Quick answer
Getting a SIM card in China as a foreign tourist is straightforward. The three main options are buying a local SIM card on arrival, using a travel eSIM before you leave home, or relying on international roaming from your existing plan.
For most first-time visitors, a local SIM or eSIM is the most cost-effective and reliable option.
Option 1: Buy a local SIM card in China
China’s three main carriers — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom — all offer tourist SIM cards at airports, their own stores, and some convenience stores. You will need your passport to register.
Tourist SIMs typically offer 30 days of data at various price points. They usually include data only, or data plus a local number. Reception is generally excellent across cities.
Option 2: Use a travel eSIM
Several international eSIM providers offer data plans for China. These can be purchased and installed before departure. The advantage is that you arrive connected without needing to find a store. The disadvantage is that some eSIM plans route traffic differently, which may affect speeds.
Option 3: International roaming
Check with your home carrier before departure. Roaming in China can be expensive and is often slower than a local SIM. It may work well for very short stays, but is generally not the most efficient choice for a trip of a week or more.
A note on VPNs and app access
Many apps and websites commonly used at home — including Google, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp — are not accessible in China without a VPN. If you rely on these, install and test a VPN before you arrive, as VPN apps themselves may be difficult to download from within China.
Which apps to install before arriving
- WeChat — messaging and payments
- Alipay — payments
- Amap (Gaode) — navigation
- DiDi — ride-hailing
- Your VPN of choice
Next step
Once your phone setup is decided, finish the rest of your arrival stack so payments and airport transfer work on day one.