How to Get a China SIM Card for Foreigners? Local Number & eSIM Guide

To stay connected smoothly in China, you need a stable internet connection and optional local phone number for verification, payments, and local calls. For most foreign travelers, the best combination is a local prepaid SIM for calls/SMS + Trip.com eSIM for cheap data and overseas websites.

Popular China SIM/eSIM Plans 2026

Need a China SIM Card or China eSIM? See top 3 plans for fast data. Book online on Trip.com with discounts:

China Unicom Nihao 5G SIM

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-60 GB + 80-300 min Calls
• PickChina Airports
• Pricefrom US$13.76

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China 5G Universal SIM Card

• CoverageMainland China
• Data10-20GB data + calls
• PickChina Airports
• Pricefrom US$13.19

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China/HK/Macau eSIM

• CoverageChina(Mainland,HK&Macau)
• Data3-50GB Total or 0.5-100GB/Day
• Validity1 to 30 Days
• Pricefrom US$0.43

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Can Foreigners Get a China Local SIM Card?

Yes. Foreign travelers can apply for a prepaid China SIM with +86 local number via real-name registration with a valid passport.

Required Documents to Buy a China SIM Card

• Original passport (valid for ≥6 months)
• Valid Chinese visa/residence permit
• In major cities (Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou), may need hotel booking or address proof
• In-person registration + facial recognition (required by regulation)

Where to Buy a China SIM Card

Buy SIM in China (Most Recommended)

• Airports (PVG/PEK/CAN/SZX): China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom counters (7:00–24:00), instant pickup
• Official carrier stores: City branches of the three operators
• Trip.com: Order online, pick up at airport or deliver to hotel
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven/FamilyMart (some locations support foreigner registration)

Buy SIM Overseas (Before Arrival)

• China Mobile CMLink: Online store ships to US, Canada, UK, Singapore, Malaysia
• Shopping platforms: Amazon (shipping to most countries)
• Local telecom shops: In major cities of Southeast Asia/Europe/US/India

Note: Overseas-bought SIMs still need in-person real-name verification after landing.

How to Activate China SIM Cards on Trip.com

First, choose your preferred China SIM package, select a pickup date, and complete the order on Trip.com.

China SIM Activation

• The counter staff will activate the package for you on-site when you pick up the SIM card.
• You must provide your passport information for real-name authentication during activation.

China SIM Internet Setup

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Turn on Mobile Data.
• Android: Go to Settings > Mobile data > Turn on mobile data.
  APN settings are usually configured automatically.

Check Your Phone Number

Your 11-digit mainland Chinese phone number (starting with “1”) is printed on the SIM card packaging.

Making Calls & Sending SMS

• To call a local Chinese number: Dial the number directly.
• For other dialing rules, follow on-screen prompts or carrier instructions.

Types of China SIM Cards

Top 3 Carriers for China SIM Card

Recommendation: Travelers → China Unicom/China Telecom tourist SIMs; long stays → China Mobile.

Recommended Data Packages for China SIM Card

• Light user (hotel Wi-Fi mostly): 5–15 GB/month (~$5–12)
• Medium user (maps/chat/social): 20–50 GB/month (~$10–25)
• Heavy user (videos/games): 100+ GB/month (~$20–40)

Trip.com eSIM highlight: Daily plans from ~$0.40, partners with top Chinese carriers, 24/7 support, access to overseas websites.

China Local SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi vs Roaming

Final Tip: Use local SIM for calls/SMS and Trip.com eSIM for data & overseas apps — the most cost-effective combo.

How to Get a Chinese Phone Number

Only local prepaid/postpaid SIM cards issued by China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom provide a +86 Chinese number. Apply in-person with passport at official channels to complete registration.

1. Bring your original passport to an official store or airport counter.
2. Choose a plan that includes voice and SMS.
3. Complete real‑name registration and facial recognition.
4. The staff will assign a +86 mobile number on the spot.
5. Activate the SIM and your number is ready for use.

This number can be used for:

• China local app verification, like payment apps and food apps
• Hotel Wi‑Fi registration
• Local calls and SMS
• Receiving verification codes

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