How to Buy a Sim Card in China

You’ll need a SIM card to have a working phone while traveling to China. Here’s a quick guide on how to buy a SIM card in China:

Determine which carrier you want to use. The three major carriers in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Each carrier has its strengths and weaknesses, so research to see which is best for your needs.
Go to a carrier’s store. Once you’ve decided on a telco, you’ll need to visit one of their stores to purchase a SIM card. The store employees should be able to help you choose the correct SIM card and package for your needs. You will need to register for the SIM card with your passport.
Activate your SIM card. Once you have your SIM card, you’ll need to activate it to start using it, and it is usually done online or by calling the customer service number for your carrier.
Start using your SIM card. Once activated, you can start using the sim card immediately. Just insert it into your phone, and you should be good to go.
Add money to your account. To use your SIM card, you can add money to your account online, over the phone, or in person at a carrier’s store.

Alternatively, you could skip these steps and purchase and activate an E-SIM from E-Sim for Travel to stay connected while in China. With our E-Sim, you can scan the QR Code and install the E-Sim in your home country before you fly to China. This will ensure that you will be connected as soon as you land in China. Our packages start from $3.20, and no registration is required; we only need your email address.