Getting a Chinese SIM Card (2025)
Essential for payment apps, banking, and daily life in China
Short Answer
Foreigners can get Chinese SIM cards with a passport (original required). Options: buy at airport on arrival, eSIM before departure, or visit carrier stores.
Three Major Carriers
Best coverage
Better in cities
Strong in south
β οΈ Important: You need passport original. Maximum 2 SIM cards per passport total.
Last verified: April 2025
Three Ways to Get a SIM
Buy at Airport (Easiest)
- After immigration, look for carrier booths
- Bring passport (original) + cash Β₯100-300
- Say "SIM card" or show: "ζθ¦εζζΊε‘"
- Choose tourist plan (30-90 days)
β±οΈ Time: 15-20 minutes | Success rate: Very high
eSIM (Before Departure)
β οΈ Limitation: eSIMs usually CANNOT receive SMS from Chinese apps (WeChat/Alipay verification may fail). Best as data-only backup.
Buy online: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad
β Good for: Data/internet | β Not good for: App verification SMS
City Store (Long-term)
- Find official store (search "δΈε½η§»ε¨θ₯δΈε ")
- Bring passport + Chinese address
- Choose monthly plan (Β₯30-200/month)
How to Recharge
WeChat Pay
- WeChat β Me β Services β Mobile Top Up
- Enter your Chinese phone number
- Select amount (Β₯50/100/200) β Pay
Alipay
- Alipay β Search "ζζΊε εΌ"
- Enter number, select carrier & amount
- Pay β Instant credit
β οΈ Critical Rules
- 1. Passport original required - Copies not accepted
- 2. Max 2 SIMs per passport - Across all carriers combined
- 3. Use it or lose it - Make call/SMS every few months
- 4. Visa expiration matters - May need renewal if visa expires
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Last updated: April 9, 2025 | Hotlines: 10086 / 10010 / 10000