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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
China Mobile
10086
Best coverage
China Unicom
10010
Better in cities
China Telecom
10000
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
Related Guides
Last updated: April 9, 2025 | Hotlines: 10086 / 10010 / 10000