SMS
• Easier communication

Business Purposes

If doing business:

• Chinese contacts expect local number
• WeChat business features
• Local verification often needed
• Professional appearance

Receiving SMS Verifications

Some services send SMS codes:

• Bank verifications (sometimes)
• Certain app registrations
• Security verifications

Getting a Chinese Number

If You Decide You Need One

Tourist SIM Card:

• Buy at airport on arrival
• Or carrier stores in cities
• Requires passport registration
• Takes 20-30 minutes

Major carriers:

• China Mobile (中国移动): Widest coverage
• China Unicom (中国联通): Good data speeds
• China Telecom (中国电信): Good value

Typical cost:

• ¥50-150 for tourist pack
• Includes data + some minutes
• Valid 7-30 days

Considerations

Pros of getting local SIM:

• Full app functionality
• Local calling if needed
• Better data rates
• More Chinese app access

Cons:

• Lost your usual number
• Registration time
• Phone must be unlocked
• Managing two numbers

Keeping Both Numbers

Dual SIM phones:

• Keep home SIM for calls/texts
• Add Chinese SIM for data/local use
• Best of both worlds

eSIM option:

• Digital SIM, no physical swap
• Many modern phones support
• Keep physical SIM active
• Add China eSIM

What Most Tourists Actually Do

Short Trip (1-2 weeks)

Most successful approach:

1. Set up Alipay international before arrival
2. Download DiDi Global
3. Use hotel WiFi + mobile data
4. Use home number for bookings
5. No local number needed

Medium Trip (2-4 weeks)

Consider local SIM if:

• You want full WeChat functionality
• You're traveling off the beaten path
• You need reliable data everywhere
• You're meeting local contacts regularly

Long Stay (1+ month)

Probably worth getting:

• Convenience adds up over time
• More services accessible
• Better integration with local apps
• Cheaper than roaming

Common Scenarios

"I need to receive verification codes"

Solution without Chinese number:

• Most international apps use your home number
• Alipay international uses email/foreign number
• DiDi uses international number
• Trip.com uses email

"Apps keep asking for Chinese number"

Solutions:

• Use international versions of apps
• Skip optional registration features
• Use web versions when possible
• Some just won't work (accept this)

"My friend wants to add me on WeChat"

No Chinese number needed:

• WeChat works with foreign numbers
• QR code scanning works
• Basic chat functions work
• Some pay features may be limited

"I want to order food delivery"

Options:

• Hotel concierge can help
• Use Meituan/Eleme (may need workarounds)
• Alipay mini programs (some work)
• Just eat at restaurants

The Honest Reality

What You Gain with Chinese Number

• Full WeChat Pay
• Complete Meituan/Eleme access
• Some mini programs
• Local SMS capability
• Slightly smoother experience with some apps

What You Can Do Without It

• Travel anywhere
• Pay for almost everything
• Book transportation
• Book hotels
• Communicate via WeChat (basic)
• Use DiDi
• Navigate with maps

Bottom Line

80% of what tourists need works without a Chinese number. The 20% that requires one is mostly convenience features, not necessities.

Unless you're:

• Staying a month+
• Doing extensive local business
• Meeting many local contacts
• Wanting deep app integration

...you probably don't need one.

Practical Recommendation

Best Approach for Most Tourists

Before arrival:

1. Set up Alipay international
2. Download DiDi Global
3. Download offline maps
4. Set up VPN
5. Keep your home number active

On arrival:

1. Get data (eSIM, local SIM, or roaming)
2. Test Alipay payment
3. Test DiDi
4. You're set

Get local SIM if:

• Things aren't working
• You're staying longer than expected
• You need specific local app features
• It becomes frustrating without one

The flexibility to get a local SIM anytime means you don't need to decide before arrival.

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Need help with connectivity in China? The China Survival Kit includes setup guides for Alipay, DiDi, and all the apps tourists actually need.