Getting a Chinese SIM Card and Mobile Plan as a Foreigner
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, or legal advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional. You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
A Chinese phone number unlocks everything: app registrations, delivery logins, bank SMS codes, and 12306 tickets. Getting one is easy — every carrier store registers foreigners with a passport — but picking the right plan and keeping the number alive abroad takes some know-how.
The three carriers
| Carrier | Chinese | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| China Mobile | 中国移动 | Best coverage, especially rural and in buildings |
| China Unicom | 中国联通 | Competitive prices, good city coverage |
| China Telecom | 中国电信 | Strong broadband bundles, solid 5G |
Coverage differences barely matter in cities. Pick by plan price and store convenience.
Register with your passport
- Bring your passport to any carrier store (营业厅) — airport stores are the fastest for new arrivals.
- Real-name registration (实名制) is legally required: the clerk photographs you and your passport and activates the SIM on the spot.
- Pick a number. You'll choose from available numbers — "lucky" numbers with many 8s cost extra; skip them.
- eSIM? As of 2026, Chinese carriers still primarily issue physical SIMs to foreign passports; ask, but don't count on eSIM.
Typical plans: ¥30–100/month
- Budget (¥30–50/month): ~10–30 GB data + 100–300 minutes. Fine if you're on Wi-Fi most of the day. China Mobile's 花卡 and Unicom's 腾讯大王卡-style plans live here.
- Mid-range (¥60–100/month): 40–80 GB + generous minutes + 5G access. The sweet spot for most newcomers.
- 5G: all three carriers run nationwide 5G; mid-range plans and up include it automatically. Speeds in cities routinely hit 300–500 Mbps.
- Watch for: contract traps — some discounted plans lock you for 12–24 months with early-termination fees. Ask "有没有合约期?" (is there a contract period?) before signing.
Keeping your number while abroad
- 国际漫游 (international roaming): activate before leaving China; incoming SMS (bank codes!) usually works, data roaming is expensive — use local SIMs or eSIMs abroad instead.
- 停机保号 (number parking): ~¥5/month keeps the number alive while suspended — the cheapest way to preserve Alipay/bank bindings during long absences.
- Don't let it lapse. A cancelled number breaks every app tied to it, and re-registration cascades are miserable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
Yes — international arrival halls in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have carrier counters with English-speaking staff. It's the fastest option on day one.
Will my foreign phone work on Chinese networks?
Most modern phones support China's 4G/5G bands. iPhones and flagship Androids work fully; some US-carrier-locked phones need unlocking first.
Can I get a data-only plan?
Tourist SIMs (7/15/30-day data packs) exist at airports, but for stays over a month, a regular monthly plan with a real number is better — many apps require a callable number for verification.
Sources
- China Mobile official: https://www.10086.cn/
- China Unicom official: https://www.10010.com/
- China Telecom official: https://www.189.cn/
← Previous
Prescriptions in China: Hospital Pharmacies, Drugstores, Online Sales, and Insurance
Next →
Seeing Specialists in China: Referrals, Expert Appointments (专家号) and Follow-ups
Disclaimer — please read. This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not tax, accounting, legal, financial, or immigration advice, and reading it does not create a professional or client relationship between you and Llandora. Tax and immigration rules change frequently and differ by country, province/state, and personal circumstances; figures, thresholds, and examples in this article may be outdated, incomplete, or incorrect, and may not apply to your situation. Always verify current rules with the official sources (CRA, IRS, IRCC, USCIS) and consult a licensed professional before making any decision. Llandora makes no warranty of any kind — express or implied — about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of this content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Llandora disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from errors or omissions in this article or from any action taken or not taken in reliance on it, whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential. You rely on this article entirely at your own risk.