Country guide · AsiaLocal SIM Cards in China: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in China start at $7 from China Mobile. Buy at Beijing Capital Airport or Shanghai Pudong Airport carrier counters (China Mobile, China Unicom). Passport required for registration. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.4 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.4, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $7 USDChina Mobile
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GChina Mobile
China has three state-owned carriers: China Mobile (largest), China Unicom (urban-focused), and China Telecom. 5G coverage is widespread in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. The Great Firewall blocks most foreign internet services.
eSIM for China: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
eSIM is strongly recommended for China. It skips in-person biometric registration and can be activated before boarding. Local SIM offers more data for longer stays but requires facial-recognition scan at a carrier store.
HelloRoam China eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam scored 8.8/10 in our testing, roams on China Mobile, and achieved 31/31 activation success. Instant activation before departure with no in-person registration at a carrier store.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.4 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 days | $8 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.4 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Airalo | $8 | 5 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for China →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in China
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in China across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | Yes, passport |
| Price from | $1.4 USD | $7 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in China
China has 2 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China MobileTop pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 50 CNY / $7 | 2 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| China Unicom | major | 4G LTE / 5G | 49 CNY / $7 | 2 | Airport, Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in China, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
China Mobile
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 7-day 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 50 CNY | 7 days | 100 min local | 50 SMS |
| Tourist 30-day 20GB | 20 GB | 99 CNY | 30 days | 200 min local | 100 SMS |
China Unicom
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 49 CNY | 7 days | 60 min local | 50 SMS |
| Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 98 CNY | 30 days | 150 min local | 80 SMS |
Where to buy a SIM card in China
The best place to buy is Beijing Capital Airport or Shanghai Pudong Airport carrier counters (China Mobile, China Unicom). Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Coverage & network in China
China operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for China
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
China Mobile
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
China Unicom
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
China Mobile leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Our verdict on SIM cards in China
Best for: Frequent Asia travelers, Business visitors to Shanghai or Beijing, Tech-savvy travelers who prepare VPNs in advance.
China is unique in that network quality is excellent but internet access is heavily filtered. Taiwan and Hong Kong are dramatically more open, faster to set up, and do not require biometric registration for tourists.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a China SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Bring your passport
Registration is mandatory. The vendor scans your passport ID page and enters details into a government portal. Keep your passport accessible.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in China
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked. Download a VPN before arriving in China.
WeChat and Alipay require a local Chinese bank card for full functionality. Have cash as backup.
China Mobile has the most extensive rural coverage. Choose them if you travel beyond major cities.
Facial recognition is required for SIM registration at all carrier stores. This is non-negotiable.
Download offline maps (Maps.me uses OpenStreetMap and works in China) before entering.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not setting up a VPN before arrival. App stores are blocked once inside China.
Expecting WhatsApp or Google Maps to work. Download WeChat and a China-compatible map app beforehand.
Forgetting that roaming data plans from home carriers typically do not include access to blocked services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WhatsApp in China?
WhatsApp is blocked in China. Use WeChat for local communication. A VPN can restore WhatsApp access but must be downloaded before entering China.
How much does a tourist SIM card cost in China?
Tourist SIM cards start around 50 CNY ($7 USD) for 5 GB over 7 days. Longer plans with 20 GB cost about 99 CNY ($14 USD) for 30 days.
Do I need a passport and facial scan to get a SIM in China?
Yes. All SIM card purchases require passport verification and facial recognition scanning at the carrier store. This is required by Chinese law for all users including tourists.
Which carrier has the best coverage in China?
China Mobile has the largest network and best rural coverage. China Unicom is strong in eastern cities and often slightly faster in urban areas. Both are solid choices for tourists.
Will my phone work in China?
Most modern unlocked phones work in China. China uses 4G bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, and 41. Band 3 (1800 MHz) is the most important for broad urban coverage.
Which eSIM provider is best for China?
HelloRoam is our top-rated eSIM for China (8.8/10). It roams on China Mobile and China Unicom and activates in under 2 minutes with no passport required. Airalo and Holafly also offer China coverage.
Which eSIM is best for China?
HelloRoam connects to China's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $1.4 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for China?
eSIM is strongly recommended for China. It skips in-person biometric registration and can be activated before boarding. Local SIM offers more data for longer stays but requires facial-recognition scan at a carrier store. A local SIM from China Mobile starts at $7 and requires passport registration. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
- eSIM vs Local SIM: Which to Choose
- eSIM Setup Guide (iPhone and Android)
- SIM Registration Requirements
- eSIM Guide for Asia
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond China? These guides cover nearby destinations.
