How to Get a Chinese SIM Card as a Tourist
Staying connected in China requires a local SIM card — international roaming is expensive and often blocked by the Great Firewall. Here’s how to get one.
The three major carriers are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All have tourist SIMs available at airport arrivals halls. You need your passport (with valid visa), and the process takes 10-15 minutes. China Mobile has the best coverage in remote areas. China Unicom has the best English support. China Telecom is the cheapest.
Tourist SIMs typically offer 10-30GB of data for 7-30 days, costing 50-200 yuan ($7-28). Most include a Chinese phone number and support for VPN protocols. Don’t buy SIM cards from third-party sellers inside the airport or online — they overcharge. The official carrier counters are near baggage claim.
An eSIM is another option if your phone supports it. Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer China eSIMs with VPN-friendly data plans. No passport needed, instant activation. The downside: most eSIMs don’t include a Chinese phone number, which you may need for Didi, WeChat verification, and restaurant bookings.