SIM cards and eSIM in China
SIM cards and eSIM in ChinaWhich carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Real-name registration is mandatory by law for every SIM, and a passport is the only accepted ID for foreign tourists; your passport details are linked to the number. This applies even to SIMs ordered online for pickup, where the in-person passport check still happens, and foreigners are limited to about three SIMs per passport across all carriers.
- Expect roughly CNY 100 to 300 (around $14 to $42) for a 15-to-30-day tourist plan. A typical recent example is China Unicom's 30-day pack with 20 GB and 30 domestic minutes for around CNY 200 (roughly $28); city carrier stores come in cheaper than airport kiosks.
- Official carrier counters in the arrivals halls past customs at major international airports (Beijing PEK, Shanghai PVG, Guangzhou CAN) handle registration on the spot in about 15 to 30 minutes. Downtown carrier stores offer more plan choice at lower prices. Skip convenience-store SIMs, and do not rely on airport kiosks being open if you land at an odd hour.
- Airport kiosks are the expensive option; downtown carrier stores are cheaper and offer more choice, though the exact markup varies.
- A locally issued SIM or eSIM sits behind the Great Firewall, while a foreign travel eSIM roaming into China typically routes data outside the mainland, so Google, WhatsApp and other blocked apps keep working normally. That alone makes a travel eSIM the low-hassle choice for most visitors.
The Great Firewall is the headline issue: a Chinese SIM routes through the domestic internet, so Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are blocked unless you have a VPN, and VPN apps are far easier to install before you arrive than after. Also, prepaid tourist SIMs expire at the end of their validity period, and topping up generally requires WeChat Pay or a carrier mini-program.
Local carriers
China Unicom
The most foreigner-friendly carrier, with tourist plans and the best-documented English support. The usual first pick for city trips.
China Mobile
The largest network, with the best rural and remote coverage (Tibet, Yunnan, Xinjiang) at a slightly higher cost.
China Telecom
The third option, with occasionally competitive tourist packages.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in China?
Real-name registration is mandatory by law for every SIM, and a passport is the only accepted ID for foreign tourists; your passport details are linked to the number. This applies even to SIMs ordered online for pickup, where the in-person passport check still happens, and foreigners are limited to about three SIMs per passport across all carriers.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in China?
Airport kiosks are the expensive option; downtown carrier stores are cheaper and offer more choice, though the exact markup varies.
What is the best eSIM for China?
Guac eSIM covers China with data plans starting from $0.58 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.